Friday, October 28, 2011

An Exclusive Interview with The Redd

1) Introduce yourself.

I am The Redd from the West side of Chicago

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

My mother, God rest her soul, called me Redd as a child because I actually had red hair and I still have a red beard and mustache

3) What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

Versatility, I think people will be surprised to see how many different sounds and genres I use in my music

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

“Get Naked featuring Rotimi” from the “Get it in Blood” album (soon to be released)
He’s working on his role in “Boss” for Starz right now so I was really happy we could get our schedules together and work on the title track together. He’s a great guy with a lot of talent. I know he will do well and I’m wishing the best for him.

5) What is the philosophy by which you live by?

Live by the sword die by the sword

6) Which artists have inspired you to pursue music?

Tupac Shakur

7) Who does most of the songwriting?

I do all the songwriting. I write the music but then I also bring in a host of other artists to contribute. It’s always interesting and more fun when you get input from other creative people.

(8) What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?

It has room for an artist like me, but it’s really tricky to get your music heard these days.

For more, read the interview on Ucombo Artist Interviews.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

A Conversation with Song Writer Roro

We had a conversation with the 23 years old Song writer, Music Producer, and a Rap
artist Rolandis, better known as Roro this week.

1) Introduce yourself

Hey whats good everybody. My Name is Rolandis but i’m better known as
Roro. I’m 23 years old and I’m a Song writer, Music Producer, and a Rap
artist. I’ve been doing music since I was 7 years old.
I’m originally from Orlando, fl but currently living in Japan. My father
is a hip-hop rapper/producer by the name of Little Ko-chese; He was
internationally recognized for his hit song titled “booty swang” in 1993.

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

Well my stage name was given to me by the uncle i got my middle named
after Levell. I’m not sure how he came up with the name but i’m guessing since my first name is Rolandis, then Roro was shorter, and much easier to remember.

3) What sets you apart from other artists?

Well first thing that sets me apart from others is I’m an international
writer, producer and rapper. so i just don’t just write and produce for U.S artists; I write and produce for people in various countries. I am currently in japan working with japanese artists, so what makes me different than other producers is I try to mix the culture and traditional sounds with today’s sounds. I also don’t just write and produce for hip hop. I also can write and produce for any genre, whether it be jazz,rnb,pop,rock, dub step, etc. I can adapt to any and every style or genre out there. Also my purpose in doing music is to uplift and help others that are lost, find direction. I think all those things set me apart from other artists/producers.

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

Read more, visit Ucombo Music Review.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

A Conversation with Singer and Song Writer Cathy Richardson

We had a conversation with singer and song writer Cathy Richardson this week.

1) Introduce yourself

Hi! I am Cathy Richardson. I sing, write songs and make a general spectacle of myself.

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

That was all my parents. I don’t think my name is nearly as exciting as I actually am.

3) What sets you apart from other artists?

I could tell you that but then I would have to kill you. haha Just kidding. I am the Goddess of All Rock. Accept no substitutes.

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

I have a new band called the Macrodots and our debut album the Other Side is probably the best rock record you’ve never heard.

5) What is the philosophy by which you live?

My thoughts create my reality. And I think I’m GREAT.

6) Which artists have inspired you to pursue music?

Ann and Nancy Wilson were, and still are, my musical heroes.

7) Who does most of the songwriting in your band?

Zack Smith and I co-wrote all the songs on the Macrodots record. On my solo records, I do most of the writing.

(8) What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?

Everybody and their mother has a band. This includes me because I became a mother this year.

To read more, visit Ucombo Music Reviews.

Sunday, July 31, 2011

A Conversation with Twenty 30

Twenty30 is a four (five now) piece outfit from Philadelphia playing Rock N Roll with a punk attitude and relentless energy. Building a following from regular airplay on www.indie104.com and live shows, Twenty30 appears poised to break out on the national scene. Their debut recording, Departure, was release in July 2008. Departure includes six songs mixing modern rock edge with a punk mentality and classic rock finesse.



1) Introduce yourself:

Hello! We are Twenty30 from Philadelphia, pleasure to meet you it’s a real honor.

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

After many disagreements and quick band name changes we were in the studio recording our first album and as a last resort Lyle our singer/rhythm player said how about real serious (jokingly) and said what about our ages, as some are in our twenties and some thirties and finally it was settled.

3) What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

What sets us apart is a real desire to make a family of our friends and fans, we all work full time and some of us are married so our time away from home and our spouses means we really want everyone to have a good time and hang out together including ourselves. Considering our free time is limited, it makes for a more memorable experience to play with bands we enjoy and are friends with and hang with people who all get along and want to party together! Too many bands just want to climb to the top of the charts, we make music we love and want to share with others.

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

We are currently pushing our new self titled E.P. we finally feel like we really captured our live sound and put it to tape, we put everything we had into this and you can stream the whole thing on our website!

5) What is the philosophy by which you live by?

Have fun and keep your family and friends close to heart.

6) Which artists have inspired you to pursue music?

Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Foo Fighters, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Brand New, Incubus, Superchunk

7) Who does most of the songwriting?

Lyrics are by Lyle, all music is a complete band effort.

8) What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?

It is overly accessible now making it harder for original bands and a real fight to get peoples attention, but when the hard work pays off it makes the experience unforgettable and something to be proud of.

For more, visit Ucombo Artist Interviews.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

A Conversation with J’Da Prynce

Hi J’Da, please introduce yourself.


Greetings Ucombo! Hello world! My name is J’Da Prynce. I hail you from Peach Country, Atlanta, Ga, by way of North Carolina, by way of South Carolina, and of course I have to pay homage to my birthplace, New Jersey. I am one of six talented children born to Earline and Zander Johnson Sr., and I am extremely excited and grateful to be sharing this space and time with you.


How did you come up with your stage name?


The name J’Da Prynce was actually given to me by Freak Nasty, the artist who wrote and produced Da Dip. After hearing some of my material from my first album, OPEN: THE RELEASE, Ten Years in the Making, and recording a couple of songs with him, Freak began calling me J the R&B Prince. I liked the sound of it, but felt it could be tweaked just a bit, and that’s when I came up with J’Da Prynce-The New Prynce of R&B.


What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?


What sets me apart from other aspiring artist is I’m the “New Prynce.” I’m royalty; not by man’s standards, but by the Universe’s standards. God made me great, as God made each of us great, and I embrace it. Yet, I humbly, but boldly walk within my call and I know and accept my mission to do my part in making my world, our world a better place through music and the many other gifts and talents that are still developing within me.


What single or project are you currently pushing?


Currently, I am pushing my Blazin’ New Single, “Operator.” Though Operator is a fun and addictive club track, as a thematic message it addresses the issue of volatile relationships; particularly relationships that involve infidelity. The drum and bass heavy track was produced by Quan of Track Force Productions. I’m super excited about this track because of its potential to be hugely successful here in the United States and abroad! I look forward to walking into a club soon and watching people dance uncontrollably.


What is the philosophy by which you live by?


I live by a very simple but complex philosophy. I call it “L³.” Live, Laugh and Love! I strive to make each of these elements a daily part of my life. Simultaneously, I do my best to encourage those around me to embrace the same philosophy. Of course, life comes with sometimes seemingly unbearable challenges, but that’s when I go back to this mantra and remember; this too shall pass. Yes, I believe in working diligently to achieve success and I have a planner that I work out of, but as for my Life Philosophy, I try to keep it very simple, Live, Laugh Love; my recipe for success.


Which Artists have inspired you to pursue music?


I don’t know that I would say any particular artist inspired me to “pursue” music, as I discovered my love and passion for music at the age of six. I don’t even think we had a t.v. in our household then. However, there are artists who inspire my musical creativity. I draw inspiration from such artists as Anthony Hamilton, who is an amazing performer with invigorating passion and spirit. The one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson, inspires me to think and dream with a global mindset; to look beyond the walls of the United States but start with the man in the mirror. Lady Gaga’s boldness inspires me, and Beyonce’s work ethic encourages me to apply a similar approach in my own career path.

For more of the interview, please visit Ucombo Music Reviews.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Man with Upside Down Face - Wachichoo

1) Introduce yourself

Hi I’m Chris Strange, keyboardist a/k/a Throwing Bones

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

Wachichoo was the name given to settlers by native Americans, meaning “Man with Upside Down Face” b/c they had shaved heads and beards. I’m not sure how it happened, but at the first rehearsal, this name came to us in a shared vision. And honestly, Wachichoo was a fun name to say.


3) What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

We are real musicians and have all paid our dues. We are a rock-type band with no guitar, which is something you don’t see all the time.

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

For more, visit Ucombo Interviews.

Rapper Scott Giannotti - A Conversation

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Scott Giannotti my nickname is SAV, I am a rapper originally from Strong Island but now I live in Northern New Jersey.

How did you come up with your stage name?

SAV is a derivative from the names of myself Scott, brother Anthony, and Sister Valerie. They are also professional independent musicians. At times I also think of it meaning sex and violence because those are two things I’ve felt very passionate about.

What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

My desire to succeed, my ability to channel the realness within my words and deliver them is the things that set me apart from every other artist. I have been a hustler my whole life and I feel that I can multi-task at a higher level then 90% of society so I believe I can simply outperform in the long run-wear em all out.

For more, visit Ucombo Music Reviews.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Meet the band Stereo Crowd

Jamie Robinson (drums), Robert Keith (guitar), Paul-

Anthony(guitar & vocals), VFerg (base & vocals)

How did you come up with your stage name?

Well the band was given birth to on the rooftops of South Harlem. It started as just a lot of musicians getting together and jammin’ out on P-A roof on 111th street. We invited anyone and anyone who wanted to play or hang and listen. Before we knew it, we were getting over well over 100 people on the roof listening, and another 20-30 musicians or so jamming.

It was wild! P-A looked around and said to VFerg, “yo… we should start a band,” so they had another party; this time a covert band naming operation was at play. Throughout the night, people put over 150 names in a jar. The next day, P-A picked out two: “Uptown” and “Stereo Crowd.” When he called VFerg about it, VFerg lost his sh*t, because of all the names in the jar, P-A picked out the one that VFerg put in… “Stereo Crowd.”

The name represents what we saw those first few nights and what we still see today – a very diverse crowd that blends together like the left and right channels do in audio, to create stereo. In this case, that stereo signal of left and right that have come together as one, is a crowd.

What sets you apart from other aspiring artists? Hmm… well some people are like us.

They work as hard, build team, put out their own content, etc… It’s the extent that we take it, along with our style of music, that’s makes us different. We have soooo much fun playing this music! Some people are all pissed off… we just want you to shake your rump! Then when it comes to building our business team, we want to crush it! Bring in and engage as many fans as we can.

Fore more, visit Ucombo Indie Music Reviews.

Interview with Lerix – A hip-hop artist from Brooklyn

Lerix is a Brooklyn based emcee whose recording style is progressive and reminiscent of hip-hop’s “Golden Era.” His infatuation with hip-hop started at a young age, thanks to the influence of his older cousin, Hank Love, who was the co-host of 105.9’s “Hank love and Half-Pint show.” Soon enough, Lerix started writing and recording songs of his own. Lerix’s music is often compared with hip-hop heavy weights like Mos Def, Lupe Fiasco, Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. We interviewed him this week.

Hi Lerix, please introduce yourself to our music lovers.

“Hi! My name is Lerix, I’m a hip-hop artist from Brooklyn, NY”

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

“Lyrics was just a name people called me growing up because I was always writing song lyrics in my notebooks. I ended up running with the name but I flipped the spelling to make it a little more unique to me.”

3) What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

” I’m not so “rock star” as most artists are. I’m usually one of the nerdiest guys in the room and I fully embrace that.”

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

For more, visit us on Ucombo Reviews.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Aerias - an emcee from Chicago

We recently had a conservation with Aerias, an indie artist from Chicago.

1) Introduce yourself:

My names Aerias, an emcee from Chicago. I also play the guitar & freestyle a lot at my shows. I was born and raised in Chicago so Im familiar with all the genres of music and artists that come out of it. I’m known locally…for now.

2) How did you come up with your stage name?

Its a play off my last name. My lucky number is 3 and one day I was trying to come up with a logo when I saw the 3 looked like an “E” cause my hand cramped up from writing haha. After that the only place I could put the “E” so it made sense, was after the “A”. So the “E” in Aerias is actually a backwards “3″ thanks to cramps and numerology haha.

3) What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

I don’t just aspire. I do. And when I do, I do different. I’m sure everyone says that. What really sets me apart isn’t just my music, its who I am outside the music. I’m weird, deadly and eccentric…lyrically of course.

4) What single or project are you currently pushing?

Right now, Im pushing Bootleg Broads. A single off my new album “Scream Like You Mean It”. Its basically a song poking fun at certain people. The title should give you a clue haha.

5) What is the philosophy by which you live by?

Inspire and motivate. I don’t just make music for me. I make it for the people and the fans. I believe music should remind people they’re not alone and push them through trials and everyday drama. I appreciate all kinds of music. But my music has to help, make happy, make forget, make fight and make strong. Its not all about me yknow?

6) Which artists have inspired you to pursue music?

Wow. The list can go on forever. I’m an empath so I pick things up from everyone. But the main ones and that come first to mind are Jimi Hendrix, KRS-ONE, Kanye West, The Doors, Coheed & Cambria, Thrice, Bob Dylan, The Vines, Common, James Brown, Bob Marley, Lauren Hill, Nas & Hott 22 to name a few.

For more, visit Ucombo Music Reviews.

David E Beats of the White House Band

We interviewed David E Beats, a member of the White House Band this week.

Hi David, please introduce yourself.

Wasup! This is David E Beats, the lead and only official member of The White House Band!

How did you come up with your stage name?

I always wanted to have a band called The White House Band. It was something that I’ve always wanted so finally I just said, fuck it, lets do it.

What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?

That my fans support me! Also, that I work longer and harder than most other acts!

What single or project are you currently pushing?

#TheStimulusPackageEP which you can find on my website or on the bands bandcamp!

What is the philosophy by which you live by?

Music First, Bullshit Last!!!!

Which artists have inspired you to pursue music?


First rapper that I listened to was Jay-Z and he was the one who inspired me down this long journey.
Who does most of your production?

I write, produce, and mix all the songs on every record!

What is your opinion of the current state of the music industry?
I try not to have one. I’m just focusing on making sure I stand out above the noise to get my band noticed and make sales.

If you could change one thing about the music industry what would it be and why?

Nothing. I’d like it to stay the same at least for now. Once my band grows into a national band, then it can change up, lol.

Are there any singers/rappers that you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I’m down to collaborate with anyone really, I’m a fan of music. Doesnt really matter who it is, as long as they are dopesauce to me I’ll do the collab!

What Is your favorite movie and favorite book?

My favorite movie is Gladiator and my favorite book is Empire State Of Mind.

For more of the interview, visit A Conversation with David E. Beats.

A conversation with Tunde Olaniran

As a child of an American social-activist mother and Nigerian Christian immigrant father, Tunde Olaniran has been instilled with the infusion of culture, consciousness, and rhythm since birth. Growing up, he lived in Germany, Nigeria, and England before settling in Flint, MI for his late adolescence where he was exposed to urban, folk, and soul influences of the small, humble city as well as a strong jazz influence on his mom’s behalf. We had a conversation with him this week about his music and life.


Hi Tunde, please introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m just a guy living in one of the most dangerous cities in the country.. making weird, dark electrosoul.


How did you come up with your stage name?
Tunde Olaniran is my real name! Go to Nigeria.. it’s as common as “John Smith.”


What sets you apart from other aspiring artists?
I think my music and performance sets me apart. I take really divergent musical influences and strip them down into a lo-fi aesthetic. My performance pushes against racial and gender boundaries and has a compelling DIY aspect.


To read more of the interviews, go to Ucombo Interviews.