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Blaktrix has just dropped his new FREE download project ‘THE HOUDINI FOOTPRINTS OF SOME PEOPLE NEVER GO CRAZY’ and its already getting a lot of love from DJ’s and Hip-Hop headz from the UK and overseas. We sent Tricksta to get the lowdown and see what the future holds for this talented rapper.
So where are you from fam?
Born Bradford, UK raised Manchester, Bristol, and Cardiff in that order. My mom still lives in Manchester so I have always considered it home.
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a rapper?
I started making music when I was 16 with D.Gritty (formerly Humurak) and Jammin. Proper Bedroom Rappers trying to find our sound. I wish we had the recording equipment and studio availability we can obtain now because we had some decent ideas.
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
Jammin was my first influence because most of my Hip-Hop came through him initially. Lewis Parker, Roots Manuva, Taskforce, Fallacy, Jeru, Braintax, Supa T, Black Thought, Blak Twang, Gravediggaz, Wu, Tricky were all important in my early day development. I can't name one song. Masquerades and Silhouettes was big for me. I would listen to that like it was one song.
Where exactly are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene like there?
Based in Cardiff for over ten years the hiphop scene has some good talent. I'd like to see the talent progress. Beatbox Fozzy got skillz I like how he holds it down. Certain people with skillz I’m like 'that’s cool,' other people like Fozzy I’m like ‘He deserves to get paid in full!'.
Let’s talk about your latest project. Where can people get it, who features on it and who dealt with the production?
I've had a number of releases in the past which have only be released on vinyl. I plucked the best of those and some virtual unknown tracks which I felt deserved a few more audience listens and put together this retrospective. It features PLO, Mudmowth, Junior Disprol and production from the likes of Monky, Sir Beans OBE, Rola and Stagga. It serves the dual purpose of promoting the 'Some People Never Go Crazy' project which is out end of this year and opening up my music to a wider audience as this compilation is free to download. 'Some People Never Go Crazy' features production from the likes of First Aid and Rola. Vocals from Rider Shafique and Ralph Ripshit, and is mastered by Stardelta.
How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved?
Its available for free at www.blaktrix.co.uk, it can be purchased on ITunes and limited edition CD's are available at http://associatedminds.bigcartel.com/
Is there a shop or website stocking and supporting your music?
Associated Minds show me love. I used to share a Yard with the owners and they have been very good to me.
Getting radio play is real gripe for a lot of Hip-Hop artists, but have you had any radio play? If so what DJ’s and stations are supporting you?
With my previous releases I have always had some support on the radio. Ras Kwame and Huw Stephens have supported from the get go, BBC1Xtra - Ras Kwame, BBC1 - Huw Stephens, Channel 4 - Extreme Sports, Excalibah - Itch fm, the list goes on... and on.... (I hope!!!)
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
I'm hoping that it isn't because some of those DJs out there and their bosses can kiss my ....! Nah only kidding. Just got to do what you can, there's certainly more outlets now to get plays so you have to be positive.
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
Good question. Making music just to play back and listen to on your own and enjoy is just a form of jerking off. But then the frailty of genius is recognition...
Let’s talk image and branding for a minute. Some artists spend lots of money on artwork and other acts aren’t that interested. How important is image, artwork and branding to you?
Image – As in what people think of me and my image I couldn’t give a shit, that is not how I want to live my life. Artwork and Branding – I’ve got some great artists involved in my projects Rmer1 from Cardiff is a seriously good artist doing the cover for ‘Some People Never Go Crazy’ as we speak. Check his stuff at http://r-mer.blogspot.com/. Adam Travers and Bill Giles did the artwork for ‘The Houdini Footprints of Some People Never Go Crazy’ and with that their ability speaks for itself. Check www.adamtravers.co.uk and http://cargocollective.com/billgilesillustration
I think that any artist coming into the game these days needs a music video. I mean You Tube is one the most visited website in the world and is a great way of promoting a track. Have you got any videos on there and have any of them actually got played on any TV Stations?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8JQ9PiDkxE
Trouble Trouble http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b413hjt3-Pc
Night and Day http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lGDQi0Zq1k&feature=related
My new video for 'no drama' ft Ralph Ripshit will be dropping soon. In fact Mayor from Associated Minds is supposed to be popping round in a bit so I can peep it. If he comes he’ll be 4 hours late. He’s a busy guy!
What was the last album you brought and where do you buy your music? Is there a good record shop in your area or do you buy on-line?
‘Born Like This’ by DOOM I think. Record shops! Those were the days. I miss it when you could go digging and spend all day with your head in the phones.
Off the top of my head - http://www.turntablelab.com/ and http://www.suspect-packages.com/ are always worth a check.
Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
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