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Kal-J is dropping some killer tracks and his new mixtape with DJ Ames is really doing the damage. Tricksta found out more...
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a rapper?
I started really making music in April of 2005. I realized I really wanted to do it, when I slowed down on everything else, like drawing, etc.
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
As crazy as this may sound, My favorite rapper is Eminem, but I was actually inspired to do music, by Jim Jones. My music is more positive and conscious and people find it crazy that I was inspired by Jim Jones. Lyrically, he’s not the best, but he gives a powerful message.
So how did you get your name? What’s the story behind it?
The name Kal-J, is basically my name. First name is Kyle, but a lot of people pronounce it “Cow” so I hear cow more than Kyle. And J is my last name initial
Where exactly are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene like there?
I’m from Indianapolis, Indiana. The Hip-Hop scene locally, is very good. It’s a lot of talent here. Nationally, we definitely get overlooked as a Hip-Hop city. But we’re getting there.
What projects have you released so far and what feedback from the media have you had?
I’ve currently released my 6th mixtape, “The 4word” hosted by DJ Ames. I’ve gotten some good feedback. The mixtapes are what basically got my name buzzing around the city and even worldwide.
Let’s talk about your latest project. Where can people get it, who features on it and who dealt with the production?
My latest project is “The 4word” mixtape. There’s no features on this one. Just me, preparing and promoting my album, “Dear Journal” which is set for this summer. The mixtape is available on www.kal-j.net
How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved?
Mainly digitally, but I’m going to be doing more shows and traveling, so I’ll be getting some out that way.
Is there a shop or website stocking and supporting your music?
The album, I will be having local shops carrying it, and I will probably distribute through CD Baby
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?
I haven’t had any “radio” radio play. I’ve online radio play. DJ Ames has supported me a lot through damatrixstudios.com
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
I don’t think radio is as important because real hip-hop fans don’t listen to radio, expecting to actually hear dope music. Radio now is mainly just a club, trap and R & B rotation. There’s no “Hip-Hop” on the radio, at least in Indianapolis. Lupe sneaks on, but that’s really it.
Dance/Electro/Club styled Hip-Hop seems to be the only Hip-Hop getting airplay on radio and TV. Do you think that to survive you have to change your music to fit in or do you think its more a case of moving with the times?
I think in order to survive, an artist has to find his/her niche and stick with it. We’ve seen with veteran artists who fit in with the trends, and lose fans. I think Twista is a prime example. There is a lot of “Hip-Hop” fans, but it seems more artists are making their music strictly for women and making catchy, club songs. Not caring about lyricisim and meaning.
Do you think the internet helps or hinders independent artists?
Definitely helps! Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing this interview. The internet has basically made my career. I was promoting on the internet, before my I did my first show.
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
My main motivation is the negativity going on. I make more positive music. The world is filled with way more negative energy, than positive. I’m trying to make bring more positive energy to it.
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?
I think it’s very important. I think it makes an artist seem more serious about their career. I’ve gotten mixtapes from people and flyers with real dope artwork. Sometimes, I might not like the music, but I always keep the covers or flyers, because they look tight
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 its still 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?
I haven’t yet. I’m going to be working on a video for the single off of the album.
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?
The last album I bought was Joe Budden “Escape Route”. There are a few good record shops here, but they don’t carry a whole lot of underground or not so popular music. So I’ll have to start buying on-line more
www.kal-j.net
www.twitter.com/kalj
www.myspace.com/kaljtheassassin
www.facebook.com/kaljtheassassin
Interview by Tricksta
www.myspace.com/trickstawolftown
www.myspace.com/ragomagazine
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