| MCV Viankana from Leamington, UK |
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| Written by tricksta |
| Thursday, 08 March 2012 17:10 |
 Hailing from the West Midlands, Leamington to be exact comes MCV Viankana. Tricksta hooked up with him to find out more. When did you start making music and was there a person or artist that inspired you to start writing songs and hit the studio? I started when I was 16, after spending time listening to 2pacs albums thoroughly. After a while I decided to make my own music by using loops on DJ software and concentrating on my lyrical ability. Within time this had boosted my confidence on the mic and in 2003 I entered the 1 Xtra’s battle of MC’s competition, where by 4 MC’s where picked out of 100’s and I was 1 of the 4 to battle in the 4 way head off of which I was successful in and then asked to appear on Radio 1 Xtra in the final, I gracefully took 2nd place. Let’s talk about your latest project, its sounding really tight. Who features on it, who dealt with the production and how long did it take to make? My latest project has been my album “All Eyes on V”. I co-produced the majority of the album with Norris studios, also had producers such as Rekless Beats, Bizniz Beats, Dom Williamson and Dom Hancock produce for me. I am very meticulous about the music I make and took 8 months to complete my 9 track album. Some of the other songs such as “Watcha Know” that feature Nina Moore known for X Factor boot camp. How would you describe the music that you make? I know it’s hard to compare yourself to other artists and styles, but what kind of vibe is your music on? I feel it is music that people can relate to with a well-constructed flow and easy to understand lyrics. I try to keep my music as original as possible and feel it holds a poetic vibe. What do you enjoy the most about the whole process of recording and writing music? Is there something that you absolutely love and is there anything that maybe you don’t like doing as much? I love that proud feeling that you get once you created something people can enjoy. I do love the studios atmosphere as it feels like a home from home. Are you releasing your music on your own label or do you have a team that is aiming to help you get signed to a major? I have used Interscope & Def Jam’s digital labels to distribute my music; I do however have a Manager and PR representatives from the company PRthat. The aim is to be able to get my music out to the masses which PRthat will look to get for me. How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved or maybe some shops/websites stocking & supporting your music? All my music is being distributed by Interscope & Def Jam’s digital labels for online release. Getting radio play can be hard for unsigned Hip-Hop artists, but have you had any radio play and if so what DJ’s and stations have supported you? Primal Future Radio – Mixik, BBC Introducing – Huw Stephens Big City Radio (USA) – Troy Fairfax Stern Ma’at Bey (Used it in a few mixes on his Compton radio station in LA) Do you enjoy playing live? Have you done many gigs and what kind of artists have you supported or played alongside? I love my RAP Battles and that is where I find myself at peace. 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 don’t care much for the image but more for the quality of music I get out there and the recognition from fans and industry professionals. This includes people like Mobb Deep and Edi from notorious rap group “Outlawz”. I am interested in the design of my artwork and the feel of my music videos as they do represent the music I put out there. What was the last album you brought and apart from Hip-Hop what other genres of music do you listen too? Akon – Freedom, just like the sound he creates. I do like the feel of eastern / Bhangra production and think it might be something I get on in the coming months. Have you got any videos on You Tube and have any ever got played on TV Stations? I have my debut music video (Purgatory) up on You Tube, PRthat is in the process of submitting this to MTV Base, AKA and various online TV programing websites. So what does the future hold for you as an artist? Have you got any big plans that you can tell us about before you go? I am currently planning my next 2 videos which one will be a track off my album “All Eyes on V”. I am also in talks with an industry recognised producer to make a track with a member from D12. Interview by Tricksta www.ukrunnings.co.uk |
| Last Updated on Friday, 09 March 2012 17:55 |
