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Supa-Ty from Landover Hills, Maryland is kicking up noise with a string of solid tracks getting support from both DJ’s in the USA and Europe. Tricksta hooked up with him for this exclusive interview…
When did you start making music and realise that you wanted to be a rapper?
I started making music at in 1998 at the age of 15 but didn’t realize my true talents until I was 17
Was there a person or record that inspired you to pick up the pen and start writing songs and hit the studio?
I was inspired by my dad to write music, he always said that I was a good writer and should put it to use so I decided that music would work just fine for me
So how did you get your name? What’s the story behind it?
I was given the name by a friend who use to call me Sup. Whenever we would play football or basketball all I heard was “Sup”, so I decided to stick with it, add the A at the end and finish it off with Ty
Where exactly are you from and what’s the Hip-Hop scene like there?
I’m From Maryland and the hip hop scene here is strong, there’s lots of talent to be discovered `and many hungry artist looking for their chance.
What projects have you released so far and what feedback from the media have you had?
I have released 5 projects, Mold Of A Man, From Ny 2 Md, Three Stages Of Art , Unsigned Hype Volume 1 & 2. I’ve received lots of positive feedback and gained lots of respect from many artist and producers, there’s been a couple of negatives but nothing too serious.
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 Unsigned Hype Volume 2 Hosted by Dj Ames. It can be found on www.myspace.com/supaty, www.datpiff.com, www.thatcrack.com, and various other sites. There are many features from various talent worldwide. The production consist of some great producers, Johnny Juliano, The A, Trippa Productions, MilTicket ect.
How are you getting your project out there? Do you have a distributor involved?
I’m currently allowing free downloads and I give out copies throughout the DC, MD, and Va area. I don’t have a distributor at the moment but should have one soon
Is there a shop or website stocking and supporting your music?
I have plenty of support through www.sdbmusic.com as well as various shops throughout the Md area.
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’ve had radio play once which was through wpgc 95.5 in the Dc area, but it’s tough and I plan to get more as I continue to grow.
Do you think that radio is still as important as it was in the digital age?
I think radio is very important as it’s a good way to get your music heard and get a good buzz going.
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 say it’s more of moving with times than anything. It’s great to change up a bit but staying in your element as an artist is very important, one must find that comfort zone and stick with it and if the time calls for a change then it will happen naturally
Do you think the internet helps or hinders independent artists?
The internet is huge for independent artist, there’s so many opportunities through various websites, blogs, social sites to show your talent, gain respect and fans and possibly obtain a deal
When it comes to making music what would you credit as your main motivation?
My motivation comes from my late uncle Jack who taught me to settle for nothing but the best and never stop believing cause dreams do come true if you believe and stay strong.
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 and artwork is very important, a good mixtape or album cover can do wonders. If you have a good cover it can attract lots of attention, at times a good image and cover can be the difference maker for some artist.
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 have a couple videos on You Tube but none have been played on TV yet. As I add more it helps my chances of that happening
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 The Slaughterhouse Album. There are a couple of good shops but not many in my area but for me I prefer to buy online from Amazon or Ebay.
Interview by Tricksta
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