Backstage Pass - Wyldthang - Interview

ATP

What is the title of your CD? How did you come up with the name?

WYLDTHANG

The name of my project is RIZE. I came up with the name because it's a vision I have held on to for some time. I recently came through and came out of some very serious situations. As I was going through those issues, thoughts of this album helped me get through it. So this CD is my vindication for overcoming and making it through.

ATP

Is this your first CD and if not, how is this one different from the others?

WYLDTHANG

This is my 1st solo release. I appeared on a previous album with my crew the Despradoz called Beer & Cigarettes. Doing this project was way different because it's all me on here, the vibe, the tone, the whole feel of the album. Folks that have heard me in the past, have only heard a verse on a song, so they didn't get a chance to hear me and when you're doing a group album it's know one person deciding the subject matter, we all just kinda of agree, record the song and move on to the next one. Also, on this album I got the chance to work with RIAA certified platinum recording artist Shawnna on my lead single 'Good Good', which was cool.

ATP

Did you write all the songs before going into the studio or did you write them as you were recording?

WYLDTHANG

I wrote all of the songs on this album before I went to the studio except for one, 'Can't B Faded'. That song took me about 25 minutes to write once I heard the beat. Most times ideas just come to me and I write it out from their. I started out as a poet and evolved into a artist, so writing without music isn't nothing to me.

ATP

Walk us thru the process of writing your music?

WYLDTHANG

Once I get that first inspiration I think about who am I talking to and what this song will do for the listener? Then once I do that I "talk it out". Basically, I know the song is already inside of me, because it peaked it's head out and gave me the inspiration. So I "talk it out" into a melody, with words people can understand. Sometimes I hear R&B in a song, so I write it out and give it to my singing hommies to do they thang on it. Music comes real organic to me.

ATP

Where did you record and why?

WYLDTHANG

I recorded this project in the Desprado Hideout Studio. I did it there because that's where I feel most comfortable and for some reason my creativity goes on overdrive when I'm in there.

ATP

HHow did you pay for your recording?

WYLDTHANG

The pieces to the studio were purchased piece by piece. It took some time, but we've been able to assemble a nice setup. Plus equipment ain't that expensive these days, so it's not hard to get some quality stuff at a good price.

ATP

Did you have a producer or did you self-produce? If so, what kind of input did the producer have. If your self-produced, why?

WYLDTHANG

Ray Wonder produced for me. That dude is amazing the way he puts music together. His sound is undeniable. I've been knowing him for years and he knows my sound, he knows what I'm looking for. Working with him enhanced the album 200%. Tony Tru produced 'Chevy on 4's' and did a great job too.

ATP

Did you try to capture your "live sound" or did you go for something else?

WYLDTHANG

I wanted to produce my natural "live sound" on this album. I feel my greatest strength is performing, so I want the listener to get a similar experience to being at one of my shows. By the way, you have to come to one of my shows to get the true "Wyldthang Experience".

ATP

Did your record label have any input into the music you recorded?

WYLDTHANG

Yeah, I try to stay open on some things. I realize my listeners like to hear different things from me, so I try to stay open. At the same time I had a message to get out on this project, so I knew what direction I was looking to go in.

ATP

Are you pleased with the final product?

WYLDTHANG

Defiantly, I like listening to it. The whole feel came out like I envisioned.

ATP

Where will we be able to pick up a copy?

WYLDTHANG

iTunes,Amazon, my site Wyldthang.net and everywhere good music is sold online.

ATP

Will you be touring to promote your CD?

WYLDTHANG

Yes, that is the part I have been waiting for. I'm ready for current and new listeners to feel my vibe. Right now my people are lining Meet & Greets, Listening parties and shows across the South, Midwest and West Coast.

ATP

Would rather be recording or playing live shows?

WYLDTHANG

Performing live without a doubt. I really feel alive on stage, nothing is like performing infront of folks. The energy and high you get is like none other. Recording and putting the music together is cool, but performing it is what I do it for.

ATP

Anything you would like to say to your fans?

WYLDTHANG

Yeah, if you listen to my music and like it, then you're not a fan to me...you are apart of my family. Just like family, I got love for you and I care about you. So I don't want to lead you down a dead end alley in life that can get you locked up or shot up. There's already enough other rappers doing that. I want the best of everything that life has to offer and I know you want the same, so that's what I want to give you. Motivation to get it, whatever your path in life is. You can be a lawyer, doctor, computer programmer or small business owner. Whatever it is in life you want, let's go get it together. I want my music to play in the background of your life's soundtrack as you achieve GREATNESS!!!