The Exclusive – Official10o – Interview

Music is Official10o’s life. He is a producer,song-writer, singer and rapper. His music talks about true experiences; every track being a true testament of the events in his life. Official10o’s motto is to get rich or die trying because he refuses to not have a career making music and being successful. Official10o is open for collabs with other artists who are also trying to go where he is headed. Says Official10o: “I’m a young nigga with an old mind, born in Birmingham, Alabama and ready to put my city on the map. Everything 100!”

In an exclusive interview with Jamsphere Magazine, Official10o gave us some more insight into his world.

How long have you been making music?

Official10o: I’ve been making music ever since I was ten years old.

Who were your first musical influences that you can remember?

Official10o: My first influence would most definitely be my uncle. As a kid who knew nothing about music, seeing my uncle rap was a big deal. I’ve been making music ever since.

Which artists are you currently listening to? And is there anyone of these that you’d like to collaborate with?

Official10o: I listen to Kevin Gates, Rich Homie Quan, Young Thug, and many R&B artists. As for collaborations, I would really like to work with T-Pain. As an artist who uses autotune, I respect how T-Pain mastered autotune and paved the way for artists like me to even make the type of music I make now.

Have you suffered any ‘resistance’ from within the industry, and if so how have you handled that, and how do you handle criticism and haters in general?

Official10o: Getting signed and finding a good deal would be the only thing I’m having an hard time with. I believe haters and supporters are/will be the foundation of my success.

What are your thoughts on visual media and Youtube? Do think that video is an appropriate marketing tool for your music, and do you have any videos published for fans to see?

Official10o: I don’t have a video at the moment but I do have a lyric video for my new single ”Hold On”. I feel videos are on one of the best things that ever happened to the music business. It gives the targeted audience a way to connect with the artist by sound as well as visualizing every word. It’s pretty much like you are watching the song come to life.

Which do you ultimately prefer? Entertaining a live audience or creating songs in a studio setting?

Official10o: I enjoy creating songs in the studio. I have more tools to work with and I don’t have to worry about trying to please anyone but myself. It is my time to be selfish.

Tell us something about your lyrics and music production on your releases. Which part of these processes do you handle, and which do you outsource generally?

Official10o: I actually produce my own tracks as well as write my own lyrics. Some beats I use for nonprofit but the majority of my music is usually projects I created myself.

What is the title of your latest music release and where can fans find it?

Official10o: My single ”Hold On” is YouTube. Search 10o – Hold On and you’ll find my lyric video to that song.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre thriving with newcomers?

Official10o: My many styles of Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B, and Pop all in one. I sound like 5 different people on my songs but it’s me.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to be a part of this tough business. Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

Official10o: It’s a passion for me because I love making music. The benefits of being successful in the music business alone, pushes me to work even harder.

Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?

Official10o: It’s exciting to make music whenever and however I want. The discouraging part would probably be the promoting part. Self-promotion is easier said than done.

How do you market and manage your music career? Do you have a management team or do you control everything by yourself?

Official10o: I control everything myself for now. When more opportunities are available and I can connect with more people, I’ll make the necessary changes.

How do you achieve your sound? Do you work from a private recording environment or do you use a commercial sound studio?

Official10o: I actually record myself in a private recording environment.

What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed so far?

Official10o: Best advice would be to always remember why you’re doing this in the first place. Don’t lose yourself and don’t try to be something you’re not.

What are your thoughts on talent shows like American Idol, The Voice and the X-Factor etc.?

Official10o: I’ve never really followed those types of shows. I know a lot of talented people audition but that’s not something I’m really into.

What are your thought on internet and the social media? Do you think it has only produced a mass of mediocre “copy-and-paste” artists, who flood the web, making it difficult for real talent to emerge or do you think it has produced positive results?

Official10o: I believe true talent will always be recognized and discovered. If you stand out, no matter who tries to duplicate you, it would be almost impossible because no one can be you, like you.

Which 3 words would you personally use to describe your overall sound and style?

Official10o: Unique, melodic, and weird.

Straight off the top of your head, how would you describe the current state of Hip-hop, R&B and Rap?

Official10o: I would say it’s very different. The game has changed completely since a decade ago. Change can be good but it can be bad as well, depending on what it is. I may not agree with most of the content that these artists glorify but it’s not my decision. I just go with the flow.

As you work your way through your career, which more than any other fires-up your imagination – A Grammy award, Platinum music sales or any other tangible milestone?

Official10o: Taking care of my family and making music that people can relate to.