Name of Artist/Band and where are you from?
I go by the name of Tokyo Trendz and I’m from Hampton, Virginia.
How did you break into the music industry?
I haven’t broke into the industry yet, but i got started by being around other artist who were pursuing music when I was younger and I guess it inspired me to want to create music of my own. I also played musical instruments so I figured why not give it a try. It started out as me doing it just for fun until i decided to get serious with it in my late teen years. That’s when i decided I really wanted to pursue music because I have the talent and a real passion for it along with people who support and relate to me.
Choose one adjective to describe your music style?
Eclectic. . .
Do you write your own songs? If so, what are your songs about and where do you draw your inspiration?
I am the writer to all my songs and they’re about a variety of things. I commonly focus on the things that go on in my life such as promoting the fact that it’s cool to be you own self and not like everyone else, women, art, positive thoughts, bad thoughts, knowing that no one is perfect and determination to succeed and get the finer things out of life. I get my inspiration from life, sound, art, nature, and sometimes movies that catch my attention.
What project are you currently promoting and is it available for purchase?
Right now I’m currently promoting my upcoming Ep that I’m working on which is entirely produced by DC producer Reggie Volume, that will be available for free download on my official website in mid February of 2013 along with a deluxe version of the Ep which will be available for purchase on Itunes and bandcamp.
Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal?
It all depends what a major label has to offer me. If I can have the creative rights to my music along with various other things then I would be cool with joining a major label. If not, then I’ll stick with the independent route and establish more contacts to network with in order to continue pushing my music and movement in the right direction.
How would you define the word “success”?
Achievement, Accomplishment, Victory, Self-Determination
What is your biggest career embarrassment?
My biggest career embarrassment. . . Haha. . I would have to say the time when I was performing on stage with one of my boys in front of a decent crowd of people and he knocked my mic out of my hand on accident causing it to fly to other side of the stage. Shit was funny but we kept rocking out and still got love from the crowd with our energy and stage presence haha.
Most memorable moment in creating one of your records?
The most memorable moment I would have to say would be vibing out with other artist in the studio joking about something that happened in our lifes, then turning it into a solid song that people could all relate to.
Who has been the most influential person in your music career?
I would have to say Pharrell.He’s from Virginia as well. I admire the fact that he’s not afraid to branch out of his comfort zone and never puts himself in a box of the people he would work with. He’s done records for many people of many genres and that’s something that always stood out to me because I’m adapt to many styles of music and would like to also work with people of other musical genres while still maintaining my own sound.
Who is your celeb look-alike?
I personally believe I have my own distinct look but somebody told me I look like the lightskin kid from that New Boyz group that came out a few years back. Haha but I don’t see it.
what was your first job?
Haha. My first job was Taco Bell and i hated it. The free food was cool though.
What is your worst Fear?
My worst fear would be getting beat up by a midget haha.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Drawing naked women. I love art and I think a women’s body features are an amazing work of art. Haha
What artists would you love to work with?
Skateboard P, Andre 3 Stacks, Kanye West, Kid Cudi, M.I.A, Rick Ross, John Legend, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Little Dragon, Lana Del Ray
Any advice or lessons learned in the music industry that you would like to share with other indie artists?
Believe in yourself. Copyright your music. Try getting distribution deals so you can push your music to as many markets and people as possible. Read every contract thoroughly and have a lawyer read over it if you have one before signing it. Know your shit because there’s a lot of janky ass cats in the music industry looking to get over on artist. Take the time to connect with people that become fans of your music because they’re the people who control whether your music prospers or fails. Don’t take shortcuts if longevity is what you’re looking for in the music industry because you can be on one day and gone the next if you don’t execute in the right way. Overall learn what works for you because there is no set way to make an impact in the music industry. The possibilities are endless.
What is the number one thing you hope people get out of your music?
Inspiration to be who YOU want to be and not the stereotype of what others think you have to be in order to be accepted in the world.
Where can people get in touch with you?
Official Website- www.theworldoftokyotrendz.com
Twitter- www..twitter.com/tokyotrendz
Facebook- www.facebook.com/tokyotrendz
Bandcamp- tokyotrendz.bandcamp.com
Email- tokyotrendz@
