I've been approached quite a bit lately about doing interviews for various publications, etc... So what I've decided to do is answer some of the general questions that I have been asked to give a head start on anyone intereseted in conducting an interview or if your fine with just using the material provide that's fine as well. Feel free to edited and reconstruct the material as needed, as long as it perserves the truth in my own words! Also feel free to use any photos available on my site as well. This is just information to get a quick ideal of who I am. If further info, photos or permissions are required, Please feel free to contact me at anytime. Thanks for your interest! God Bless
FAQ:
--------------------------------------------------------------
Name: Rayedan
Hometown: Milwaukee, WI
Current Location: Atlanta, GA
Music genre: Hip Hop
How was it like growing up in your hometown?: Growing up in my hometown was both the best and worst of times. My family was always very close so I grew up knowing that no matter what, there were always certain people that I could depend on. At the same time some of the areas that I grow up in were heavy gang and drug populated areas. So while I learned good home values from a loving family, I also learned some hard knock lessons from the surroundings I grew up in.
What got you motivated to make music?: I would say it would've been my mother. Every since I was a kid, she use to by various musical instruments hoping that me or one of my siblings would pick up on the craft. She also use to play a lot of old school records while me and her would act like we were putting on a show. We danced around acting like we were playing the guitar while singing along to the records. Those times sparked my interest in music!
Are your family and friends supportive?: That would be a yes and no answer. I have a few that are both supportive and my biggest fans, such as my mother, aunt, nephews/sons and brother. (who's also my business partner) Then there's others that really don't have much to do with it. So I thank God everyday for those who are genuinely supportive of me and my career.
How long have you been singing?: I've been flirting with the prospect of being an artist for over 10 years, every since I was a kid. I would say I truly started taking it more seriously the past couple of years.
What was the hardest part about starting out?: One of the hardest parts starting out for me would be getting the right people in your corner to give your project the proper push it needs to be successful. That's actually something we're still working on. You can have the best song in the world, but if it doesn't have a good team and marketing plan behind it it'll be the best song that no one has heard of.
What are your fans like, is there anything out of the ordinary about them?: I have a very wide range of fans from spunky teenagers to tight collar business executives ages 40 and from hip hop heads to heavy punk rockers and even jazz lovers. So I would say just the selection of my fans alone is out of the ordinary!
Where do you get the inspiration for your songs?: I'm a spontaneous writer, my inspirations would just come from nowhere. Being a producer as well, a lot of my writing just feeds off of the track that I'm listening to.
How do you feel about the music business today?: I have mixed feelings about the industry as a whole today. It's not like it use to be were as if you had the talent and creativity and people like it you were giving a chance to shine. Now a days I think the whole creativity of music is losing it's value. It's now more about following the existing trend and if your willing to pay for play to get your chance to reach the masses. It's sad that there's so many talented starving artist out there that will probably never get a chance to be successful just because their music doesn't fit the industry's mold at that particular time or because their pockets aren't deep enough. I've had commercial DJs/Program Directors contact me and tell me how much they like the music, "BUT"... there's always a "BUT" to it. I just don't see why artist can't be giving a chance and leave it up to the masses to decide what they like and don't like instead of pounding other songs into their heads until they finally submit. I could speak on this one for days just on personal experiences...
If you could change anything about it, would you?: I definitely would change a lot of things about it particularly in the genre of hip hop. I would definitely try to make it where artist could just be themselves and not have to switch up their style or what they believe in to fit a mold of what the industry executives think they should be.
Do you have any pet peeves?: I really don't have any pet peeves as of yet.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?: Hopefully in 5 years I'll still be doing the same thing I'm doing now and that's doing the thing I love, making music... Of course i would like to be a lot better off financially as well while I'm doing the thing I love... lol!
What makes you and your music unique?: What makes me and my music unique is that I don't try to be unique! I know that sounds funny, but some artist try so hard to make themselves and their style stick out from the rest that it gives of an artificial image. With me what you see and hear is me, take it or leave it! (Hopefully take it) My style and sound just comes naturally. It maybe even switch from time to time depending on how I feel, not what's going on with music current trend.
Do you have any goals musically?: Right now my goals are simple, I'm just trying to make a living off of my music and anything extra will be welcomed with open arms. But if I could live out the remainder of my music career and be able to support my family from it, i could look back and have no complaints.
What are some of the things you do when you aren't making music?: When I'm not working on music I like to spend time with my sons and family. I like to connect and interact with my fans as much as possible by answer
email through such services as
www.myspace.com/rayedan and others. I also like to watch a little football and basketball in my spare time!
If you could endorse one product, what would it be?: If I only had one product to choose from I would have to say the Visa credit card. A lot of people love the Visa line in the "Mr. Hiccup" song. Plus Visa's everywhere I want to be so why wouldn't I?!?
What do you believe is the most important thing about being a musician?: I think the most important thing about being a musician is to be yourself. If you can't make it being yourself what's the point of making it at all? Set aside the money and fame you may and may not receive, it won't be you that the fans fell in love with, rather a counterfeit copy of someone made up to appease the masses.
How do you feel about other groups in your music genre?: I have respect for anyone that's pursuing their dreams to make it in the industry. Whether I enjoy their music or not I have the nothing but love and positive things to say to anyone artist out there. Everyone has different taste and as my mother always thought me "if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all." I personally like a lot of different styles so I think there's a lot of talented artist in my genre of music.
What do you think about musicians who are Sex symbols?: I'm all for it! Some truly deserve to be one and some are just a popularity vote, but either way much respect. hopefully I can join them one day!
Drink of choice?: Right now water!
What do you cherish most in a friend?: Just simply being there when you need them... I know that sounds simple enough, but that's hard to find!
What's your marital status?: Single, Single, Single!
Do you want to get married?: I would love to get married when I find that special person!
Do you have go clubbing alot?: No, most of my time is spent doing something music related or spending time with my best friends. (my sons and brother)
Do you have a favorite food?: I would have to say Lean Cuisine Grilled chicken & pasta bowl!
Favorite TV Show?: Law & Order (all of the series)
What's your idea of the perfect woman?: There's no such thing. As long as her positives out weigh her negatives we can make do.
What's your favorite color?: Black and Silver, but no I'm not a Raiders fan!
What's your favorite team?: The Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks!
If you could open for anyone, who would it be?: hhhmmmm????
Are any of your CD's out? If so what are their names?: The "Beat MunStars Unleashed Vol.1" CD is in the process of being released, but it can be purchased at our website and other online outlets for now.
Describe yourself in four words.: Optimistic, Nonchalant, Determined and Faith filled!
Anything else you'd like to add?: I'd just like to thank all that have shown undying support, both family and fans! Thanks to you guys for giving me an outlet to speak my mind and everyone
remember to keep up the request for my songs on your local radio stations and clubs. You also can get my CD on our site:
www.smooveonline.com and the
ringtone at various
ringtone sites. And most of all I give praise to God and my Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ for Blessing me with my life and talents to do what I do.
Website: www.smooveonline.com and
www.myspace.com/rayedan