I have been following 2Four’s musical journey for several months, if not longer, at this point.
He’s definitely a young talent to be watching out for. His chill combination of hip hop, pop, and electronica/dubstep is something fresh to the ears and really easy to get into.
I have also had the honor of sharing the stage with 2Four recently and he definitely was the right act to open. The crowd was really into him as well and it will be interesting to see where the future takes him.
I recently caught up with him for an interview. You can listen while you read by clicking play below. Scroll to the end to check out a video.
I have known about you for a while now. For those that don’t know, tell them in your words who 2Four is, what style of music you create, and where you are from.
Well of course I’m 2Four and I’m from the music city Nashville,Tn. I’m not sure I have a particular style even though rap is my bread and butter I like to try different things and different ideas all the time. I think I am what music should be about.
Was there an “ah-ha” moment when you knew music was the path you wanted to walk? How long have you been at this?
I would say my senior year in high school was the time when I knew that this was what I was made to do. I have been writing lyrics and poetry and things since I was a kid. I didn’t really get as serious as I am about it now until about a year or two ago because I was still in sports and worrying about school and jobs and everything. So I’m still fairly new I guess you could say but I think I have made a small impact still.
Who and what influences your style? Who were some of your favorites artists back in the day and who are some of your favorites now?
I am a music lover. Anything that is catchy and sticks with me can give me an idea of my next project or inspire me to take on another challenge. As far as artist from back in the day I get inspiration from lots of people. I like listening to Frank Sinatra, Prince, Jimi Hendrix etc. My favorites now are artist like Lupe Fiasco, T.I, Ellie Goulding, Bassnectar, Skrillex, Lil Wayne etc. The music I listen to is all over the place. I listen to different sounds and genres almost simultaneously and I think that inspiration is shown in my songs.
What are your thoughts on the local scene?
All honesty I think it could be a lot better. I think that country music is so deep rooted that people sometimes forget that this is music city and that there are way more great artists than just country. It’s picking up though and I feel in a few years this will be a hot bed for artist to get opportunities and jobs in the business. This will always be the home of country but It’s growing to become a lot more.
What other artists or producers have you or do you work with?
As far as artist I haven’t really collaborated on anything. Super, who engineers my music has put me on a track with him but as far as just artist wanting to get together I haven’t had that happen. The flip to that is I’m use to doing things as far as writing and picking beats and things myself because I don’t want to rely on anyone for something that I feel I can do myself and perhaps better. This year though I hope that more people get a hold of my music and want to work with me and vice versa.
What is the goal for 2013? Did you accomplish what you wanted in 2012?
Well I’m never really satisfied and very impatient so of course I wish I could accomplish everything I wanted but thats unrealistic. I think I set a good foundation in 2012 and look to build on it this year. My goal this year is to make a real stamp in the business whether its locally or globally. By the end of the year I want everyone to know what I’m bringing to the table as an artist and hopefully grow my popularity and the rest will come along with that.
You threw down at the MPS Music Management show, are you actively booking? Where can we catch you next?
I am actively booking. I am always looking for a chance to showcase my skills and talents so hopefully I get to do the next MPS show as well because it was a lot of fun. I don’t have any specific dates at the moment but that could change at any time so stay tuned.
What role is the Internet/Social Media playing in connecting with fans and marketing your music?
The internet has become the most important tool for an artist to reach fans coupled along with social media and you have a platform to get in the business from the jump. I use any and every avenue I can to reach my fans, gather support, and hopefully eventually a fan base that supports me to the end.
Do you find yourself using one network more than the other? Where can people connect with you?
I would say facebook and twitter are the most important along with youtube and Reverbnation and things like that. On twitter you can reach me @thereal2four and on anything else real just type in 2Four with Nashville or the name of my EP Long Hair Don’t Care and I will pop up.
Where can we grab Long Hair Don’t Care? What should we expect when we push play?
You can get a physical copy directly from me or someone on my team or you can get it off itunes or any digital library on the net. The first thing you will notice when you play the EP is the diversity of the tracks because I wanted to show the different twists and turns that my music can take from a slowed down feel to dubstep to a club record and to anything in between. This will give you a peek into what you will hear from 2Four and what you will taste in the future.
Is there anything you could share with someone starting at ground zero that you wish you knew when you first started?
It dosen’t happen overnight. There are many years put in to making it even this far and it seems like you are so close yet so far. All I can say is don’t expect fame and glamour in the start because you have to go through the opposite to get to where you want to be and then have to maintain it. Nobody is gonna do you any favors and people will always try to take advantage of you so know what your doing, love it, and then go make it happen.
Any last thoughts or shout outs?
I would just like to thank everyone involved in my journey in music. I would like to thank all my family, friends, and fans who support me and hopefully more will know who 2Four is shortly. Stay tuned because I have some new projects and ideas in the works so expect to see a lot more of 2Four in 2013.
