Today, NoNeedz remains a solid Pop/Hip Hop/Reggae artist from San Diego, California. Because of his eclectic style he's managed to rope in fans from all genres, which makes him a fantastic dream for managers and labels alike, to sign and promote, to listen and to love. Enjoy the interview!
1.Let’s start from the beginning, when and where did it all start? And with whom?
Actually, I was a screw up in High School and got kicked out of a class (can't remember which). Recording arts was open and I thought it would teach me about a new Camcorder I got. I was a sucker. The course was a musik class! The final involved writing a song. So I wrote some lyrics (much borrowed from the Fugees HAHA) and that's how I got roped into this giant mess.
2.If you had to describe your sound in one sentence, what would you say?
My sound is simply underground reggae and pop, with hip hop vocals layered over these two genres and just a mule’s hair above what most people consider listenable. Some say I sound like Gym Class Heroes, but, it’s only fair to add, some people say I sound like absolute crap.
3.Name 3 artists that have inspired you as a band (solo artist).
Fugees, Mos def, Aesop Rock
4.What do you see in the future for music, with all of the outlets available for exposure, along with the current Internet craze?
Music will continue to evolve but voices which never would’ve been heard will continually grow stronger and more competitive in the music market.
5.What can we expect to see from NoNeedz in 2008? Any big plans?
Frankly, I’m in the group (Close Enough) www.myspace.com/closeenoughmuzic, so expect to hear more of my vocals on pop/reggae/rock songs in our soon-to-release EP⎯2008. Other than that, no big plans. That involve musik. I do plan to write the great American novel, but of course I’ve said too much…
6.What has NoNeedz been listening to lately?
American Idol of course. But, beyond that 8pm delight, I listen to older Switchfoot, Incubus, Marley, Green Day, Sublime, Born Jamericans, etc. Still, in most cases I just employ Youtube to listen to particular songs that I suddenly have an obsessive penchant for during the day…like Billy Preston (nothing from nothing) and blur (song 2) and Sister Hazel (happy) and yada yada yada.
7.Your thoughts on independent music and if it’s possible to be successful through these means of distribution?
Well, in my humble opinion, if an underground band wants to sell 50,000 records they’re going to have to book major gigs. The name gets out and that’s when ticket buyers research the band they just heard and buy the album.
8.If we can’t find you playing a gig or practicing music, where might we expect to find you?
I go to Mira Costa College in San Diego so that’s where I’ll be. Or on my butt casting preliminary judgments based on outfits contestants are wearing at auditions on American Idol. Guy shows up in Chicken suit⎯probably not going to win…
9.How many shows do you play a year? What’s the atmosphere typically like?
I just got into performing live when I joined Close Enough last year. I’ve only performed 5 or 6 times since then. With the band, usually it’s a bar atmosphere 50-200 people depending on the place, lots of drunkards and brawls. Ironically, as a Christian, one would never find me in such a place typically.
10.Lastly, your thoughts on INDISTR.COM?
I think it’s a highly organized and graphically well-done site for music. I’m glad you contacted me and will certainly keep an eye out on how well the site develops and if it's made increasing profitable over the next few years. Yes sir!
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