Interview: Dstructive

Dstructive and I decided to do an interview to let everybody know what exactly is on his mind! I (DJ Isso), am asking all the questions and your boy Dstructive is answering them! Prepare to get knowledgized! (new word I created. It means “to be educated”). I’ve included some funny pictures of Dstructive throughout the interview! Check it all out below!

View Dstructive’s website at www.iamdstructive.com!

Dstructive as a young boy. He was macking super hot chicks when you were learning to tie your shoes.

- For those who don’t know you yet, tell us a little about yourself.

I am DSTRUCTIVE; a 22 year old artist raised in metro Atlanta. My main hustles are music, printing t-shirts, and working for the man. I went to college to study film/video production (another one of my passions), but only finished one year. In high school I dabbled in hip hop (occasionally freestyling), but never got serious about music until after I left college.

- When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?

I have been a connoisseur of hip hop since hearing coolio’s “gangsta’s paradise.” Although there was no way I could have related to the song’s lyrics at the time (around 7-8 years old), there was an unexplainable quality about hip hop that drew me in naturally. The soundtrack to dangerous minds was the first cd I ever owned. Before that I had only really listened to my parents’ music.

- What else do you do besides make music?

I listen to lots of music (everything: oldies, rock, hip hop, symphonies), make t-shirts, watch hella movies, party, procrastinate, work as a shift manager at blockbuster, and overall enjoy my time on earth.

- What is your favorite type of music?

Dstructive's favorite song as a child was Can't Touch This by MC Hammer.

If I had to pick one specific genre: Hip hop, no question. The classics are my forte: mos def, dilla, gangstarr, common, atmosphere, red and meth, etc. I do listen to almost everything else, though. Other genre artists I like: the beatles, Bob Marley, led zeppelin, ac/dc, brand new, matisyahu, modest mouse, and this list could go on forever.

- Why do you want to record and release your own music? Also, why did you choose this specific genre/type of music?

Making music is fun. That’s a huge reason that I make music. Everyone has a passion and hip hop happens to be mine. I chose this particular genre: 1) because hip hop is my favorite style of music, and 2) there came a time when I said to myself “I know I can make better music than a lot of what is played on the radio,” so I decided to pursue it seriously. It is definitely not a superiority thing, though. I respect the talent of popular musicians, but I believe I have enough skill to hang.

- What type of person would like your music the most?

I think classic hip hop fans will really dig what I have to offer. People that appreciate lyric oriented music should be pleased as well. My main focus is thought-provoking lyrics, but I throw in some humor to keep it interesting. My music isn’t gangster because I’m not gangster, but If you like hip hop, I am making music for you.

- What are your songs about?

Each song has its own individual theme, of course, but generally my music is about every day experiences and my thoughts on life. I don’t talk about having a lot of money because I don’t. My songs are less about what I have and more about the experiences I am having. I do have a couple of songs about love, some party music, and even some parody type songs.

- Do you write your own songs?

Absolutely. Lyrics are the biggest part of hip hop to me. How an artist sends a message in his/her song is what separates them from other artists. I feel that no artist can accurately articulate how I feel for me better than I can on my own.

Dstructive performing at a house party with your boy DJ Isso

- Who and what are your musical influences?

I pretty much just try to follow in the steps of the great soulja boy tellum… (sarcasm) Nah… Like I said mostly classic stuff. If I said eminem wasn’t one it would be a lie. He is/has been/always will be dope. Some folks have made comparisons obviously because I’m white. I’m on completely different subject matter, though.

- How do you describe your music to people?

After the awkward stare I get when I tell people I make hip hop, I make sure to add that its somewhat intelligent and more similar to the classics than what’s played commercially today. Like a mix between lil john and the beatles

- What image do you think your music conveys?

Exactly what I am, a goofy yet complex white dude. I don’t put on a false image. I just stay true to who I am. I don’t want to sell an image either, just good music.

- What are your immediate music career goals?

Right now I am working on releasing my first official mixtape in a few weeks. I definitely want to distribute that as widely as possible. Independent radio play is another immediate goal for me. Getting some shows at larger more diverse venues… Other than that, just day to day progression in writing and freestyling as well.

- What are your long-term career goals?

The main goal is to be a hip hop artist by profession, to make enough money from music to live well. A couple of grammys are on the list as well. I won’t lie I’m shooting for the stars. I see my potential as endless. There are several other endeavors that I would like to pursue on top of hip hop, but music is the main focus for now.

- How would you define the word “success”?

Success to me is when people genuinely respect you for what you are doing. Money seems to be the definition for a lot of other cats out there. I personally think that when money is the main focus, a person can never really reach their full potential. I make music to make the best music possible, so when someone is feeling my music, I have succeeded.

- Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal? Or a deal at all?

Honestly I would love to make/promote/distribute all of my own music from here on out. The reality, sadly, is that if someone is trying to expose themselves on a national/international scale it takes money, and lots of it. At $9/hour I should have enough to fund my self in about… a hundred years. But seriously, I’m not one of those strictly underground rappers. In the end it will come down to deciding who has the most to offer me not only as payment but also creative leeway. I don’t want to be told what to say or be written for, but I would also like the means to have my music reach as many ears as possible. In the end I would like my own label, but first things first.

- What live performance experience have you had and how do you rate your performance ability?

I have had only a handful of performances at this point, but I feel 100% comfortable performing. I know a lot of people dig it because they tell me. Several complete strangers have congratulated me on a dope show. Performances are definitely a strong point for me. I really look forward to having more in the future, and visiting other cities to showcase my talent.

Dstructive LOVES his microphone...

- What should fans look forward to for the the future?

A lot of dope music, most of all. We are going to add a fresh perspective to southern music and turn some heads in the process. I am working on getting some video stuff to add a visual to the audio madness. With the release of the mixtape I am gonna bomb the web with DSTRUCTIVE. You will be seeing lots more of me.

- What are your weaknesses?

Procrastination is my biggest one. I push stuff aside a lot. I am working on becoming more organized and focused, especially on the promotion and business end. Musically, I am very critical of my work, so some songs I write and rewrite until I’m satisfied. It’s only a weakness because it can turn a song into a 2/3 week project.

- How do you think the internet has changed the game for musicians and entertainment?

The internet has become a great tool for finding/showcasing music. It is the main source of music for millions worldwide. Now the problem isn’t finding new music, but sorting through the garbage to get to the good stuff. Regular guys have jumped into the spotlight overnight because of the internet. It seems like it could happen to anyone these days. Lots of dudes only have that one song then fade away. Because there’s so much music now, it seems like the industry has developed that throw away artist mentality. They will pick dudes capitalize on the moment, then as soon as the buzz wears off, BAM! you’re gone.

- What is your favorite thing to do besides making music?

Now that I think about it, music has become a big part of my life. Other than music and my 9-5 (which I wouldn’t say is one of my favorite things to do), I just chill. I play video games and watch movies when I’m killing time, but most things I do for fun involve music.

Until next time folks!

Peace,
Isso

- For those who don't know you yet, tell us a little about yourself.

I am DSTRUCTIVE; a 22 year old artist raised in metro Atlanta. My main hustles are music, printing t-shirts, and working for the man. I went to college to study film/video production (another one of my passions), but only finished one year. In high school I dabbled in hip hop (occasionally freestyling), but never got serious about music until after I left college.

- When and how did you first become interested in music? How long have you been playing music?

I have been a connoisseur of hip hop since hearing coolio’s “gangsta’s paradise.” Although there was no way I could have related to the song’s lyrics at the time (around 7-8 years old), there was an unexplainable quality about hip hop that drew me in naturally. The soundtrack to dangerous minds was the first cd I ever owned. Before that I had only really listened to my parents’ music.

- What else do you do besides make music?

I listen to lots of music (everything: oldies, rock, hip hop, symphonies), make t-shirts, watch hella movies, party, procrastinate, work as a shift manager at blockbuster, and overall enjoy my time on earth.

- What is your favorite type of music?

If I had to pick one specific genre: Hip hop, no question. The classics are my forte: mos def, dilla, gangstarr, common, atmosphere, red and meth, etc. I do listen to almost everything else, though. Other genre artists I like: the beatles, Bob Marley, led zeppelin, ac/dc, brand new, matisyahu, modest mouse, and this list could go on forever.

- Why do you want to record and release your own music? Also, why did you choose this specific genre/type of music?

Making music is fun. That’s a huge reason that I make music. Everyone has a passion and hip hop happens to be mine. I chose this particular genre: 1) because hip hop is my favorite style of music, and 2) there came a time when I said to myself “I know I can make better music than a lot of what is played on the radio,” so I decided to pursue it seriously. It is definitely not a superiority thing, though. I respect the talent of popular musicians, but I believe I have enough skill to hang.

- What type of person would like your music the most?

I think classic hip hop fans will really dig what I have to offer. People that appreciate lyric oriented music should be pleased as well. My main focus is thought-provoking lyrics, but I throw in some humor to keep it interesting. My music isn’t gangster because I’m not gangster, but If you like hip hop, I am making music for you.

- What are your songs about?

Each song has its own individual theme, of course, but generally my music is about every day experiences and my thoughts on life. I don’t talk about having a lot of money because I don’t. My songs are less about what I have and more about the experiences I am having. I do have a couple of songs about love, some party music, and even some parody type songs.

- Do you write your own songs?

Absolutely. Lyrics are the biggest part of hip hop to me. How an artist sends a message in his/her song is what separates them from other artists. I feel that no artist can accurately articulate how I feel for me better than I can on my own.

- Who and what are your musical influences?

I pretty much just try to follow in the steps of the great soulja boy tellum… (sarcasm) Nah… Like I said mostly classic stuff. If I said eminem wasn’t one it would be a lie. He is/has been/always will be dope. Some folks have made comparisons obviously because I’m white. I’m on completely different subject matter, though.

- How do you describe your music to people?

After the awkward stare I get when I tell people I make hip hop, I make sure to add that its somewhat intelligent and more similar to the classics than what’s played commercially today. Like a mix between lil john and the beatles

- What image do you think your music conveys?

Exactly what I am, a goofy yet complex white dude. I don’t put on a false image. I just stay true to who I am. I don’t want to sell an image either, just good music.

- What are your immediate music career goals?

Right now I am working on releasing my first official mixtape in a few weeks. I definitely want to distribute that as widely as possible. Independent radio play is another immediate goal for me. Getting some shows at larger more diverse venues… Other than that, just day to day progression in writing and freestyling as well.

- What are your long-term career goals?

The main goal is to be a hip hop artist by profession, to make enough money from music to live well. A couple of grammys are on the list as well. I won’t lie I’m shooting for the stars. I see my potential as endless. There are several other endeavors that I would like to pursue on top of hip hop, but music is the main focus for now.

- How would you define the word “success”?

Success to me is when people genuinely respect you for what you are doing. Money seems to be the definition for a lot of other cats out there. I personally think that when money is the main focus, a person can never really reach their full potential. I make music to make the best music possible, so when someone is feeling my music, I have succeeded.

- Are you looking for an independent label deal or a major label deal? Or a deal at all?

Honestly I would love to make/promote/distribute all of my own music from here on out. The reality, sadly, is that if someone is trying to expose themselves on a national/international scale it takes money, and lots of it. At $9/hour I should have enough to fund my self in about... a hundred years. But seriously, I’m not one of those strictly underground rappers. In the end it will come down to deciding who has the most to offer me not only as payment but also creative leeway. I don’t want to be told what to say or be written for, but I would also like the means to have my music reach as many ears as possible. In the end I would like my own label, but first things first.

- What live performance experience have you had and how do you rate your performance ability?

I have had only a handful of performances at this point, but I feel 100% comfortable performing. I know a lot of people dig it because they tell me. Several complete strangers have congratulated me on a dope show. Performances are definitely a strong point for me. I really look forward to having more in the future, and visiting other cities to showcase my talent.

- What should fans look forward to for the the future?

A lot of dope music, most of all. We are going to add a fresh perspective to southern music and turn some heads in the process. I am working on getting some video stuff to add a visual to the audio madness. With the release of the mixtape I am gonna bomb the web with DSTRUCTIVE. You will be seeing lots more of me.

- What are your weaknesses?

Procrastination is my biggest one. I push stuff aside a lot. I am working on becoming more organized and focused, especially on the promotion and business end. Musically, I am very critical of my work, so some songs I write and rewrite until I’m satisfied. It’s only a weakness because it can turn a song into a 2/3 week project.

- How do you think the internet has changed the game for musicians and entertainment?

The internet has become a great tool for finding/showcasing music. It is the main source of music for millions worldwide. Now the problem isn’t finding new music, but sorting through the garbage to get to the good stuff. Regular guys have jumped into the spotlight overnight because of the internet. It seems like it could happen to anyone these days. Lots of dudes only have that one song then fade away. Because there’s so much music now, it seems like the industry has developed that throw away artist mentality. They will pick dudes capitalize on the moment, then as soon as the buzz wears off, BAM! you’re gone.

- What is your favorite thing to do besides making music?

Now that I think about it, music has become a big part of my life. Other than music and my 9-5 (which I wouldn’t say is one of my favorite things to do), I just chill. I play video games and watch movies when I’m killing time, but most things I do for fun involve music.