Thursday, June 23, 2011

MULA: The Interview

Tell us about yourself. 
Well, my real name is Jason Moore and I’m from (Bed-Stuy) Brooklyn, New York. My stage name is Mula. It's just another way of saying the word money. Just trying to be a lil’ bit different.

Where did the name come from?  
I was known in the area for having my own. I had my own money and I always kept up with the latest everything. The older hustler's on the block always used to call me J money. From there everybody caught on. When I started rapping I experimented with a few different names like Young Jay, Jmfire, Young Mula and last but not least I just left it Mula. Once I said it on a track, everybody got wind of it and it just stuck. But I always had the money in my name.

What type of music do you do?
I do pretty much every genre of music. But hip-hop and R&B is what I do mostly. I try to get the ear of both worlds, meaning underground and mainstream listeners. That’s why I put out mixtapes and release singles all the time.

Where are you from? Where do you rep?
I’m from Quincy Street between Troop and Marcus Garvey. But Gates Ave. was the block to be on if you was doing something in the neighborhood as far as basketball, dancing, rapping etc. So yeah...I rep both Quincy and Gates. But we all say we rep Marcus Garvey.

What influenced you to get into music?
I was influenced by music since I was a little kid. Music always played a big part in my upbringing. When I was eight or nine is when I started really paying attention to what people where saying in their music. Before I would just listen to the beats or watch how people dance to it.

How long have you been in music/ producing?
I've been doing this since 2003...so that’s about eight years I would say. I put out my first mixtape just within seven months of rapping. I don’t know too many artist who could say they've done that. But the last two years I've really came on strong and deal with a few good people to help with my movement and guide me in the right direction.


What is the direction of your music?
My target audience would be around 14 to 45. But the music I do is considered what I call "Personal". I give 95% real talk and the other 5% is used to paint a vivid picture for all to see, relate and identify with. I can't wait to be the next face on the music scene so ordinary people can be like "I know him...he used to be over there on the block" or "I used to see him all the time shopping downtown Brooklyn". So that’s kinda what I’m shootin’ for.

What is your long-range outlook with your music career?
For one, I'd like to be financially set. Two, I just want people to relate to what I’m saying through the music. Today's consumer is so caught up on gimmicks. They want you to shoot or get shot for them to respect you. Or, if you make a hardcore song then make a song for the females, they will say you went soft. If you do it the other way around, they will say the artist is not like that...how you go from for the ladies to get it poppin??? LOL. I just want the people to except me for me. That’s all.

Who are some of your influences?
I’m just gonna give you my top three...Joe Buddens, Stack Bundles and Lil’ Wayne. It’s a lot more, but I’m gonna leave it at that. Oh...and 50 cent. You gotta respect what he did and where he came from. Yeah, and he need to hurry up and sign me!

Is there anyone in the industry you would like to possibly work with in the future? Yeah...anybody and everybody who is getting money and making a difference in a positive way.   

What is your opinion of the music industry right now? 
I personally think it's cool. It’s the record labels that’s making hip-hop corny. I like all the new music that is coming out. It might not be for everybody but they are not tryin’ to be like the next man. And I respect that 100%.

How do you see yourself fitting into the current music scene?
I will fit right in! It's not a doubt in my mind that I think the people and the artist will gravitate toward me and my personality. I feel in order to be an artist in this game, I believe you have to have tons of personality. Nobody wants to see or pay to see a boring entertainer. LOL.

Where have you performed? 
I have performed many places...Brooklyn, Manhattan, Rockland County, Maryland, many spots upstate New York and the list goes on!

Where can your fans see you perform?
The fans can just check some of the websites like myspace.com/jmfireyoungmula.com, facebook.com/ymulabsb. They will all link you to other websites that I’m on and you can get other upcoming things I have going on in the future.

What do you have planned for your future?
I plan to try to get the best marketing and promoting as possible. If you don’t have the right promotions and connections to get out there, there’s no chance for you. I will work hard and remain humble. It wont be hard cause that’s just the kind of guy I am. Ha ha. 

What would be the last thing you would say to your fans out there?
Check out the sites that I’m on, go to datpiff.com and download my newest mixtape "Water Under Tha Bridge" and you can also get the last one "Fresh Out Da P's". Please log on and check for me and support my movement. I'd like to say thank you for the interview and for allowing me to speak my peace. It's been a blast. Can leave with out saying the motto...B.S.B IZ DAT GANG!!




Thursday, June 9, 2011

Rockstar Jones sits down with entIndustry

Rockstar Jones web series "Keeping Up With The Jones"




Tell us about yourself.


Where did the name come from? I’m from Little Rock, AR. I try to be the biggest at whatever I do. In my line of work, I want to be the biggest star possible. ROCK + STAR = ROCKSTAR JONES


What type of music do you do? I make urban music in the truest form. On any given day I will create hip hop (my favorite), R&B, world music, etc., but I will always have an urban feel to it. I define urban as heavy drums in pop format…


Where are you from? Where do you rep? I was born in Toledo, Ohio, but I grew up in Little Rock, AR. Along the way, I’ve lived in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Washington, DC and even France.


What influenced you to get into music? I was introduced to music at a young age (classical piano lessons) and later played alto saxophone in my high school band. I was always involved in playing music for as far back as I can remember. Once I was introduced to hip hop and saw people that looked like me or my friends creating music and living the musician lifestyle I was always intrigued. I got my feet wet on the business side of music FIRST (college radio dj, street team promotions, club promoter, etc.), and later producing/writing, etc.











How long have you been in music/ producing? I’ve been producing original music since 2002. I’ve been an artist (as ROCKSTAR JONES) since 2004.




What is the direction of your music? I believe my music is “Urban Forward” music. I consider myself the best of both worlds being that my music speaks to the inner cities as well as the suburbs, the college students and the 9-5 workers. I take pride in being known for discussing a wide-range of issues that a lot of people can relate to. I also take pride in making music that makes diverse groups of people forget their differences and enjoy themselves when their listening.


What is your long-range outlook with your music career? I’m tryna BLOW UP!!!!!! (lol) Just playing, my goal is for my music to first sustain myself, my family and my team. I also would like my music to be a tool to spark conversation on important issues, be used as a teaching mechanism for the youth and ultimately be the soundtrack to the times that we live in. I am fully aware of the death of great orators, poets and writers of the past such as Ralph Ellison, Alex Haley and others…I feel that artists like myself have a duty to continue that legacy. Despite the pressure to make popular music and sell out” I feel as an artist I can bridge the gap.


Who are some of your influences?I am influenced by any person in history that was an enigma for change…anyone who commands respect, attention, love, hate and change. Musically I love Bob Marley for his spirit, Jimi Hendrix for being before his time, Tupac, Nas (my favorite MC), writers such as my relative, Alex Haley, Maya Angelou and many others.


Is there anyone in the industry you would like to possibly work with in the future?I would love to do a record with Dr. Dre. But I’m hungry…I’m willing to work with anybody who’s open minded and looking to make a hit.




Rockstar Jones' "LA NOIRE" promo



What is your opinion of the music industry right now? The music industry is in the best of times and the worst of times. On one hand ‘some’ artists are making more money than could ever be imagined, opportunities exist for world-wide exposure, product endorsements, etc….on the other hand bootlegging is at an all-time high, there are TOO MANY UNTALENTED ARTISTS, and labels are dying left and right. I feel it’s a perfect time for change in the industry. I have to say that any artist who is unafraid to take risks and make innovative music will succeed.




How do you see yourself fitting into the current music scene? I sound like nothing on the radio…my story is like none other and my team is strong. I feel that my movement will carve its own lane in the current music scene. As a producer I see my sound becoming a sound of an era. As an artist I feel my songs will be remembered in hip hop history for their honesty and their unique mix of intelligence and gangster at the same time




Where have you performed? I’ve been fortunate to perform in New York, Atlanta, Washington, DC, Paris, and Memphis and of course Little Rock and many cities and towns in between. We get it in!!!


What do you have planned for your future? The world is mine..lol. I will be releasing my debut album, Better Than Good real soon. Please support the 1st single, “Bombs” and my college favorite, "Homecoming (Listen to My Drumline)” along with my web series "Keeping Up With the Jones" which can be viewed on Youtube or on my website.




On the set of Bombs Video




What would be the last thing you would say to your fans out there? If you haven’t checked me out before please follow me on Twitter (@WhoisROCKSTAR) or go to my websites:


WEBSITE: http://www.whoisrockstar.com/
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/WhoIsRockstar
YOUTUBE: www.Youtube.com/WhoisRockstar
MUSIC: http://www.whoisrockstar.bandcamp.com/