Exclusive Interview: RIOT

[Boss]

What is your name and what city do you rep?

I'm RIOT and I rep Seattle, WA

What is unique about you and your music?

What's unique about my music is my unique lyricism and use of metaphors. I'm known for how I roll my R's and other letters when I rap. My name is based off my ability to project my voice in an aggressive or emotional way.

What shaped your music? 

What shaped my music is the misfortune and trauma ive had to experience throughout my life. My mental instability as a young adult is what gave me a reason to use music and lyricism as a coping mechanism. I've grown to the idea that without the short comings in my life I wouldn't be an artist so I'm thankful but angry in nature at the same time.

When did you realize you were going to make music professionally? 

I realized I wanted to make music professionally when i was 22 and performed for the first time. The stage and crowd brought a new enlightenment in that I wanted to make music for living and pursue my dreams. 

What type of music do you listen to? 

I mainly listen to hiphop/rap and other alternative styles but am odd in the sense that I will indulge in classical music and even film scores as I have always enjoyed music with a dramatic tone. 

Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist? 

I believe the most undervalued artist I have come across is Chris Webby. He has been grinding in the game so long and made so many great tracks. My favorite track by Webby is Tazmanian Devil as it exposes the kind of word play and flow that is not heard very often. 

How do you prepare for your performances? 

I prepare for my performances by first deciding on a song which is difficult at times as you have to predict what a crowd might want to hear. I spend my time often whispering songs to myself, I listen to a recording to grasp the memorization that I need on stage. I do this all while working on my stage presence in a large area to best replicate what I will do on stage. 

What ignites your (song) writing flow? 

I usually write based off emotional context in my life and I often reflect on past events to fuel my concept for the song. The main goal in my writing is to establish an overall topic while using the underlying force of my past and present to give reason to what I am saying. 

What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about? 

Honestly music takes up about 90% of my time. The other 10% is used polishing content so that my music and brand has a professional look. 

Success to you is… 

Others hearing my message

What do you wish you were told when you first started rapping that you think would help artists starting out? 

Dont release music right away. Try your best to promote and build a buzz before releasing a track or album. 

Where do we find you music / music project?

You can find my content on my YouTube Channel 
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC14o91YM1vwcWEti3Z7iSiw

Also on the Google Play Store for purchase
https://play.google.com/store/music/album?id=Bwwsyijldokw7qn6byj6hl...