Wednesday, 8 February 2012

Interview with Ben Nazario (sheng..)

1. Your new single ___ has just officialy hit the UK stores, how do you feel about the reaction?
I can't believe it's finally happened. Seeing as over 2 months ago I was just some kid making average music videos on the internet it still feels so surreal. Because my previous videos on youtube had mixed reactions, I wasn't expecting anything different. I did have a drive in me to make something better that people would really like and relate to, but I didn't think ___ was going to be it. Within 24 hours of posting it, my views and likes had increased insaley. I knew then this was the point I needed to re-invent myself, and get some outside help.

2. How has your life changed since?
I wouldn't say my life has changed that much. Obviously people recognise me a lot more which is nice, but other than that all my friends and people iv'e known have stayed true to me. Like I said, when I re-invented myself my friends were my main help, which has helped get them noticed too. My best mate helped me with the initial design of my music video, which is why I think the song made such an instant impact.

3. What initially inspired you to start making music?
It's only something I was interested in a couple of years ago. Me and my brother always used to hang out at the weekend and make electronica type music just for the fun of it. We never really thought it would amount to anything, but when my brother moved away to uni and lost interest, I didn't. It changed from something I used to do for a laugh into something I seriously enjoyed and wanted other people to hear. I made a youtube account, which has mixed reviews, but as my friends got older and knew what they wanted to do, I just knew in the end, music was my main thing.

4. So now your a singed recording artist with an album on the way, are you still staying true to your music?

Haha, iv'e been asked that a lot. Of course now iv'e been singed, it is easier to get others peoples help, and get them to design songs for you other than making them yourself. Obviously I do have some help, but they listen to my input and take my ideas on board, with slight changed so that it can be enjoyed by everyone more. I still mix most of my tracks, but seeing as they have been in the music industry longer than me it would be silly not to listen. My new album is similiar to the track iv'e just realised, but also we've added in some suprise collaberations which will hopefully help promote the album more.

5. What are your top tips for any young budding musicians wanting to make there way to the top?
The trick is, as harsh as it sounds, to focus on your image just as much as the music. It's okay if your an amazing musician, but if you don't fit in with todays modern day image, the industry or the public will never take you seriously. For instance, as soon as i designed a logo for my youtube page which people associated with me, it made me look more professional and memorable. I was lucky enough to have friends who studied media to help me with an amazing video, but im sure if people who want to try hard they can do just as good. The key is to make an impact, even if the song isnt that great. You need people to remember you.

6. Who would you say is your inspiration?
I would have to say most of my inspiration came from people who made themselves from nothing. Ed Sheeran tried so hard to get into the music industry, but look how well known he is now. Even 'Rizzle Kicks' have got far by making music together. Even though people recognise me, I try my best to trawl youtube looking making music, because I know exactly how it feels to put up music that doesnt get viewed.

7. So saying that 'Ed Sheeran' and 'Rizzle Kicks' are your inspiration, would you ever do a duet with them?
Haha...well..I think I would have to get to know them first. Iv'e only met Ed once, and that was when my single first came out and I wasnt really that well known. They both would be amazing to do a duet with, and hopefully in the near future I will have the chance to do it. I guess your just going to have to wait untill my new albums our to see who iv'e collaberated with....

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