Glasswerk meets: Antix

• 5th Nov 2012

Q: An alien lands on earth. He doesn’t really know much about bands/artists and that as he’s an alien, obviously. Aliens aren’t in bands. How would you describe you and your music to said alien?
I’d say “Mr. Alien, my music is an honest commentary on the world I see around me. Have a listen to my album, maybe even get all your alien friends to buy a couple million copies, and you will get a sense of what it is like down here on earth. Hip hop done my way, fusing accessible melodies and production with real lyricism and content. Enjoy the album Mr. Alien. Good day.”

Q: It’s 2012, the year of the dragon. What’s been your highlight of the year so far? It doesn’t have to be anything to do with dragons, but dragons are rad.
The highlight of my year so far has been touring, and doing the live shows. I moved back here from LA and set up the full live band, which has been an absolutely fantastic experience. We have had some great shows, become good friends, and started getting the music out there. It is a whole different thing performing with real musicians, than just getting up and rapping/singing to backing tracks. I have loved the experience.

Q: God calls you up, and he’s wanting to put on a show. Being God and all, he doesn’t really have time to choose bands, DJs or a venue. He’s put you in full control. Also – again, him being God and all – you can choose anyone alive or dead – he’s that good. Who’s playing and where?
That is easy. I would be at the Sands, watching Sinatra. Also I would ask to see Pavarotti singing Nessun Dorma. It is one of my favourite pieces of music, and I never got to see him sing it live; I was too young, and his health was beginning to decline by the time I was old enough to appreciate it. I think maybe also seeing Bob Marley performing with the Wailers on a beach in Jamaica, while sipping on some good dark rum. All would be great.

Q: What’s your favourite childhood memory?
I remember being woken up in the dead of night, put into my baby seat, and packed into our car to go skiing. I have flashes of memories of the journey there through the mountains, in the snow. I remember feeling very warm and safe. I think it is my earliest childhood memory, and it is definitely a happy one.

Q: What were the first and last pieces of music that you bought?
First piece was the Slim Shady LP, Eminem. It was sort of my introduction to hip hop. I absolutely love that album. Last piece was probably me being some classics to have in my car. I think it was Illmatic, Nas’ first album. To this day, one of the best hip hop joints ever made. If only hip hop were still like that, instead of all the mindless stuff it is now.

Q: What bands/artists are there around at the moment that people aren’t listening to enough? Any tips for future stardom?
There are lots of great artists out there. I think the artists that are going to start emerging soon enough are going to be away from the current trends. Most mainstream music now has become tired and formulaic. I think there will be a paradigm shift back to real artistry soon enough. Look out for songwriters, conscious hip hop, soul bands and big singers. People who aren’t 11 are getting tired of listening to the same garbage. It is only a matter of time before it has to come to an end. Also I heard this guy Antix is pretty dope….

Q: What’s the rest of 2012 got in store for you?
Need good UK management, so I am working on that. More touring, releasing the new album “Question Everything”. Got radio campaigns lined up around the first 3 singles off the album. Lots of work, lots of plugging. Hopefully a little luck, and boom. I’m doing everything I can right now. The rest is up to the aliens.

Q: That alien from Q1 is back – he’s just got his mitts on a computer, and he wants to find out more about you. Where’s the best place he can go to find out more and what should he check out first?
Well Mr. Alien, the new album is out Nov. 18th. It’s called “Question Everything”. I think it will make a refreshing change to what people are hearing right now. So definitely get that. I’m very active on Facebook so come join me there. My 2010 album “Flammable Grammar” is also available at all digital outlets, so go check that out also.