HipHopOnDeck.com Interviews Leo W3st
"An Inside Look at the Journey of an Up-and-Coming Artist"
1. What inspired you to create your latest album "Just HML"?
A. The idea really came from both me and Domm we make so much music we just never put out a album together just singles and eps
2. How has your experience been different performing at the House of Blues and Hip Hop in Chinatown?
A. We’ll at the HOB I had a 13 min set which was a part of the headliners set (Hugh Lee )and I enjoyed the live esthetic of the venue and HHICT I had my own set and it was my first festival performance at least 1k plus was in attendance
3. What was the creative process like for you when you made "Just HML"?
A. Some of these songs where already made prior to deciding to make an album, but when it was decided I would tap in to my teenage years and go live a little bit of life to get the most creativity, most times before I record I would smoke and just listen to the instrumental.
4. What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
A. So far signing with Chicago creed and releasing my first album
5. How has working with your producer, DommOrElse, helped shape the sound of your music?
A. Having Domm in my corner changed the way i heard instrumentals and the type of sound he provided you ain’t got no choice but to find the right pocket, overall the way he produces these sounds plays a big part of how I go about making music
6. Could you explain the meaning behind the acronym HML?
A. HML just a short way of saying hit my line and it’s a pretty common thing to say
7. What do you think sets you apart from other independent hip hop artists?
A. Me being original and authentic is what sets me from the pack it’s easy to follow a wave but how many can create one and stay true to themselves
8. What do you feel has been the most important factor in getting your music out to the public?
A. Press runs have been number 1 lately when you have blogs and Other media sites showing you to a new fanbase that makes a difference
9. What advice would you give to aspiring independent artists?
A. I would say never give up create your own wave and never let somebody tell you you can’t do nothing , most importantly stay in rooms where important people are
10. How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep creating new music?
A. The love of music keeps me motivated and the fact that I create it amplifies that love , the inspiration comes from all places especially the group of guys I work with on the daily
11. What's next for Leo W3st, are there anything else that you would like to say to your fans?
A. Album is out so what’s next is to get these shows lined up, see if I can make some tour appearances etc, and to the fans i appreciate y’all for staying on this journey with me it means everything
