Goldenways: What was the first most influential verse you heard and why did it hit you so hard?
SoulKlap: For me the most influential verse or really even verses that I wrote was for my song, "Blind Faith." That whole song was initially sparked by a poster I saw of a war documentary. At the time, I had never heard a song about a soldier's perspective of war. I mixed in my emotions about the war as well, but most of it was just from hearing stories of vets and current soldiers overseas. I shocked myself with how deep it was upon first listen.
Goldenways: What do you hope the average listener takes from your music?
SoulKlap: I just want to make good music. There's no gimmicks with me. Just good music. I really want to touch people with my music. There's been times I've performed where I didn't get a thunderous applause, because people listen thoroughly to the lyrics and they touch their souls. Which is part of the reason I go by, SoulKlap.
Goldenways: I've heard that you're not too keen on the idea of being signed to a major label, can you tell me more about your feelings on that?
SoulKlap: Well I'ma say this. There was definitely a time where I didn't want to go major, due to the fact that major labels are like factories. They manufacture sound. It sounds like that too. However, now we're in the days where artists like Kanye and Talib got their own labels. I definitely wouldn't mind gettin on labels like that, becuz they don't manufacture sound they make really good music. Eventually I'd like to have my own label.
Goldenways: You fill your music with a very positive vibe, how are you able to stay away from the negativity that permeates so much of what we hear?
SoulKlap: Funny that you ask that becuz I wasn't always like that. I was just like everyone else, but I realized I'm not everyone else. For me, I like listening to positive music, it makes me feel good. I wanna make other people feel good with my music too, so I try to keep things positive.
Goldenways: I have read that when you started rapping you weren't so positive. You have said that you were rhyming about "killin, dealin, and havin bitches squealin", what made you change your style up?
SoulKlap: My mom actually found a book of rhymes I had when I was younger. It was filled with raps about sex, violence, and drug references. She actually liked the rhymes, but she said to me "that's not you." I realized she was right. I grew up in the suburbs. lol. I never have owned a gun, sold drugs or called a woman a bitch. That being said, I started being myself in my music. With songs like "Procrastination," I talk about my life as a college student procrastinating from doing his work. Songs like "Nights and Weekends" I talk about being in a long distance relationship. To me that's real life. It's no different than what rappers like Little Brother would do. Shout out to Phonte and Big Pooh!
Goldenways: You produce and write your own music, do enjoy one more than the other?
SoulKlap: I've come to enjoy producing more than writing. Writing is the first thing I did, then producing. But really, putting a beat together from nothing is amazing to me. Writing to me has become something a lil bit easier than producing. I like the challenge of producing.
Goldenways: What 5 words would you use to describe yourself?
SoulKlap: Soulful, Honest, Young, Gifted and Black
Goldenways: What plans do you have for yourself and your music?
SoulKlap: Eventually I'd like to start a label. I really wanna produce for artists (myspace.com/soulproducer holla at me!) I would definitely like to work with Lupe, Kanye, Cool Kids, Jay and Nas as well. So we'll see.
Goldenways:Favorite Artists?
SoulKlap: Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, The Cool Kids, Jay-Z, Nas, Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Coldplay, John Mayer, Fiona Apple, Feist, Amy Winehouse, Beatles, Jamie Cullum, and a whole lot others!
Goldenways: What does Hip Hop's Deepest Days mean to you?
SoulKlap: Early 90's, late 80's Black power rap era.
Much Love and thanks to SoulKlap for the opportunity to do this interview and the commitment to quality music!!
Get to know SoulKlap better @:
www.myspace.com/soulklap
www.myspace.com/soulproducer
soulklap.blogspot.com/
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