Read the M.A.G Interview below and share it on social media.
Please tell our readers who you are and what you do?
The name is Marcus A. Gonzalez; also know as "M.A.G". I am an upcoming hip-hop artist from Jamaica, Queens, NY. In the winter of 2015 I joined Microfiend which is a 5 artist group of rappers from the Queens and Brooklyn area of NYC. As as warm up, I released as collaborative project called "Rookies of the Year" in 2017 with fellow Queens artist Mikey Barz. Alongside fellow group member Buttahville Jay we worked on “Top of the Globe”; a hit single which received plays and recognition from Desert Storm Radio. M.A.G. has performed at venues around New York City including Starlets, SOB’s and Traphouse NYC. This past year, I completed a West Coast Tour for the "Rookies of the Year" mixtape during the BET Experience.
How would you describe your influences and how have they changed over the years?
My influence in music is the same person who influences me in my everyday life, my mother. On the musical side she has be a House music DJ for over 20 years. Whenever I needed guidance as far as mixing, mastering or my featured projects she has been the first person I would go to. She holds music to such a high regard that her critique is to ensure that the quality of music it to progress the culture.
What´s new right now?
As of December 9th I release my debut project entitled "M.A.G" with features from Fred The Godson & upcoming Brooklyn artist Tae Sav. It is available for download on Soundcloud (www.soundcloud.com/magmusic22) and most digital streaming sites. My team Microfiend and I also release a project titled "X Files" that consist of 5 track featuring all 5 artist. For the near feature, I have a single that is to be featured alongside my group mates featuring "King Los" and working on other feature with other upcoming artist.
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Are you a superfan of anyone? How did you become a superfan? Do you remember how you become a fan and what turned you into super fan? Have you ever thought about why you´re such a fan?
My top 4 artist Drake, J. Cole, Ace Hood and Chris Brown. When it comes to Drake I appreciate his play on words, the passion in his work and the free spirit energy he gives during his performances. J. Cole is definitely inspiration. His music is just so relatable in just about every mood you're in. I admire Chris Brown for his overall greatness. He is a great performance, creator and all around artist. That is something that as an artist hold highly. I can end this topic without Ace Hood. He is hands down my personal favorite. I actually tend to take his flow and delivery and use it as a guide when it is time for me to execute. The ability he has to take this dope beat and manipulate his flow on it is amazing to me.
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What was the biggest mistake you made when you started making music and what would be the number one tip you could give to a newcomer musician?
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How do you get gigs? Can you share any tips?
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Do you have good promotion tips for other musicians?
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Do you have insights on how to grow your audience on soundcloud that you want to share with our audience?
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What has been your biggest challenge right now? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
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How do you personally discover new music?
I tend to browse through social media (i.e. Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc.). I love finding new artist or overseas artist. It give me the opportunity to listen for different sounds and what I consider "forms of art". Learning and perfecting my craft in its entirety I feel come from not only the main stream but also the indie culture.
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Once you discovered new music, do you tell others about the new music/artist you discovered? If yes, how exactly?
“I always REPOST! I want to expose my personal world to great bodies of work. No sense in keeping it to myself right? Depending on how much I like the artist I try to network and possible look towards collaborating with them. Last but not least feedback. That is one of the things I look for personally when people listen to my music. So in turn I make sure i give them as much positive feedback I can.
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What is your number one tip to improve your music production or songwriting skills?
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What is your best tip for those who struggle with finishing their tracks?
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We meet again in one year. What has changed?
I don't know just yet. I'm working on more projects, singles and features. I'm focused on having a library of quality tracks available for my current fan base and those to come. I guess the one thing I can say is to grow not only my following but a loyal fan base.
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https://microfiendent.com/m-a-g
http://www.soundcloud.com/magmusic22
http://www.facebook.com/magmusicmf
http://www.twitter.com/magmusicmf
http://www.spinrilla.com/magmusic22
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Enter your questions to the artist in the facebook comment section below.
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