Read the okumura. Interview below and share it on social media.
Please tell our readers who you are and what you do?
MASTER & mystic elder maikis…
We are okumura. A duo that's part of the supergroup, Earthbound Rejects.
We generally make hip-hop/rap music, but have dived into other genres before, We honestly just make life music. Something you can relate to.
We're all about staying positive and progressing forward, and if you check our music out, you're amazing.
Check out one of our more recent projects here:
https://soundcloud.com/innervillage/sets/corrupted-save-file
Let us know what you think!
How would you describe your influences and how have they changed over the years?
We won't lie. At first, we had a very close-minded view on what hip-hop was. So we only took inspirations from certain artists and aspects of life. But over time, we realized, hip-hop is an art. Art imitates life, and vice-versa. There isn't just one way to rap, and there's more than a handful of things to rap about. Plus, who said we need to rap all the time? At this point, as long as you make your music for good reason, and you're a good person as well, we'll more than likely rock with it.
What´s new right now?
We actually have a performance at an anime convention called AniMoreCon on the 20th & 21st of January 2018 . Nerd culture is life for us, so this is like a dream come true being able to do this. We also have 2 projects we're working on, one being an experimental project between us two, and a project with our group, Earthbound Rejects. Be on the lookout for both, as well as numerous music videos dropping soon!
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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?
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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?
STAY. YOURSELF.
FANS, FRIENDS, EVEN FAMILY MIGHT CHANGE ON YOU. JUST MAKE SURE YOU DONT.
IF YOU REALLY WANT THIS, THERE AREN'T ANY OBSTACLES THAT YOU CAN'T OVERCOME.
NEVER BE AFRAID TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT. DIFFERENT IS AWESOME.
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How do you get gigs? Can you share any tips?
Just reach out. Never feel like you aren't known enough or don't have enough clout to perform at a place. The only two things they could do is say no, or not respond, so it's always worth it. Constantly look for events and shows in the area and contact anyone you can.
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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?
REPOST REPOST REPOST.
Network on your social media and find people willing to repost/share your music if you do the same. Consistency, and having QUALITY music is key as well.
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What has been your biggest challenge right now? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
Our biggest challenge has been getting our reach. We kind of suck at having an image and have been slacking on visuals, which are two of the biggest things that attracts new listeners. We also had a hard time finding gigs to perform at. But as of recent, these are two things we have been working on, to our benefit.
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How do you personally discover new music?
We honestly just go on Soundcloud or music hosting websites and just click links. We don't worry about the artwork, features, or website ratings. Just clicking play and letting the music speak to us. Usually end up with one or two new people to listen to.
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Once you discovered new music, do you tell others about the new music/artist you discovered? If yes, how exactly?
“Just either playing the music around them, or sending a link to it asking my people to check them out.
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What is your number one tip to improve your music production or songwriting skills?
YouTube tutorials honestly. If you have friends who are in that field, ask for help. Even just asking generally, there are people out there willing to help you. Also just going into programs yourself and spending time just messing around with effects and things will really help you get a feel of that program.
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What is your best tip for those who struggle with finishing their tracks?
Don't be afraid to shorten a track. Don't be afraid to ask someone for a feature. Don't be afraid to try something new on a track. If you still have that block, push it to the side and wait on it. It's better to wait and have an amazing track, than just putting something on it to finish it.
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We meet again in one year. What has changed?
At this point we'll have monthly steady shows, be performing at 2 or 3 conventions in the area a year, as well as having shows ourselves.
We'll be at the point where we'll more than likely sell features too, so collab with us ASAP.
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http://www.soundcloud.com/innervillage
http://www.facebook.com/innervillage
http://www.twitter.com/RPCFPOkumura
http://www.audiomack.com/artist/innervillage
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Enter your questions to the artist in the facebook comment section below.
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