No One Likes Frank
31st May '09, 03:34 PM
(Original Document: http://ogfrankstah.wordpress.com/2009/05/31/a-word-with-amazer/)
Hang tight Amazer, got an interview with Untitled to come also.
Me: For those who may not already know, tell us a little about yourself.
Amazer: I’m Amazer, a grime MC from Lewisham, south east London. I’ve been writing lyrics since early 2004 but followed garage as a listener from the So Solid hay days
Me: Following on from them times, what made you want to do Grime ?
A: I always loved the live aspect of Grime. The energy on sets and hype raves. I was a big fan of Grime myself. I lived about 10 minutes away from IndepenDance Records so I was always in and out buying the latest mix CD’s and DVD’s. One of my closest friends had a pair of decks and everyone seems to go through that lyric writing stage.
Me: You’ve been doing music for quite a while, there was a break and now your back with more of a buzz around your name, what would you credit that too ?
A: Yeah I fell off for quite a while, you could say half of my time away was beyond my control, the other half was just me losing that determination. Everyone around me seemed to either stop or didn’t progress as an artist to me, couple man were still struggling to write 4 bar repeats in 2007 or even single 16’s. I credit me deciding to MC again to the OG’s. They were local talent making forward steps and I put pen to paper again in November 08 after about a year and a half.
Me: Talking of 4 bar repeats, you worked on “Hands In Da Air” which featured just that. People say that “fun” element has disappeared from grime, how do you see it ?
A: Nah, in my opinion grime is even better today. Hands in the air was recorded in 2005, when 4 bar repeats and one liners were the in thing. MC’s have stepped up, we actually make Songs now.
Me: So with the MCs stepping up and even moving commercially, where do you see the Grime scene in, let’s say 2 years ?
A: More established worldwide as a genre – hopefully artists don’t have to make these pop tunes just to chart. Less negative media attention. More Label interest, raves, concerts.
Me: But with every rave there seems to come more violence, do you think it started that way, or is it the negative stereotype with grime & violence just being fulfilled.
A: It’s the media just broadcasting what they choose as usual. I’ve been to grime raves where there’s the odd fight, raves where someone has been severely hurt but more time when I go, everything’s cool and the vibe is bless. There’s more drama at nightclubs where Grime isn’t played and we all know this!
Me: OK I see. Back to yourself, what have you got lined up for the listeners ?
A: I’ve got every DVD from Eskimo Dance to Risky Roads. Every MC gets asked this question and then there’s a two year wait until anything drops or it doesn’t drop at all. All I have to say is I’m working hard on consistency. Me and Drifter have Studio booked for the whole day next week and that’s going to be a the regular routine. Hopefully more radio play or appearances, collaborations, bookings. I’m just trying to tick every box as an Artist !
Me: Oh, that’s fair enough. Where do you see YOURSELF by the end of this year. Still doing Grime ? Can you broaden out to other genres ?
A: With material in the Shops! Yeah I can Rap but Grime is my main focus. I want to keep it Grime and make money selling Grime. I won’t be following those Grime to pop acts, fuck that, you trying to take man for a chipmunk?
Me: HAHA !! I’m not going to hide the fact Chipmunk has been successful, but I can understand what you mean. Speaking to one guy earlier, he compared you on the same level as Blacks, is there any particular artists you’ve taken inspiration from ?
A: I rate so many artists, obviously the local bunch have been the biggest inspiration. I was listening to P Money since he was in Block Kidz….Old school! But yeah Blacks, P Money, Little Dee, Seb Zero, Mega, Bearman and Coldboy were a few of my main inspirations. I listened to loads of Artists and the amount of DVD’s I had helped me keep up to date in the scene..
Me: Ha I see. Other than them guys mentioned, who would you like to make a track with ?
A: I’m interested in recording Music with alot of Artists. Especially those in the same position as me – up and coming talent. I rate Germz, Macksta, Voltage, Scruface.. There’s a long list but we’ll see how many actually ever happen..
Me: Yeah I rate Germz alot. Macksta and Scruface are also good. I suppose it’s fair to say you’ve had more of a chance as an up and comer because of the artists around you, to those up and comers that are tryna get a foot in the door, what advice would you give ?
A: Brudda, I’m still trying to boot my way in. Consistency seems to be the key at the moment, take a look at Voltage. Networking, contacting DJ’s.. Using all the promotional methods you can: Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter. Try to get into the Studio as much as possible. Write about different concepts and try to keep it unique and I’m sure after a while, if your good at what you do, the recognition & support will follow
Me: well, thanks for taking out time to chat, any shoutouts ?
A: Big up the Grime Forum on a real tip cah that’s where I go to catch up on the scene! Videos, Events, Releases, all a that – I rate that website. Big up all the Hard workers, shout to P Money, Little Dee, Blacks, Drifter, Kozzie, Scarcious, Slaughter, Mischief, A2, DJ Smalls, DJ JJ and the Grime Scene as a whole ya dun know !
For more on Amazer and to listen to his music please visit his Myspace @ http://www.myspace.com/amazermc
Alternatively, hear 5 of his latest songs over at the Listening Booth !
Hang tight Amazer, got an interview with Untitled to come also.
Me: For those who may not already know, tell us a little about yourself.
Amazer: I’m Amazer, a grime MC from Lewisham, south east London. I’ve been writing lyrics since early 2004 but followed garage as a listener from the So Solid hay days
Me: Following on from them times, what made you want to do Grime ?
A: I always loved the live aspect of Grime. The energy on sets and hype raves. I was a big fan of Grime myself. I lived about 10 minutes away from IndepenDance Records so I was always in and out buying the latest mix CD’s and DVD’s. One of my closest friends had a pair of decks and everyone seems to go through that lyric writing stage.
Me: You’ve been doing music for quite a while, there was a break and now your back with more of a buzz around your name, what would you credit that too ?
A: Yeah I fell off for quite a while, you could say half of my time away was beyond my control, the other half was just me losing that determination. Everyone around me seemed to either stop or didn’t progress as an artist to me, couple man were still struggling to write 4 bar repeats in 2007 or even single 16’s. I credit me deciding to MC again to the OG’s. They were local talent making forward steps and I put pen to paper again in November 08 after about a year and a half.
Me: Talking of 4 bar repeats, you worked on “Hands In Da Air” which featured just that. People say that “fun” element has disappeared from grime, how do you see it ?
A: Nah, in my opinion grime is even better today. Hands in the air was recorded in 2005, when 4 bar repeats and one liners were the in thing. MC’s have stepped up, we actually make Songs now.
Me: So with the MCs stepping up and even moving commercially, where do you see the Grime scene in, let’s say 2 years ?
A: More established worldwide as a genre – hopefully artists don’t have to make these pop tunes just to chart. Less negative media attention. More Label interest, raves, concerts.
Me: But with every rave there seems to come more violence, do you think it started that way, or is it the negative stereotype with grime & violence just being fulfilled.
A: It’s the media just broadcasting what they choose as usual. I’ve been to grime raves where there’s the odd fight, raves where someone has been severely hurt but more time when I go, everything’s cool and the vibe is bless. There’s more drama at nightclubs where Grime isn’t played and we all know this!
Me: OK I see. Back to yourself, what have you got lined up for the listeners ?
A: I’ve got every DVD from Eskimo Dance to Risky Roads. Every MC gets asked this question and then there’s a two year wait until anything drops or it doesn’t drop at all. All I have to say is I’m working hard on consistency. Me and Drifter have Studio booked for the whole day next week and that’s going to be a the regular routine. Hopefully more radio play or appearances, collaborations, bookings. I’m just trying to tick every box as an Artist !
Me: Oh, that’s fair enough. Where do you see YOURSELF by the end of this year. Still doing Grime ? Can you broaden out to other genres ?
A: With material in the Shops! Yeah I can Rap but Grime is my main focus. I want to keep it Grime and make money selling Grime. I won’t be following those Grime to pop acts, fuck that, you trying to take man for a chipmunk?
Me: HAHA !! I’m not going to hide the fact Chipmunk has been successful, but I can understand what you mean. Speaking to one guy earlier, he compared you on the same level as Blacks, is there any particular artists you’ve taken inspiration from ?
A: I rate so many artists, obviously the local bunch have been the biggest inspiration. I was listening to P Money since he was in Block Kidz….Old school! But yeah Blacks, P Money, Little Dee, Seb Zero, Mega, Bearman and Coldboy were a few of my main inspirations. I listened to loads of Artists and the amount of DVD’s I had helped me keep up to date in the scene..
Me: Ha I see. Other than them guys mentioned, who would you like to make a track with ?
A: I’m interested in recording Music with alot of Artists. Especially those in the same position as me – up and coming talent. I rate Germz, Macksta, Voltage, Scruface.. There’s a long list but we’ll see how many actually ever happen..
Me: Yeah I rate Germz alot. Macksta and Scruface are also good. I suppose it’s fair to say you’ve had more of a chance as an up and comer because of the artists around you, to those up and comers that are tryna get a foot in the door, what advice would you give ?
A: Brudda, I’m still trying to boot my way in. Consistency seems to be the key at the moment, take a look at Voltage. Networking, contacting DJ’s.. Using all the promotional methods you can: Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, Twitter. Try to get into the Studio as much as possible. Write about different concepts and try to keep it unique and I’m sure after a while, if your good at what you do, the recognition & support will follow
Me: well, thanks for taking out time to chat, any shoutouts ?
A: Big up the Grime Forum on a real tip cah that’s where I go to catch up on the scene! Videos, Events, Releases, all a that – I rate that website. Big up all the Hard workers, shout to P Money, Little Dee, Blacks, Drifter, Kozzie, Scarcious, Slaughter, Mischief, A2, DJ Smalls, DJ JJ and the Grime Scene as a whole ya dun know !
For more on Amazer and to listen to his music please visit his Myspace @ http://www.myspace.com/amazermc
Alternatively, hear 5 of his latest songs over at the Listening Booth !