Tag Archives: Jason Bourne Experience

Interview with B Elise about her influences and new single “Boomin”

Queens native B. Elise has been making her rounds promoting her new single, Boomin, which is quickly one of the more popular records on the NYC independent single. As a fan of the record myself I sat down with the upstart to talk about her journey in music, outside ventures, and of course Boomin. Read below.

 

Jason Bourne: I see you have all Queens artists listed as your influencers. Talk to us about what you have learned by studying some of the legends that come out of your borough.

B. Elise :Well I grew up on listening to most of those artists and other artist that were influenced by them. I notice a lot of artist that come out of Queens are usually here for some years, so I would say those legends have taught me about the importance of longevity. If I could write my own legacy I wouldn’t and even if I did I don’t think I would write much because I think that’s a little narcissistic for some reason. I don’t know that question always made me feel weird.

Jason Bourne: Describe your preference in music, what catches your ear?

B. Elise: I dont have a specific preference musically to be honest. I’m into all types of music. For the most part you can catch me listening to my music or something legendary from a creative who has passed. I respect legends.  I like Soul, Blues, Pop, Rock, Hip Hop, and Classical.

Jason Bourne: How does that influence or enhance your creativity?

B. Elise: Well for one I think it gives me an opportunity to be open to other types of music. I like different things in life, I am a very outside the box kind of person. I don’t think it’s insane or even un-Hip Hop to have you know drums and trumpets on a traditional trap beat. I like variety.

Jason Bourne: You started in spoken word correct?

B. Elise: Yes I did, ugh I think that was something I was less afraid to do in public than music. Also my poetry was a therapeutic way for me to be more out there just on a social level. I have my battles with anxiety and some other things. That time in my career was a challenge to myself to get out of my shell and express myself as a creative. It was something I did enjoy doing around the city. Then I stopped abruptly, I may go back to it in the future. Right now I’m focused on music.

Jason Bourne: How easy was the transition to recording music?

B. Elise: The transition was easy. I mean I was always doing music or trying so all the while I was being recognized as a poet people still knew I was a music artist. I was vocal about that just didn’t show it.

Jason Bourne: Outside of music you have a background in TV / film. How did that come about?

B. Elise: Yea, so I’m dabbling a bit in TV production and acting. I’m a TV producer with Qptv and I’ve already completed a few shows that have gone on air. I just started so I’m super humble about the position because I know there is so much more to learn.

Jason Bourne: For those who do not know, you are actually trained in these fields right, like formal schooling and everything – how much has that helped?

B. Elise:  I actually have professional training in drama. That was even before my spoken word era. Not too much before but before (giggles). I liked the whole training experience. I have to say it did help me as a person outside of the classroom. Whether or not someone wants to be a thespian or not I would recommend classes because they really get you out of your shell.

Jason Bourne: What kind of advice would you give to someone else as far as going to school or living off experience?

B. Elise: To anyone that is deciding on whether to take formal training or not, I would say if the opportunity is there to take the training, do it. To each its own at the end of the day but I do believe classes are something that one will need down the line.

Jason Bourne: You will be doing some acting this Fall as you come from behind the camera and jump in front. Talk about that.

B. Elise: So yeah I am super excited about the premiere of “For the Love of Boop.” It is the first urban lesbian reality series of its kind. It’s about 10 women who all live in one house and battle it out for the love of one – Miss Boop. It’s produced by NewYorkGirlsTv who also produced the series that Boop is a star of. I mean I’m super anxious. The reviews and views have been excellent. I just can’t wait for the world to see how messy these BROADS get for my wife. It’s really hilarious because that’s boo.

Jason Bourne: Your single “Boomin” is dope. Perfect name. Talk to us about the process of getting that song to grow legs and get to the masses

B. Elise: Yes “Boomin” is my baby. There’s an entire back story about it but the focus now is getting as many ears on the record as possible.  I’ve been connecting with a lot of people across the states. Still connecting the dots, but we’re moving. Boomin is definitely a bop. All the fly girls love it and the kids too. The kids go crazy when Boomin comes on for sure. Make sure you guys download that. It’s on all major streaming platforms.

Jason Bourne: First thing u said when u left the studio after it was mixed. Did you know u had 1?

B. Elise: Nope!!! I didn’t let anyone here the record for 2yrs. Boomin was created in 2014. It’s literally an old record that just sounds up to date. I never liked it. I hated it actually. Somebody I think heard by accident and was like “who this?” and then just letting other people hear it, they’re like “oh you crazy, put this out” so WE’RE HERE!!!

 

 

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Q&A with rising Cleveland artist Woulf

With popular tracks like High Horse, and Coupe making an impact in his city, Cleveland native Woulf is looking to kick the door down on the national scene. Doing his diligence to be the face of Hip Hop in the home of legendary Bone Thugs-N-Harmony crew, Woulf has pushing the envelope with great work ethic and the spirit of his brother AyeYoAce. I caught up with Woulf release to talk music and the Land. Check it out below:

Jason Bourne “Champion” was good change of pace in my opinion . I found myself listening to a record that I could ride to on a Friday afternoon getting ready for later on. In terms of song arrangement is there a formula you follow for every project or are you flexible?

Woulf: “Closet like we just jumped out the mall!” Yeah some ride out vibes, get fresh, and hit the strip type vibes fa sho! Glad you like it dawg! I usually hear a beat and work on the melody. Next step is for me to come up with an icy chorus. Since I’m Jamaican, I naturally bring a different cadence to some of my pronunciation of words. After I breakdown the chorus I usually keep the energy level the same for each verse. Maybe not as many vocal effects as I would use on the chorus, but I still bring an element for the verses. I always try to challenge myself for the 2nd verse, so I might do more chops than I would in the first. Gives more energy to the record.

Jason Bourne: The visual for “High Horse” is very clean with dope affects – how involved in your visuals are you in terms of treatment writing?

Woulf: “Put that B*tch up on another High Horse” that was hard ass record man! I like to get hands on with everything I do. I write my songs…might as well go the whole process with it. Me & Monty Willz came up with the idea for the race track vibe and decided to shoot in multiple rooms and even grab a scene from outside of the building. When it comes to treatment for visuals it’s all about the aesthetic of bringing the record to life. I and the videographer will have 2-3 meetings just about the treatment before we even pick a day to start filming. It’s all about the vibe and we can’t half ass the work ya digg? I’ve always had a passion for the post production of visual content. At one point in my life I even wanted to become a photographer. Hand me your phone to take a picture of you and I’m giving you 5 pictures at 5 different angles. So I’m all about angles, lighting, and different color grades. It’s really about the vibes and emotions I want to give all my rebels.

 

Jason Bourne: On “Coupe” you had a dope bounce going as you created a dope melody and party vibe for the track – walk me through a studio session with you? What’s the process of recording a track like Coupe?

Woulf: Coupe was one of those records I was certain was a dope sound! I wanted to do something different. The song was actually about this weekend me and my brother brought some girls to the crib from college, the one had a boyfriend and was ready to get engaged. Let’s just say they never did go through with that engagement. A session with me is really a vibe, not too many people in the studio though. I don’t mind people coming for a vibe, but certain songs I like to surprise the world with so I like to keep it solo on those. When I recorded Coupe I had multiple sessions just to make sure it was perfect. I’m a perfectionist so I get anal with my art.

Jason Bourne: Wolves Against Men your debut and Dark Side of the Moon your follow up – what do you think has been the most significant part of your evolution between the 2 projects as a man and an Artist:

Woulf: As a man, especially a black man in America, every day is a struggle! I’ve fought many demons on this path. A lot can happen in 2 years. A lot of deaths, a lot of ties cut, a lot of money and time spent, relationships made, and a lot of women… ya digg what I mean lol. The biggest thing I learned was about me and that’s amazing! I feel comfortable with myself and who I am. As an artist I learned my sound and traveled around the country for shows! The goal now is to go to Germany especially Frankfurt. I got a growing fan base out there!

Jason Bourne: It’s been a while since we have gotten something fresh out of Cleveland musically in a lot of cases I feel like Midwest artists get lumped into one big pot instead of there being separate recognition for each city – how do u feel about that?

Woulf: Yes & no! Cleveland has its own sound! We keep things icy! But the Midwest has a universal sound! Just as you can tell a down South artist, you can tell a Midwest artist as well. Of course style and sound are very different. Style is how you bring life to what you do and sound is the production of it all.

Jason Bourne: Is Cleveland overlooked in your mind and how do you plan to change that?

Woulf: I feel like Ohio period is a place that gets… I wouldn’t say overlooked but overstepped, digg what I’m saying? Being overlooked means to not have anyone looking in our direction. Within the past 2-3 years we’ve had some dope artist come out of Ohio and get signed, especially Cleveland! Being overstepped means that not a lot of people make Cleveland apart of their stop whether it be music tours, comedy tours, movie premieres etc. Becoming an attractive city is the key to success. Drake gave Toronto a sound, he gave it a vibe, he made you want to go to Toronto and see if what he’s saying is real. LeBron made you want to come to Cleveland just for a Cavaliers game. The more artist to come out of Cleveland the more we bring awareness to the city.

Jason Bourne: The Lox is one of my favorites how was it opening up for them?

Woulf: Yeah man I was throwed watching these guys, let alone opening up for them. That had been my first time ever performing at the House of Blues. That had been the biggest crowd I’ve ever performed in front of! A 45 minute set…dawg I am not never been on anyone’s stage that long, not for 45 minutes man hell naw lol. I practiced every day on my performance. I stayed in the gym and I conditioned myself when I ran to rap my songs as if I’m performing. God was on my side that time. Whatever I did must have worked because I get asked to come back and do shows all the time now.

Jason Bourne: You have gotten into branding with Hometown Heroes – Vaping is taking over how did that relationship come about?

Woulf: S/O to Hometown Heroes! Those are the homies! I did a show in Akron, Ohio at this really dope smoke shop called “Marley N Me” S/o to “TrapHutt”, I got plugged in by my guys out in Akron, Ohio! I like vaping it’s a great alternative to smoking, less money and there’s no tobacco so its health benefits are great. Whether its tobacco or its herb, it’s a cleaner route that I’m definitely down for promoting to all my smokers out in the world.

Jason Bourne: I wanted to take a moment and have you share with us one of your greatest memories of AyeYoAce as one a brother and two a collaborator in music.

Woulf: Me & Aaron (AyeYoAce) man I don’t even know where to begin. That’s my brother, it’s so deep between us. We would go on “WOULF missions” that would take us from a 5 minute drive to a whole different city doing stuff we ain’t have no business doing, just living life. He was the one of the only people that I really opened up and cried to honestly. Our bond was so tight and it channeled through the music we made. I pushed him to be the best producer out. He pushed me to become greater because he would never tell me something was good he just told me keep going. After he passed I saw videos of him turned on different people’s phone to our songs. I’m like man…he really enjoyed it. He seen the good in people and brought good vibes everywhere. I can honestly say he was the life of the party. I’m really an only child biologically from my parents, but when we met in high school and I met his family I pretty much got adopted lol. I always wanted a brother or sister, so it was like a dream come true. I got his family! I made a promise to him and I got him, and WOULF don’t break promises!

 

Source: UndergroundHipHopBlog.com

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Jason Bourne X Steven Darnell “The Rise of Steelo Green” Q&A

 

Moving to New York City earlier this year from Alabama, Steven Darnell would take on a job at a car dealership as a valet which lead him to meeting his eventual manager Twin. After rapping for him on the spot one day, the two would start a partnership and hit the studio immediately to begin work on his debut project, Epiphany is a combination of industry tracks and the warm up for his EP, The Rise of Steelo Green. Recording both bodies of work within 6 months of relocating to New York City shows great work ethic and with singles such as Cathedral, Bartian, and Cost of Trill Steven Darnell is definitely on the right path to success within the culture and genre.

Listen to our Q&A below:

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