Music Now Spotlight

by Isaac Davis Junior, BGS, MBA


Mordecai
Photo by K Williams Bacon with Emporium House, LL

We have a real banger for you this time around. Meet the Urban/Hip-Hop/R&B Artist, Mordecai, who is creating quite the stir in the indie music industry. Fans will enjoy the artist’s smooth flavor that is his main mojo throughout his music. In this spotlight with our Webzine, Mordecai speaks openly about his mission to successfully enter into the mainstream market. Enjoy!

Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?

Mordecai: I enjoy the responsibility that becoming a "successful" indie artist requires. I have total creative freedom, as well as the ability to surround myself with the administrative and creative team that I choose. It’s a great feeling.

Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have build up over the years about you in the process?

Mordecai: I would hope that when the time comes to sign major they can respect what my team and I have been able to accomplish on the indie level and instead of "taking over" the operation, we could just "merge" our efforts together; a true team effort.


Mordecai
Photo by K Williams Bacon with Emporium House, LL

Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to Mordecai?

Mordecai: When listening to my music, people are going to hear a fusion of Soul, R&B, and Hip Hop influences. No matter how someone might be feeling that day, I've got something for everyone to enjoy.

Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.

Mordecai: My mother has been a great musical influence in my life. Growing up my mom was very involved in the arts and had an opportunity to tour with several groups; she even had a role in the Broadway version of "The Wiz". My mom is who sparked my love for the arts.

Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?

Mordecai: My all-time favorite band is and forever will be The Isley Brothers. I just love the way they would rhythmically fall into a groove and allow the some to naturally progress throughout the record...genius!



Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?

Mordecai: I do. All indie artists should understand that their stage name is a brand, and that brand is their business. Just like any business, it only becomes what you make of it. Those who are working, progressing, and making adjustments where necessary are reaping the benefits of their hard work and gaining the industry's respect while doing it.

Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?

Mordecai: I wish artist development would return back to the scene. So many artists need that growing and learning experience that only artist development can bring.

Isaac: Do you think in the near future that DIY artists/bands will be the norm and big record companies will be very limited?

Mordecai: Major labels will ALWAYS be here to stay. I just hope that there are able to adapt and work to benefit this new generation of indie artist.

Isaac: What type of feedbacks have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?

Mordecai: The feedback off of my debut mixtape has been phenomenal. Just the other day a man walked up to me in the barbershop, shook my hand and told me he really enjoyed my music. Then, he paid for my haircut. That means something.



Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.

Mordecai: I would, I would just continue in a different capacity. There is STILL a lot of opportunity in music and if plan "a" doesn't work, there's always plan "b", "c", and "d".

Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?

Mordecai: I've learned to embrace it. Being a recording artist, I have had to learn that ultimately I'm putting my music out there for the public to judge; that means good reviews as well as bad. The goal is to listen to those bad reviews, make adjustments where necessary and keep on trucking.

Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?

Mordecai: My family, especially my wife has been a GREAT support system. Don't know what I'd do without them.

Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?

Mordecai: The best way to stay in contact with me is through my website, www.MordecaiMusic.com – That site operates as a portal that connects fans with all of my social networks (MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, FanBridge, Word Press, etc)

Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..

Mordecai: A big thank you to you Isaac for giving me this opportunity. Also, a HUGE thank you to my team: Beanz n Kornbread, Pinc Gator, Curtis Henderson, Cedric Stover, and Joseph Edmonson. Thanks brothers.