Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?

II Shae: Regardless of what’s “in” right now, we stay true to how WE want our music to sound. You can’t change your style just because it could mean more money for you and I think that is a huge problem with today’s music. It isn’t about being individual anymore. People tend to forget that you can make great music that others will love without following someone else’s trend. Be Yourself!

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

II Shae: Throughout the old school hip hop era, when “crunk” music was at its peak, and the creation of swag and dance forms of hip hop, we have never ceased to follow any of the trends. Putting certain artists in a genre or category can give listeners that don’t normally listen to that sort of music only one aspect of the overall music. We keep everything 100 and make music according to things we can relate too and share with others. It’s all real and original.

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

II Shae: Like many artists, we made music and gave away CD’s. We attended an event through MD Management and interviewed with A&R’S from Sony, Atlantic, and other labels without a radio or distribution story. We later performed and caught the attention of our now manager, Tayou “UNEQ” Tanner. He said, “I believe in you guys music and I can get you where you want to be.” Throughout the success we’ve had, we don’t take it for granted. We still stop and speak to fans and are always willing to work with independent artists because we understand what it’s like starting from the bottom with no sense of directions.

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

II Shae: It’s hard to place one person towards what is success. T.I. ,Cassidy, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, and Eminem are probably the top 5. Each of them have different styles but all with the same message. We have a swag like T.I., punchlines like Cassidy, but a story to tell like all of the above.

 

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

II Shae: Not at all. Because there are so many independent artists, many A&R’s overlook talent, in our opinion. I understand that their jobs are on the line and they have a lot to listen to, but at the same time, that’s their job and what they’re getting paid for! This is also why independent artists change their styles because they don’t see any other way to make it besides getting a deal through a major label and this isn’t the case.

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

II Shae: The honesty in the industry or should I say, the lack thereof. So many people are out to get a buck in this game that it’s very easy to be robbed blind. Those who start to understand the format of the business often tend to use it to their advantage and take money without giving the true outcome of what the artist is paying for.

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

II Shae: I wouldn’t bet on independent artists completely taking over, but the way it’s looking now, I think the independent artist success rate will boost the independent artist’s population in the business. Major are always finding loopholes and other way to get more money out of unknowing artists. When pirated music was at its all time high, they came up with 360 deals to take their end of the money. Once independent artists realize more and more of how the industry operates, they will however, see that there’s more than one route to be successful.

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

II Shae: We’ve been told that we keep it real and that it’s rare to see artists who stick to their element nowadays. We have music for any and every mood you might be in and we hear that a lot as well.