He is a master of creative lyrical flows that will entertain and educate others. If you want to take a musical journey with an artist who is not afraid to go against the norm, then Bobby Boondocks fits the bill. Here is his story in this new spotlight with Junior’s Cave Golden Isles Online Magazine.

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?

Bobby Boondocks: I definitely enjoy the freedom. I hear stories and read articles about some famous national recording artists, and it seems like their lives are full of obligations. I love having the freedom to create any type of music about whatever subject I choose. “It’s liberating you know.” I can truly express myself by performing thought provoking and positive songs without worrying if they will be accepted by my “All Powerful” Label.

Isaac: Would you be up to signing to a Major or Indie Record Label? Why or why not?

Bobby Boondocks: Yes, but I am a business man by profession, so the numbers would have to make sense. I would never sign my life away to a “Slave Deal.” I really believe that I have something people need to hear, so if the right label came along that could help me get my opinions to the masses, I would jump at the opportunity.

Isaac: What do you feel is the one aspect of making music that excites you the most right now?

Bobby Boondocks: It’s the experience I get when someone hears my music for the first time, and I can tell that one of my lines made them think. It excites me when they relate something I said to an event or time in their own life. I lust for that moment! I feel like this is the best possible time for making music because people want to hear substance again. For a while that wasn’t the case.

Isaac: What do you feel is the one aspect of making music that gets you the most discouraged? Bobby Boondocks: MONEY! Money makes the world go round, and sometimes the people with the most money, the largest promotion teams, or the most influence, flood the market with a lot of demoralizing music. I am not “Hating” on them at all, but it does get discouraging trying to compete with a much smaller budget.

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

Bobby Boondocks: No, I feel like Indie music is that awesome basketball player who most people don’t know or care about because he never made it to the pro’s. There are several great Indie artists, but without the validation of a major label, most don’t get the interest or respect that they deserve. The media tells people who to respect, so if Indie music is not embraced by the media, it will not be embraced by many listeners.

Isaac: In your opinion, what are your thoughts on how the most unusual place you've ever played a show or made a recording impact the qualities of the show/recording?

Bobby Boondocks: As a rapper, the most interesting place I performed was at a fashion show in front of a large group of older Caucasian women! It really helped me as an artist, because within a few seconds, I had to find a way to relate to people that I didn’t have much in common with. I definitely tried to tone it down and just do poetry, but by the end, I could tell they wanted to hear some real hip-hop. It taught me how to gauge my audience. The initial awkwardness made the show more memorable, and I had those old ladies up dancing by the end of my set!

Isaac: I am interested in knowing if in what ways does the place where you live (or places where you have lived), affect the music you create, or your taste in music?

Bobby Boondocks: I live in the deep-south (Arkansas). The music I make is definitely affected by my surroundings. I hate the negative stereotypes that we get about being uneducated, simple-minded people. That is part of the reason why I put so much effort into sounding different and having substance in my music. I want to use my songs to show the world that my region is capable of producing great thinkers. 

Isaac: What can you tell our publication about the last time you wrote a song? What can you tell us about the whole process?

Bobby Boondocks: Most of my songs just start as one phrase or interesting random line. I formed my last song on a 2 hour drive to my hometown. I was listening to a Drake song and began piecing lyrics together in my head with a different approach to the beat. When I got home, I almost had the first verse and chorus memorized. Next, I pulled out my laptop, typed what I could remember, and finished the song. My process is sporadic and unpredictable. I HATE to plan songwriting time. I always write the best songs on accident!

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.

Bobby Boondocks: Yes, because music gives me more than fame or fortune ever could. It is my counselor when I am down or frustrated. It is like therapy to write a song based off the emotions I am feeling. It is a way to release when I am stressed and celebrate when I am happy. I do this because the music I make has the potential to touch other people’s lives. I want the fortune and fame, but I will always love making music with or without it.

Isaac: Do you have a strong support system with your family and friends? How have your family and friends help you emotionally, financially, spiritually, etc. with your music? 

Bobby Boondocks: My family members are my strongest supporters. My parents and my sister have personally sold CD’s to strangers for me! Some of my friends are extremely supportive also. You can’t be a successful artist without help. I’m not a huge Tweeter, but I even have friends that will tweet for me. Family and friends are part of the reason I still pursue my music dreams, and my mom tells me I am going to be a star on a daily basis.

Isaac: As you continue your own path for making music, do you find yourself getting more or less interested in seeking out and listening to new music made by other people...and why do you think that is?

 

Bobby Boondocks 

Photo by Reagan K. 

Boondocks: Yes and no. I hate listening to some of the new mindless, pointless music that urban radio stations have begun playing over the years, because I am far less interested with trendy music. On the other hand, I love listening to new artists, or veterans in the music industry, whose albums make me think and feel a certain way about different topics.  Kanye’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” and Drake’s “Take Care” both made me listen over and over again. I can feel the emotion in their music, and that inspires me to present better work. The more I listen, the more motivated I become.

Isaac: As far as your influences, what would you say are the musical periods or styles you find yourself most drawn to as a listener?

Boondocks: If I had to pick a period to listen to, it would be the late 60s-early 80s. I love the way old Motown records make you feel good. Sometimes I don’t even know who sings what song, but music from that period really stands out to me. Even some of the best Hip Hop tracks stem from samples of those records. I am drawn to the musical styles of more current artists such as Lauryn Hill, Lupe Fiasco, and Kanye West. These are rappers who made statements. I especially appreciate the way Lauryn incorporated messages of positivity and religion into her music.

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

Boondocks: You can always find me at my site www.bobbyboondocks.com. I am also on www.Reverbnation.com/bobbyboondocks. These would be the best possible sites to find exclusives and new music. Of couse anyone can reach me follow me on twitter @bobbyboondocks. I promised people I would tweet more. So follow me and find out what I’m up to.

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

Bobby Boondocks: I want the world to know that my music is worth listening to. Whether you love it or hate it, just feel some way about it. I strive to be different but relatable, and I will always give my fans meaningful lyrics mixed with a futuristic sound that is truly Alternative Hip Hop. Please look out for my new mixtape “Dreamin.” An official release date will be given in the near future.