Check out JAE E’s print interview with Jake over at GoundSound.com out of LA, California. the two discuss New Project, Blanacing music and being a father and more. Check it out Below…
Phoenix rapper JAE E is set to release his new mixtape on December 21st. GroundSounds caught up with him to discuss the new project and more. Big thanks to JAE E and Cee for the interview!
GS: How was the transition between New Orleans and Phoenix, both personally and professionally?
At first it was pretty hard… The culture is very different than what I was used to. I talked, dressed, and acted different than everyone I came across. As far as musically, the scenes are only similar in the aspect that independent artists are out there grinding. Down in New Orleans the best way to get your music heard is hitting local club/radio DJ’s to have them spin your joint, whereas out here it is a little bit more difficult to get spins on the radio stations. I can say my mindset has changed a lot since I moved out west and seen REAL money…. The team’s mindset has been GOmode ever since.
GS: You’ve managed to build a pretty good following in Arizona, which isn’t known for producing hip-hop artists. What do you think is best for an up-and-coming musician, to build a strong local following, or to relocate to a major city (Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta) to try to gain more exposure?
To be honest it really depends. I did a lot of work in other states before I was recognized back home in AZ. So it worked for me a little bit backwards according to most. I look at local followings like big homies. They don’t disrespect per se, but they don’t really take you serious till you prove to them you can hold your own… and when that day comes it’s ride or die….We have learned to embrace that…It keeps us sharp and since then the love and support from home has been there. So I really don’t think it is all that necessary to relocate but def. to not be opposed to reaching out to other markets where you think you music may be more appealing. When it is all said and done the biggest thing is consistency.
