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picture of indie artist KidddcoryThe digitally released New Kiddd On Tha Block is an ambitious and largely successful first full length project from Youngstown, Ohio artist Kidddcory. Ambitious because, at 16 tracks with only 2 features (both by fellow No Signal collective member Grizzly), the burden is fully on the back of Kidddcory to deliver. Largely successful because except for a few missteps this artist has rolled out an eminently listenable collection of thoughtful tracks both autobiographical and topical in nature.

Albums intros are tricky terrain. The 1:44 minute intro to New Kiddd On Tha Block sprints through KidddCory’s repertoire and musical tastes; almost like sample snapshots, but it’s not clear from listening to it what to expect next. A lot of producers would have left it out of the finished product. The track “Revelation” is the real launch. The early Kanye-esque piece is a perfect confirmation that you’re listening to an artist who can do it. “I got bars!” he flows. No lie.

artist being interviewedLet’s say you are an independent artist who has just spent a considerable amount of time putting together a music project you think represents the best work you’ve ever done. Now it’s time to get out there and present your work to the world. Either you have, or don’t have, money for a publicist who can get you on the interview circuit, but you recognize how important that is. One great interview in the right publication is infinitely more valuable than saturating social media with Soundcloud and YouTube links. Hitting social media is critical, but your social media approach should actually be designed to attract the attention of music publications as opposed to essentially giving away your product.

So you luck up and out of the blue a Marcus J. Moore, or Chris Richards, or Bobby Pen or Marcus K. Dowling calls to ask for an interview. Beautiful.  But the thing is, you’re an independent artist and there’s no team behind you to prep you. No A&R, no publicist, no veteran manager… it’s just you, grateful as hell but without a blueprint to guide you. And understand; there is an art of interviewing. Artists who’ve mastered it are the ones who end up with more fans, more shows, more sales, and if it’s what you want, more possibilities of being signed.

Here are a few tips for making sure your next interview is successful:

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