Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring rising star STRAT for an interview
Tell us about you:
You’ve never heard anyone like him. From an unheard of place, with a unique and diverse background set to stir up the game. Definitely a breath of fresh air for the culture. It’s not where you’re from, but it’s who you are and what you are willing to give.
Where are you from?
Rapid City, SD born and raised, Denver, CO bred and made. Sioux Falls, SD based.
When did you start making music?
I wrote my first song at age 10 as well as began freestyling. I recorded my first song at age 16
How do you describe your music?
I describe my music as diverse and versatile in topics, flow and delivery. It’s definitely lyrical, yet with a smooth twist and well rounded. Clever wordplay with a nice blend of old school and current Hip Hop. It has something for everybody, all walks of life. Definitely not your typical rap artist. It’s different, which I believe is what sets it apart from the rest.
Favorite moment from your career?
Every new release is my new favorite moment. It holds so much excitement to drop new art on the world and see how they react to it.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
2pac
What is your producing software?
Sonar/Cakewalk
What other things do you do besides making music?
I’m a huge sports fan(NBA, NFL, MLB, Boxing, MMA) and I’m a big time nerd for Pro Wrestling. Also I’ve taken up collecting movies the last few years, like buying actual DVDs and Blu Rays, new and old. I’d love to have my own personal video store one day. Haha! I also enjoy nature when the weather is nice.
What is your favorite track of all time?
There are too many to name just one, however, I would say right now I’m really feelin “Recognize My Car” Paul Wall and Termanology, “Eazy” The Game and Kanye West, and “Hans Zimmer” Marlon Craft. Then there are the classics…Notorious B.I.G. “Sky’s the Limit”, 2pac “Me Against the World”, Meek Mill “Dreams and Nightmares”, Nas “2nd Childhood”, Prince “When Doves Cry”, Aerosmith “Dream On”, Mary J Blige “My Life”, “Remember The Time” Michael Jackson, UGK “One Day”, Ace Hood “Dreamer” and Earth, Wind and Fire “That’s the Way of the World” just to name a few. I could go on and on.
What is your best-producing tip?
Yes, be a perfectionist to a point, but don’t overthink it.
Why did you start making music?
As I grew up, music was always present. My Mom had music playing quite often in the apartment, in the car, etc. So it was embedded in me. As I was growing up, I also used to watch a lot of music videos at night and after school. I was a latchkey kid with no brothers or sisters and not many friends. So I started making music after school for fun and to express myself.
What are your goals for the future?
My goals for the future are to inspire and entertain, while doing music full time for a great living, traveling the world, establishing generational wealth, living life to the fullest, making a positive impact and change on Earth, helping other artists and people along the way.
What advice can you give for young music producers/DJs?
Take everything once step and one thing at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Have patience. And remember your WHY.
Please write a message to your fans.
Without you all, none of this is possible. So I say…I appreciate you and I thank you. Even though I talk about inspiring others…it starts with you all inspiring me. I am grateful for your support. So whatever it is in life that you want to accomplish…believe in it, put in the work, don’t stop, see the big picture and keep your blade slicing!
Follow STRAT On Socials:
