Boston Rapper HAAWWS
Q: When did you start working with music?
A: I was exposed to music at a young age. Traditionally it’s something you're taught as you're brought up, more typically the Arts are inherently more popular in communities of color because it’s an inescapable nature. Long story short tho... it was more traditional music, leading instruments, and most importantly song arrangement; like composition work. One of the things I’m grateful for now. But to sum it up it was serious until I’d say I made the effort to get the shit myself. Cause the studio wouldn’t cut it. So we could say 2014 lol.
Q: What is something you want the public to know about your newest project?
A: It’s rough. Lotta rough raps for rough times. And I know that the last thing people are looking forward to is the truth but that’s what you are getting. We often all despise when reality kicks in and it often knocks you down, but there you are; not only to rise again but stronger. You can use this music to work, work out, cook, chill, whatever you do. Just sit with it, for now, engage with what we’re bringing to the table, I look forward to getting things started. *innit bruv*
Q: What is it like to be an Up and Coming artist from Boston?
A: Finding an identity is tough, in any city I feel like. I’ve been to a few places and learned and you begin to realize it’s not about what necessarily where your from more about how you see where you're from. What can I do to contribute? We don’t have a lot of everything here, as far as resources go. I’ve heard things they’re rarely checking for us out here, so that being said you better stand out. That shit better be hard thaannnn a muffff okaaay. But nah for real, you gotta come with some slaps or esssss quite my frienn. So aside from finding new ways to be innovative, take whatever I was thinking to the next level. The focus is always creativity and always will be. How can I contribute my creativity to music? Then you have to try to navigate the behind the scenes, “kissing hands and shaking babies” you get it. But it’s tough, especially being new with no music out. It’s like nothing even to reference eager to get in. Still, I remained determined. But the music factor was me, it had to be ready... like the lineup. Now I’m finna fish till I catch a trout. Like Rich said “the creativity is endless”
Q: When choosing a beat what are some factors that you have to consider? How do you get your hands new beats?
A: Oh shit the production gotta be heaaaaat moneyyyy. I don’t rap if it’s whack. Really sharpening your ear as an artist helps you understand that though. I always get I have a good ear musically. But that’s because again my early exposure where I was forced to think of music at a more theoretical level. Ivy League foolery if you ask me. Well at least at that age. But it definitely was worth it and always will be. Most of the producers I work w/ are ghost producers and what I mean by that is we’ve never physically met but we communicate via email whether it’s in regards to making changes if credits, payments, etc. I know a good producer when I hear one, and you kinda just reach out and hope they respond back and if they do. Lock in a/ them. Take advantage. Especially coming up, if I can in this interview offer any advice to artists reading this sending an email goes a long way. Honestly, it’s the first step in the music business. Anyways that’s another story but, there’s are tons of local producers too. Just none in on this project in particular. Most of the production on here is the boy CEDES. He’s out UK with the madd slaps. We got way too many. Don’t sleep on the mans out eats yeah?
Q: Who is your inspiration?
A: To write. I’m a writer inherently, but I’m not sure I have one specific inspiration. My mother, my father, my family, my community, the lack of resources, the isolation, the untapped culture that the city possess
Q: Will you be doing any videos in correlation with your project you are going to release?
A: Yess videos soon drop. ASAP no rocky.
Q: When did you decide to take your love for music and actually decide to turn it more into a business?
A: As I got older, my observations of life long grew. I began to see things for what they truly are. The more observant you are the more you understand, I’m naturally creative and that’s okay. Take advantage of that, put it to good use. My creativity relatively streamlines music and film, but I don’t think that doesn’t mean I can’t begin mastering something else if I made the effort. We’re adept to do anything as humans. I see people do extraordinary work every day. But as taking advantage of the business? Immediately. I always studied beforehand to understand the art of the music business. I always understand how you become a successful artist, the understanding of what goes into becoming successful...ie the business.
Q: What did you want to do when you were young?
A: This dead ass one of my security questions on my mobile banking app. I’m not going to say which bank, cause my n**** ghetto and I don’t need no funny business but lololol. I think one time I said a fireman. I think that just cause the trucks were phat and red tho.
Q: What was working alongside the Sneaker Project?
A: That was a smooth collab, that style of wear is really popular right now. It wasn’t anything huge, nothing more so someone looking out and me taking the creative approach. I shared some ideas and then it was like, cool. There is a small brand but those kicks are genuine that’s why I had them give me every pair damn near. And once you get certain models they become one of a kind. Because the designers don’t make the same thing twice... in some cases, you may never see that sneaker again. That is what I love about their brand. The exclusivity. I like along with brands who express the same morals and admiration for the creativity and its detail. Like being meticulous about it.
Q: Where did the idea for your newest project come from?
A: The times. The music itself, I saw the cover online(which isn’t the real cover by the way)*wink wink* and it really sat with me. It summed up how I had been feeling and kinda still feeling. But like everything we adapt. The music just started off kinda dark, from the lyrics to the prod. Just like hard shit, then I left. Taking a break from recording came back to record, records were beginning to have a different bop because I’d produced but then the dark shit came back. In between times myself, so like everything was in alignment I felt like, then it really was topped off with COVID. I had already been in isolation working in music and everything else was like any other normal person then boom. “Stay Inside”. Like whaaaa, now you know the hood outside. They are doing their best to stay safe. But the music started to become a reflection of how I was feeling as isolation became more of an everyday thing. I used to play the mix, There was a point in time where you could always see me outside. But that was short-lived, but it definitely helps creatively but to not have it at all. Like I said I’m an observer, so I understand what people like and why they like it. Also just being me, rapping. Serving bars over fresh beats is a better meal than that. My cafè is full.