Music Photography with Cina "ilikeyourface" Nguyen of Interscope Records

         

So normally here on Producer'sVoice I've been talking to producers, musicians, vocalists, and rappers. This is the beginning of a new category that I want to include. Photography is one of the most important parts of today's music industry. Yes, with all the high quality smartphone cameras everyone and their sister can take high quality pictures and call themselves a photographer on social media...this segment is not about them. I'm here to talk with the best and most brilliant photographers in music.

Cina Nguyen is a 10,000% original groundbreaking music photographer for Interscope Records. She travels the world with todays most popular artists (Billie Eillish, Lana Del Ray, 30 Seconds To Mars, J. Cole, 6lack, Tory Lanez, just to name a few) as well as some of the coolest independent artists on the rise. Here's the deal though, she doesn't just go to shows and snap a few shots and grab a paycheck...she captures the artist, the experience, the atmosphere, the emotions of the crowd, the feelings in the music itself. She makes already famous artists larger than life. Cina finds moments in the music that go unseen, and brings them to life. Her vivid dreamy editing and skillful choosing of light and contrast brings the viewer directly on stage. I am so lucky to be able to ask a few basics with such a busy legendary photographer like Cina, check out what she has to say.

Have you always lived in D.C? 

Shockingly, I actually do not live in D.C. I live in VA and always have. I currently moved to Fairfax, Va which brings me much closer to D.C. When I was younger we used to switch back and forth from Oklahoma and Kansas and then back to Virginia. 

Do you have a favorite restaurant? What do you order at a bar?

Hmmm, favorite restaurant? Well, there's one Chinese restaurant I love going to in VA just because it reminds me of my childhood, family gatherings and late night eats. However, if you mean favorite restaurant in terms of best thing I've had in the states, I would say Foreign Cinema in San Francisco and Blue Duck Tavern in D.C. I'll usually order something refreshing with gin at the bar. I typically ask for cucumber or floral based with a hint of club soda and mint with very little sweetness or tartness in a Collins glass haha. Very specific.

Favorite place to travel?

I am in love with the west coast. Specifically Seattle. Always thought I'd move there and still contemplating a future move. For international travels, Asia for sure. I loved my trip to Korea and Singapore. My sister and I have been looking at tickets recently to plan a trip back within the next year and possibly China and Japan the following year.

When did you first start taking photos, and what made you decide to pursue photography?

I started taking photos my Junior year in High school. My mother used to be a photographer and so was my uncle. I grew up watching my mother in the studio and photographing people so I guess that's where my interest stemmed from. I was hooked when I was able to take a class in High School but then stopped taking photos for years after I graduated. I purchased my first DSLR when I turned 22 from Craigslist. It was a Nikon D40x or something. It was an outdated camera but I didn't care, I was just so happy to have finally gotten my hands on one. I discovered music photography when I took a trip to Austin in 2015 to attend SXSW. When I came back from my trip, I started going to more shows and then eventually got involved in the music photography scene.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs all the way!

How do you photograph huge concerts vs smaller shows? 

It really is just arbitrary. I request to cover whatever show I'm interested in at the moment through a publication and sometimes they get approved and sometimes they don't. However, after covering as many shows as I have, I have been given the opportunity of being asked to cover shows more often then requesting them myself.

When people ask you technical questions about your gear, how does it make you feel, and also, how do you respond? 

Incompetent haha. I tell people all the time, I am in no way an expert or in any position to talk about gear. I don't know much other than the basics of what I can remember from High School or what I learn from YouTube. In fact, whenever I hear others talk about the technical side of photography and gear and how much money they invest with studio time and lighting, it makes me uncomfortable. I feel like many people think I know it all or am skilled in all departments when it comes to photography but I'm simply not. I know what I like and what look I'm trying to capture and I just do that. I mess around with the settings and trade my lens every year to try something new. I currently only have 2 set of lens, one being a really crappy zoom lens given to me for free, 8 years ago on Craigslist. The other lens is a 24-70mm Sigma lens.

Does being in the crowd vs backstage/on stage have a big affect on how well you capture a band/artist?

I think it does. I love capturing behind the scene shots and shooting the artists/bands during preparation of a show and watch how they interact with one another. I also feel like artists prefer the backstage shots over anything else because it represents a moment in time of their growth and journey. However, I don't really enjoy shooting on stage. Being in front of the crowd makes me anxious and I never want to intrude or be a distraction from the performance so I usually step down to the photo pit to get my shots. 

You time travel 5 years back and meet yourself..what would you tell yourself? (optional)

To just go for it. Stop being so scared of rejection and failure.

Do you get to interact with all of the artists/bands you shoot?

Typically it's not common to get to personally interact/meet the artists/bands we shoot. I have been very fortunate to work with publications that allow me to sit in on so many interviews and shoot portraits/bts photos that have allowed me to get to know some of the artists on a more personal level.

The way you edit your photos is so different from others I've seen, what inspires your unique style?

The first show I ever shot, I remember sifting through the photos and stumbling across one that peaked my interest, however, the artist was positioned oddly and I knew I needed to do something to the image to make it less of an awkward shot. I had added a double exposure effect and added some texture to it and changed the tone to give it a more retro vibe to compliment the floral blazer the artist was wearing. My family reacted positively to the edit and then the artist ended up re-posting. I knew I had to continue to push the limits with my edits. However, the more I experimented with editing during the earlier stage of my photography "career," the more mixed reactions and negative feedback I received. I started to second guess what I was doing and toned it down to simpler edits. 

I soon grew tired and bored of the work I was producing and slowed down on shooting but after missing being at shows and taking photos, I decided I needed a change if I was going to continue. I started to get really inspired whenever I watched certain films or listened to various artists, like I would just feel a certain way and knew I wanted my images to project a certain vibe when people viewed them. I have always been intrigued with retro things and wanted my photos to emulate that but wanted to added a more majestic and dreamy feel at the same time. So I just started experimenting with textures and bringing random reflective items to shows to see what look I could achieve, layered images over and over, trying different tones, etc. My brother actually said I went to far with one edit, and that it came off as ridiculous even though he supports me with everything I do,  he found this one to be a bit much as most people typically would. I posted it anyways and it's one of my most proud image considering the limitations I had from the show and what I created from that. I've actually had many photographers tell me that image inspired them with their edits as well.

 How has your life changed since you started began your career in music photography?

I've been more outgoing and open to attend events on my own. I think a lot of people (myself included) miss out on things because they're scared of going out and doing stuff on their own like going to the movies, show or restaurant. When I started doing this, I was terrified to go to shows alone and always had my brother go with me until he couldn't tag along anymore and I was forced to do it on my own. Earlier on, I would have so much down time in between sets or shoots that I had to find stuff to do so I started to go to dinner by myself or shop or just roam around the city and it definitely made me more independent. Now I just think it's crazy to wait on someone else just so you can enjoy your life. Like why miss out on a film you want to watch just because you don't have anyone to go with or why wait on someone to try a restaurant you've been dying to try. This journey has also allowed to meet so many incredible people and that alone has made me grow into a much more positive and open minded person. My life is also way more hectic and busy but has been insanely fulfilling. 

You get to shoot some of the most famous artists in music, are you ever star struck? 

I always am, haha.

What are the perks of working for a major music label? 

You get more exposure so more work opportunities. You also get paid pretty decent and hook up on extra tickets haha You just feel a sense of community when working with a label and working with a team. You also have like a special bond with the other photographers that have worked so hard to get to that point. Unfortunately, nowadays many do not want to put in the hard work and think they should be given these huge opportunities before even putting in any time and effort. 

Is there a downside?

Sometimes you have to sign contracts which limits you to your photos. Like I shot an artist and I loved the photos from the shoot but out of 150 shots, only 10 were approved for posting and I legally cannot release any of the other images. So I have them on my computer in a file that no one will ever see. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue music photography?

Do your research. Work hard and be patient. Be okay with rejection. Know your worth. Understand the etiquette of music photography. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Being inspired is one thing, but taking someone else's idea and taking credit for it as if you came up with it entirely on your own is a big no-no. 

For more photos by Cina please visit:

ilikeyourprints.bigcartel.com

Instagram - @ilikeyourface

See Notes With Cansino

This is a tough one, Cansino is hard to define...and that's a good thing. His music totally blows my mind. Give his latest release, "Killjoy" a listen and dive in. If i had to assign this album's sound to a color, I would choose a dark violet or midnight purple. Slow, hypnotic bass parts with trippy, breathy vocals with a mild pitch correction. A tasteful assortment of spooky deep synth with just the right amount of distortion. You can tell he values each decision on his editing and sound choices, the production of his entire music portfolio is exquisite. Cansino has emotional yet also hard lyrics at the same time. His drum choices are unrivaled and will literally send chills across your entire body on the track, "Hollow Point." 
His projects have huge amounts of variation and you will never get bored listening to his dynamics and sound choices. 
Take a walk in his shoes for a minute while you read the answers to a few questions I asked Cansino...

What moment made you decide to pursue music? 

I kinda just ended up doing it more than other things.

How long have you been working as a producer?

It's been about 8 years now, I'm still ass it's crazy.

Do you have a favorite rapper/producer or artist that you enjoy working with most? 

Imma have to hit you with 5: King Yosef, Toxic, Fifty Grand, DONTLOVEJACOB & Hector Vae, working with these mfs is always fun, always learn something new.

Do you ever get annoyed when people ask you about your gear and DAWS? 

It's fine at first but when they keep asking what I use and all that it gets a bit annoying. It's not about what you use it's about how you use it.

What’s your favorite type of meal or cuisine?

Honestly, I just love all food.

Cats, dogs, or something else all together?

I definitely fuck with dogs more, but i love all animals, they're sick.

Do you like to be sober when you work in music? If not, what helps you ease into the vibe?

I'm usually never not sober, it's gotten bad. I just go off whatever I'm feeling in the moment, best way to find your own sound in my opinion.

What were you like in high school?

I was the quiet kid that always slept or read in class, never really paying attention. I also never went/ditched whenever I could, and went to three different high schools.

How do you feel about police?

Fuck the ones that be power trippin'.



Do you believe in drawing direct influence from other artists, or are you only doing 100% original material?

It's cool to be influenced, but you shouldn't be set out to do what they're doing. Mash one thing you like from them into your stuff, but do it in your own way so it makes your stuff more unique. I personally don't listen to music for days before I start a project, it helps a bit with the whole originality thing.

How do you feel about sampling and beat “flips”?

Sampling is sick, you can do a lot with it. I did it on a few tracks for Toxic and Tytuus. If you're going to flip a beat, it deadass better not be the same as the original.

What’s your opinion of modern Hip-hop and music vs. past generations?

The progression is kind of cool, a lot of it is repetitive though. 

Where do you see yourself as an artist in a year?

Doin' the same shit just bigger with a more evolved sound.



What’s next for Cansino?

I got a few projects coming out soon: a song with King Yosef, another EP with Toxic, maybe another solo EP, and an EP with DONTLOVEJACOB and Hector Vae, which is some of our best work this year, it's called "Killjoy" (OUT NOW). Stay tuned for all these, they're all really sick.

Any advice for people just beginning in the music game?

Don't do what anyone else is doing, do you, don't let someone tell you how you should make your sound. 

Soul Searching with Souletica

I met Souletica in Atlanta, Georgia during the summer of 2013. I was traveling for the first time to the South to meet Vann, Ni Houstonn, and Souletica, after hearing their music on SoundCloud. Infinite Souls Music was searching for a producer that was willing to help build original and creative unique instrumentals, so I immediately bought a plane ticket and was on my way. 


The three of them picked me up from the airport and before we had even dropped off my bags at their studio we were blasting local bangers and bonding over new music they were creating. They introduced me to Prince Scooter (also part of ISM) and before I knew it I was wrapped up in creating beats live and watching all three of them writing and rapping like I'd never witnessed before. Lyrics pouring out over each measure, the cup had runneth over... 

Each member of ISM has their own brand and area of expertise, their own niche of Hip-hop. My impression of Souletica is that of justice, power, and creative love of music, women, love, art, and poetry. Souletica knows the art of wordplay, the delicate intricate subtleties of cadence and energy. Sultry and inspired his voice hits every line with bright light and dark robust flavor. Souletica is here to do two things- make you think and make you groove...

What's your favorite aspect about writing music?

 My favorite part about writing music is the fact that it’s yours. It’s your thoughts and your imagination. It’s self expression. 

What bothers you the most about the process?

Sometimes writers block affects the creative process. Though there’s always something to talk about, there’s moments where it’s difficult to express the thoughts. 

Was it you who first came up with the idea of Infinite Souls Music?

ISM was created by myself, and my friends: Vann, Ni Houstonn, and Jon “Byrd” Jaros. 

How do you know the other members of ISM? how did you meet them?

Me, Ni, and Vann met in high school and we’ve been best friends ever since. Jon is Vann’s cousin and he moved from Boston to help bring the vision to life. 

How do you compare "Nü Jive" to your first album "Poetic Mind"? 

When I released my first project, “Poetic Mind”, I was very new to creating music. I was still finding myself as an artist.  “Nü Jive” was my third project after my “Nectar” project, so I looked to develop my sound. I learned how to incorporate different genres into my music. 

You used to go by Sean Poet, why the name change? 

I didn’t want to be boxed in as an artist. When you hear Sean Poet, you draw conclusions as to what type of artist I am. When you hear Souletica, you don’t know what to expect, I wanted to rebrand myself. 

What's the most important part of music to you?

The most important part about creating music is the fact that you have a voice. You can change lives through your words. 

You have a lot of lyrics involving social justice, and equality...do you feel it's important to include these themes in all of your songs? 

 I believe when you have a platform, it’s ok to have fun but you also have a responsibility. You can make a change. 

What do you think of young new Hip-hop artists vs the old heads?

Music has grown over time and not everyone is used to the sound of today. 

When was the moment you decided to become a lyricist and music artist?

 I’ve done poetry for most of my life, and I’ve always loved music. After ISM was formed I knew it was something i wanted to do for life, I love it. 

When times get tough? How do you cope?

When times get tough I try to express my feelings through my art. Writing is a personal getaway for me. 

What's next for Souletica?

 I have a lot of new music and visuals on the way, and a new project in the works. The other members of ISM are working on things as well and we plan to release a collaborative project soon. 

How has the ISM group impacted your music?

ISM is the reason I started music and my friends inspire me. I feel like we met for a reason and that we have a real purpose. They challenge me to be a bigger artist. 

Sit n' Talk with Toxic.

Fearless is the word I am choosing to describe the Washington based rapper called Toxic. Unapologetically original. Get ready to hear something that might raise your standard of what you expect when you listen to rap and hip-hop music.  

Some rappers just rap about things-Toxic seems to live and breathe the music he writes. With well over four albums in four years of recording and heaps of single releases, Toxic puts the pro in prolific. If someone who wasn't familiar with Toxic's music asked me to play something for them, I'd  tell them to brace themselves and probably make sure they were sitting down when they heard it. 

Raw, yet charred. Fast overtones with bass-heavy, booming slow undercurrent. His voice is smoky and harsh but not abrasive or dissonant. Eerie dark and well-mastered, distorted production choices carrying the listener the whole way, it bangs. 

Ego? Not really, but confident? Absolutely. He's good at rapping and he knows it, lapping competitors with relentless uploads and expertly mastered songs. Thick vocal layering and top notch features like Lord Saiyan, Mavo, JPEGMAFIA, Sam Ryan, Prince Hyph, BIGBABYGUCCI, Tytuus, and more. Of course there's some epic producer credits to namedrop here as well: Cansino, King Yosef, STILL, Kellbender, Maxx Bett, Prxz,  and many more. 

Catchy, yet new hooks woven into each line. Not to mention he's a member of DHD (Devil Horns Down) and collaborates with loads of well established underground rappers and professionals. With his entire discography on Soundcloud and with no music videos, he remains fairly mysterious, but in the music scene in the Northwest, he's well known for his performances and death defying delivery of hit and after hit...don't you know this is Toxic?

Where are you from? Where are you now?

 I’m not really from anywhere. I was born like 20 minutes outside Portland and kinda just bounced around the PNW my whole life but I live in Tacoma at the moment.

How long have you been publishing your music? 

Since like 2014 I think. I’m not sure the years kinda all just blend together at this point. 

Which artists have people compared you to? How does it make you feel when people compare you to other artists? 

I used to get compared to Da$h and RetcH a lot, not so much anymore. No, I’m not a fan of the feeling it gives me to be compared to another artist, but in the end it just pushes me to be more like myself. 

When do you decide a song is finished?

I don’t. I’m usually mixing a song right up until the very last second. If i say a song is dropping at 6PM... It’ll prolly be 6:30.

What was high school like for you? 

I dropped out halfway through 10th grade. Sold drugs, got in fights. Regular shit. 

How do you connect with your name as Toxic? Is it a play on words (Talk Sick)? a reference to relationships, or drugs even? Care to explain the title?

HAHAHA! No it’s not a play on words, it came from the Brittany Spears song. But as time went on it became a safe space for me to be aggressive and channel some of my more debilitating traits that were probably going to put me in prison if I didn’t find a way to deal with them. So it started as a joke, and kind of grew into my own individual form of therapy I guess.

Almost all of your releases have been through Soundcloud and Youtube. Do you consider yourself a "Soundcloud rapper"? How do you feel about Top 200 artists in Hip-Hop right now?

 Crazy you ever even saw anything I’ve put on YouTube, most of it was only available as an accident, it’s all private now. But I just consider myself a guy who makes music. I think it’s not my place to define what type of rapper I am. That’s why i put music out, to see what people think of it...and me sort of. And as far as top 200 music: I don’t really listen to anything that’s not Future, if I’m being honest.

Ever had any crazy fan encounters/stories?

Nah, just other dudes acting super sus to me because of people I’m friends with.

What is the significance of the Didikai fest? How did booking that gig come about?

Didikai has supported me and Tytuus and really all of DHD for the last 2-3 years straight. Naturally, we became close with the brand and Sienna, and now it kind of just feels like a family that is responsible for some of the best memories of my life. Probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for Didikai. 

You have a huge portfolio of music recordings, how often are you writing and recording? 

Literally everyday. I wrote one with (King) Yosef right before this interview. 

Do you write your lyrics when you're not listening to beats or recording? Do you even write them down at all?

I try not to write, or to at least be as lucid as possible when I’m making something. I haven’t written a hook down all of 2018 

How do you feel about ghostwriters?

I think they’re great. Everything is about context, and if you make the choice to lean heavily on that style of entertainment, I think it becomes inappropriate to make certain claims about yourself, you know? Can’t be the best rapper alive if you’re not even the one writing your best records. Still though, a good song is a good song. 

What makes certain producers and rappers easier to work with than others?

2% of rappers are easy to work with... and as far as producers? The answer to that is to pay them.

Are you ever worried about being type cast as negative by anyone? 

You have album/mixtape titles like "I Hate Everything," "Chapter black," "Kill me," and most recently "Sorry Mom,"...Can you speak on the inspiration for these projects?   

Not at all. People can receive my music however they please, I’m not too worried about anyone’s opinion other than the people I work with. 

As far as the inspiration for those projects? I’d rather not speak on it. Like I said people can think what they want. It’s out there if they care that much. 

When did DHD first form? Who are the its founding members? What role do you play in the collective?

DHD formed about 2 years ago I wanna say? I’m not necessarily a founding member, I’m pretty sure that title belongs to CATXSCAN and GAUZE. I found everyone through (King) Yosef’s YouTube page back when I was looking for type beats in 2015 and for some reason they decided I wasn’t a weirdo and liked my music as well so I paid for a train ticket for Tytuus to come record with me for a weekend, we made a bunch of songs and he happened to have a show with basically everyone in the Portland scene opening for Chris Travis the following weekend so I said I’d come, he asked if I’d do a song with him, and I unplugged my mic in front a sold out crowd hahahahaha but no one cared cause I was smoking weed with Chris Travis all night so I think they assumed I was his friend, and like 2 days later, I heard they were making a collective and I got asked to be DHD. 

How do you feel about police?

Fuck 12.

What’s up with your diet? How does food play a role in your music making process?

I’m a fairly unstable human being and my diet probably has a lot to do with that. I either sit home, eat ding dongs and spicy noodles or I’m over paying for something I’m pretending is healthy. No in between.

What can fans expect from Toxic in the near future?

For things to get better.

For more Toxic content:

Twitter - @MrWeedro   

Insta - @mightbetoxic

Soundcloud.com/mightbetoxic

Questions for the King: Talkin' shop with King Yosef

King Yosef is a force to be reckoned with, qualifying as a producer, vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He's worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry with credits ranging from XXXTentacion, Ski Mask The Slump God, to Sam Ryan, Tytuus, Vann, Fifty Grand, A$AP Ant, CATXSCAN, Dane O$even, and many, many, more. Way too many to list actually. This guy plays an important role in both pop and underground music that is being released right now. 

Do yourself a favor, listen to his 2017 album "Fortune Teller", followed by his most recent release "GUILTY." in 2018. Youtube search him, and you'll find a plethora of exotic visuals shot by the legendary Ryan McKinnon, featuring some of the best popular and underground rappers and performers in the game right now. King Yosef combines monstrously deep heavy hits, with toxic vocals, and evocative lyrics that will both inspire and haunt you. Crossing several styles and introducing unheard of unique blends of Rap, Metal, Goth, Industrial, and Hip-Hop. But it can't be limited to even those descriptors, it's its own thing, listen and you will discover that it's impossible to find a cut by King Yosef that won't raise the hair on your arms or break your neck. 

 At just 21 years of age Yosef is a professional. Both polite and fierce, his commanding musical presence echoes respect among artists and producers. If you haven't heard his personal library of beats and bangers, you've more than likely heard one of the dozens of artists he works with. 

I've had the good fortune of being able to have a few interactions with him over the past few years, and some of the artists from his portfolio. So, I was able to snag a few moments out of his recording schedule to ask a handful of questions...

How long have you been learning music and production?

 I started playing music at 10, so 11 years ago and making beat seriously at 16 or so. 

Where are you from?

Stupid white trash town called Medford, in Southern Oregon. I actually lived in a way smaller town outside of it, but it's irrelevant.

What’s your favorite meal?

I'm a mashed potatoes or veggie hot dog guy.

What do you enjoy about making music the most?

It's one of the few times where I feel a good amount of worth. I'm fairly shitty at everything else, so music is my realm to feel strong in.

It's a double edged sword though because music can also feel like the most defeating thing in the world with how much pressure I put on it.

How has your life changed since you started pursuing music?

I've only ever made music really, since I was young this was just what I was gonna do. so I don't know how my life has changed, it's just always been a further version of this.

the better thing for me to ask myself is how would my life be without music. 

When people ask you what type of music you make...how does that make you feel? 

What do you say?

I don't know what kind of music I make. I wear my influences on my sleeve so once you dive in you can gather what I'm doing.

I always explain that its like, industrial stuff but with metal and hip hop and some goth stuff.. ish?

Your music is very diverse. Why have multiple “genres” on one album?

That's just the shit I like. I feel like I can't always summarize my feelings lyrically on the same type of beat a hundred times either.

At the end of it all, it's more of a testament to being a musician, that I can write and that I want to showcase it. I've been dedicated to making music for so long, it'd feel like I was selling myself short by not writing all I want to write. I have separate accounts where i post even more music because sometimes I write too far out of the

"king yosef" box.

Any off the wall studio experiences with any of the artists you work with?

I ended up on tangents with artists a lot where we end up deep on youtube showing each other weird music we both like and not working. nothing too crazy honestly. I try to get all of my musical

ideas out instead of getting too distracted.

What is it like being able to work with some of the best bands, photographers, and rappers in the music industry?

Bizarre, eye opening, disappointing, fulfilling and a bunch of other feelings. I'm really past the awe of it all and more on the factor of making real friends, instead of just working with

people for a day and never speaking now. So, now that I've really started learning about a lot of people, Im forever grateful they're my friends. a lot of other people are just fucked up or 

doing all of this for the wrong reasons, and its disheartening when you take art so serious.

What are some of the messages of your music?

My main points are always to wear my heart on my sleeve in my music. Everything I'm trying to say comes from a genuine place. I'm genuinely depressed, genuinely angry, all of it. Also I call out fake artistry when I see it. I know within it that a lot of people probably feel the same way about me but, its all opinions.

How do you feel about the metal scene in the northwest?

I'm really far from affiliated with it anymore. I used to play a lot of shows, but a lot of times its the same shit, same people, playing music that was popular 8 years ago.

Which I'm not talking down on, but that started to feel redundant for me musically.

What is your opinion on recent hip-hop artists and music?

I think some of it's great, I think some of it is just a giant persona put on for entertainment. Depends on the day, my opinion changes constantly. I think things are changing for the better now.

What kinds of things should someone expect after deciding to work in music? 

If you really want to be good, healthy self doubt is necessary. Expect not a lot of friends for a while, a lot of people belittling your passion and having to constantly remind yourself that it isn't the normal path, so you gotta work a lot harder than you think.

The pay off is great though, seeing people fuck with your music makes you feel good.

Do you get fucked up when you work alone or with other artists in the studio? 

I don't know whether this means sobriety fucked up, or mentally, but a lot more likely to get in a weird mental space than I am to drink or anything when I write. My feelings aren't as honest when I'm fucked up and my vision of myself isn't as clear, so I steer away from doing that. I fuck with drinking some beer outside of that though.

What skills and assets do certain artists possess that make them easier to work with than others?

Knowing your program is important, knowing when it's time to tap someone else in on a project is great too, understanding music outside of the realm of what you're trying to make

helps too. Just educating yourself and being self aware is the key point.

Do you have any advice for bands or rappers?

Make YOUR music. Learn as much as possible, listen to as much as possible. Soak up influences, ideas, and make them your own. You either have to make music that last or last with the music.

trend hopping just leads to a quick fall off.

For music and more info about King Yosef visit kingyosef.com