Altered Change – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourselves. Where is the group based out of? How long have you been making Hip Hop collectively?

AC- we’re based out of the alma mater- the greatest city on the blue marble the City of angels and Freaks Los Angeles. How long we’ve been making music collectively is debatable because we used to freestyle and spit rhymes in highschool and have been friends a long time. Our first full on collab came out last dec, as you know, the “ALTERED CHANGE EP ”
and our first official song together was la la land. We’ve had a really good year and hope to keep the momentum going by coming out with another EP later in the year as well as attending more shows.

What influences the group in making Hip Hop?

Nickelzzz- Society, pop culture, politics, spirituality, a desire to make a difference, a desire to be heard and tell our story.

Alter- definitely influenced by spreading a positive message to people through the art of lyricism and hiphop, and like Nickelzzz said sharing our story with those who can relate is very fulfilling.

Describe your music, and what separates you from other Hip Hop groups?

AC- Our music is soulful, heartfelt, and sincere and I believe that’s what separates us from other contemporary hip hop groups a lot of people like to lie on tape and we like to keep it real and do us we’re also extremely humble because no one wants to chill with some jaded a** who thinks they’re gods gift.

Who have you collaborated with? Who would you like to collab with in the near future?

AC- Since starting in the scene as a duo we haven’t had any collaborations so far, but Were Always open to working with different dope artists. One of our future goals is to have a three-piece band and a DJ, and record a dope mixtape .

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

AC- Underground hiphop to us is where it all started, where the music really matters. It’s what friends on the school bus back in the dayz used to pass over to you in their CD players bumping on headphones, it’s that lyrical, conscious, story-teller version of the struggle that we all go through both as Artists and as human beings all rolled into one record. Underground Hip Hop is what makes us feel alive- it gets you through the good times and the hard times. It’s culture

Production wise, who are your influences?

Nickelzzz- JDilla, blockhead, rob sonic

Alter- JDilla, 9th Wonder, Hi Tech

Who does your production?

AC- Our tracks are produced by various producers such as DJdreamstate, Delore, Super prod. Duane DaRock, Flawless Tracks, and Mickey Montz.

And who would you like to work with?

Nickelzzz- Anyone with a love for the craft

Alter- Little Brother, Mos Def, & Brother Ali
Are definitely bucket list scratchers haha

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

AC- Alter has a single EP entitled “UNALTERED” also
Nickelzzz has an EP entitled “GRIZZLY ADAMS” Both Coming Soon. Some of the singles from both projects are already online. And a sequel Of the ALTERED CHANGE EP is coming hopefully before the end of the year.

Can you give us a brief description of the creative process of ALTERED CHANGE EP? Also/ what was the idea or concept description about your Album Art Cover.

AC- Well we scouted producers and beats for months until we found any that we were crazy about. We then started writing verses/hooks for the EP. Some came a lot easier than others; our track “hallelujah” for instance, a hook come to mind almost the first time we bumped it. You gotta love when lyrics just come out naturally in one thought when you zone out on instrumentals. There were days of writers block and creative blockage at times but working as a duo, pushing one another helps, and that’s when you know your creating something amazing for everyone’s ears

Where can we find your music and info?

Facebook.com/ALTEREDCHANGE
Soundcloud.com/ALTEREDCHANGE
Bandcamp.com/ALTEREDCHANGE
Twitter.com/ALTEREDCHANGE1
Soundcloud.com/NICKELZZZ
Soundcloud.com/NATIVEALTER

Any shout outs?

Shouts out to all the people in the struggle; all the starving artists; all the orphan kids; all the people starving in third world countries; all the people who have lost their homes in light of the recession; all the people who have lost their loved ones in Americas wars abroad; all of our supporters; all of the people who have showed up to our shows, bought our CDs, shared our music and been there for us since day 1-we are with you- it’s time for Change! Also shout outs to the Urban Underground, Rising Sons Independent, Whiskey a Go Go, you guys at UG Hip Hop blog for putting us on, and all the promoters who gave us a chance to get on stage when most people look at us and say to themselves “they’re really getting on stage?!” It’s changing minds and inspiring others that make it worth it for us, 1 love.

Also shout outs to our mixing/mastering engineer Scotty Mcfly of different minded ENT.