King Author – Q&A Interview

Tell us a little about yourself. Where you are from? How long have you been making Hip Hop?

Conor Bachus, 20 years young, Columbus artist. I’ve always been a thinker, a talented writer (compared to most), and strong willed.

I’ve dabbled in rapping casually since my junior year of high school. This means freestyling (random instrumental, no pen, no pad, and no memorized written). Outside of that, and the random beat-less study hall raps I’d conjure up in private, it wasn’t until about a year ago that I became serious in being an artist. This freedom to express myself openly came from confidence; the confidence came from my support system; and my support system grew from love. Looking back at how much I’ve grown as an artist, leaves me without words; all the countless hours of diligent efforts and practice. I’ve had to learn how to take criticism and use it to my advantage; something I wasn’t so good at before. This past summer was when I knew that making music, rapping, was my calling. God has placed around me an array of talented artists that I am lucky to call friends, whom I view as brothers. Also, the opportunities and connections I’ve been presented with, so far, on this journey, would be unimaginable to most.

What influences you in making Hip Hop?

Ironically enough, I didn’t exactly grow up listening to rap artists; I found pleasure in the sounds of Earth Wind & Fire, Boyz II Men, and Sade. In terms of hip-hop, it’s been the more emotional side of early Em, and the 808’s & Heartbreak ‘Ye, that have moved me; I appreciated the passion, the realness in their voices and content. They seemed completely vulnerable, completely honest. That being said, I still hold much admiration for the greats of both before me, and of the present.

This is why I’m an emcee. For me, being an artist and getting my thoughts out on paper, sharing them through music almost without judgment, is a way for me to free my mind and my soul. I’m in love with the process of turning a sound into a story; my story. My thoughts are seemingly the only thing that cannot be taken from me; and when I’m feeling full, making music helps me purge my conscience.

Describe your music, and what separates you from other MCs?

I don’t necessarily know if it separates me, but I’d like to think I’m unique; or at least the sound I produce, is unique. My music is not narrow sculpted. It remains in the hip-hop spectrum, but we all know that spectrum itself, is not narrow. I am a human being, and in my life I’ve felt much (as all of you have); this shows in my writing. My music is candid, and when it’s written, it’s raw. I don’t force write, and I don’t false advertise. I’m a blunt person in the real world, and I’m blunt in my raps; but I’m also intricate, and have layers.

However, long answer short — I’d like to let my music speak for itself, carry it’s own weight, and garner it’s own appreciation. Listening to my music, is the best way to understand my music. It will explain itself better than I think I could, myself, explain.

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

To date, I’ve really only worked with my Endangered Originals collective. Being fellow emcee’s: Goose, Kayble, & Ouzts (There are more in than group than I’ve currently worked with). I’ve also had the privilege of making tracks with my engineer, Rafiyel; and my canton brother, D Torr the Don.

I’m truthfully just trying to focus on my independent album (which will contain limited features), and enhancing my personal song-making skills. Collabs are in the back of my mind, but I’d love to do a track or two with the likes of a Kendrick Lamar or J. Cole. Also, my brother Kayble & I, just yesterday, were talking about getting on a track with Atlanta-rapper Key! That’d be LIVE!

Your definition of “Underground Hip Hop”?

“Underground Hip Hop” to me, is anything that isn’t heard by the masses. Anything that isn’t sponsored by big time radio. The underground is vast. And filled with talent, mind you. This is what real music heads watch. It’s a rawer, more uncut, un-skewed scene.

Production wise, who are your influences? Who does your production? And who would you like to work with?

I myself do not produce, YET. That’s long-term for me. Though as a fan I am particular, I am again, not narrowed. I thrive on what moves me. What reaches my soul. And that changes with my mood and situation.

My production is done by an array of artists. I believe that the different facets of production stylizing these producers implement; open me up, challenge me, and make me more creative, as an artist.

I don’t have any one producer I’d prefer working with. I want to work with the producer who is most able to open me up as an artist, at any particular time.

Any current or future projects you are promoting?

As mentioned before, my fellow emcee Goose & myself just recently released a tape titled “Prospectus” (Our first official project). The feedback we’ve received thus far has been very promising, and I can’t wait for both our current & future fans to witness us grow further as artists. Both individually and together.

There’s always something cooking in the kitchen. I’m always planning ahead. Now I won’t say much here, but my Endangered Originals family & I are in the creative stages of getting a collaborative group-tape together for this coming Summer.

Moreover, I am also a few tracks deep on my own personal album, which will most likely be self-titled “King Author” (but is always subject to change).

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

It was a lengthy and continually amended process. In all honesty, it felt as if it formed itself. Everything just fell into place as it should have. Both in part to Goose & I’s efforts, as well as, our engineer’s efforts.  Adam (our engineer) did a phenomenal job. Furthermore, continual support from the people around us was extremely motivating, and invaluable.

GJ (Covers by GJ) is the mastermind behind the album art. I gave him a shell, a basic construct of the feel I wanted the cover to give off. And quite frankly, he nailed it. Simply put, I wanted the cover to be abstract and provide the feel of promise on the horizon. He created just that.

Where can we find your music and info?

You can find my music on Soundcloud, herehttps://soundcloud.com/kingauthormc

Also, follow me on Twitter, herehttps://twitter.com/KingAuthorMC

Any shout outs?

Special shouts to;

TC (Goose), Adam Tomlin (Rafiyel), Kapri Brown, Ryan Ouzts, Ryun Braxton, Chris Cash, Kayble & My EOG brothers as a collective, GJ, and of course, my momma!

Also, I’d like to thank everybody who has listened, shared, and supported my music in any way, shape, or form. It’s all love.