Q&A With Rising Florida Based Hip Hop Artist Vares
Whats Up Vares! We really enjoyed your new EP “Set Us Free”, one of our main contributors BOOM even gave it an 8/10!! FIRE!! How long have you been making music? What area code(s) do you rep!? And how did you get your emcee name?
I’ve been making music since the year 2002. The area code that I rep is 850. I got my emcee name from my family and friends originally as a nickname growing up short for my real name.
Your sound does give off an original smooth, conscious yet effortless style for sure! Tell us how you were able to form your sound? Any East Coast Florida influences??
I was able to form my sound by recording in my own home studio and dabbling into different audio effects. I listen to new and old music to get a vibe going along with real life scenarios to have the palette fully painted. I write my own music and engineer some of my own music. A few East Coast influences are Jay Z, Mos Def, Andre 3000 to name a few of my top influences. T-Pain definitely is an influence as well from seeing his come up and the dedication to be the first superstar out of Tallahassee.
Let’s face it, social media since 2015 has grown tremendously, especially IG!!! Tell us how is your IG grind is looking, and how have you been able to keep up with the high demand on social media? Do you have a website??
I have almost 5k followers on Instagram currently. I’ve been able to keep up with the high demand by consistently dropping music and engaging with my audience. Also, just reaching out and networking to make new connections grow into fans long term. Yes, I have a website it is http://thequalitykey.com
How do you go over the production you decide to record over?? Your beat selection is super crazy!!!
A: Usually, the production is decided based on how I feel and the track speaking to me at that time when I hear it. If the story isn’t coming within 30 mins to an hour then I save what I have or recorded then come back later to finish what I started with the same or enhanced feeling to the music. Also, I try to imagine what people like to hear in the modern age of music and try to combine that with my sound. I live in reality.
Please breakdown the creative process to your latest mixtape “Set Us Free”?
A: The creative process of my latest EP “Set Us Free” stemmed from social injustices in our society. The term “Set Us Free” is used loosely to describe the imprisonment of the human mind and physical activity in the world we live in. The modern age embraces the culture of being different same as myself when I decided to put this particular work together from song to song. I wanted the music to be cohesive with today’s production but still bring the lyricism that I feel is sort of dormant in today’s hip hop music.
How often do you perform live?? Any indie DIY tours in the works?
Currently, I do not perform live or have any indie DIY tours in the works but I would love to start doing shows and tours with my music.
How do you feel about the whole MUMBLE RAP XAN & LEAN trend these kids nowadays are on!!!..LOL??? Be honest, do you use some of that stuff??..LOL
Honestly, I am not a big fan at all of the Xan & Lean trend. I myself have never really been into taking drugs. I feel like the Mumble Rap scene is a good way for these young kids to express themselves freely without being pressured by society to do so. I just like to see positivity or real life circumstances being spread rather than negative in these streets. Growth comes with every artist and I feel like you can’t expect every artist to be a lyricist since every artist purpose is different. It all starts with the Hip Hop community and fans to decide what’s HOT and what’s NOT.
What you got cooking next? Any special for the New Year 2018!!??
I have a few upcoming singles releasing in the next couple of weeks. I’m also planning to release a mixtape and shoot a few music videos.
Where do see yourself in 5yrs? (2023)?
I see myself performing regularly with a cult fan base in different parts of the U.S.
Where can fans find your music? Drop all links!!
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/vareswise
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/38MFgzK9NxdcakN3NbRQfJ
Itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/set-us-free-ep/1312508903
Instagram: http://instagram.com/vareswise
Twitter: http://twitter.com/vareswise
Facebook: http://facebook.com/justvares
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeVb42giXL75zj9q2iTmijg
Any new shout outs?
Shout out to my fans, family and my company Quality Key for showing continuous support on my journal in becoming a successful recording artist.
