Shiloh the Messenger – Interview – Thanks for Asking!

Shiloh the Messenger – Interview – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: Like songs, every artist has a unique feeling about their first show. What was your first show like? Was it your best show? If not, what was your best show like?

STM: My first show was definitely not my best show. In fact it was probably my worst haha. It was at this small, remote bar in Buffalo, which has since closed down. I remember being incredibly nervous, so much so that the thought of pulling out at the last minute frequented my mind. But I had been waiting for the opportunity to finally perform for so long, so I knew I needed to capture the moment. When I got on stage, my hands were sweaty, my knees were shaky, but still I pushed through. At some point during my set, I completely forgot my lyrics and my mind went blank. But I was able to pull through in the end, and rap a half decent set of songs. You always remember your first, and when I think back to mine, I grow immensely grateful and proud of how far I’ve come since.

RRX: Artists, musicians, we immortalize. We set it in stone. Is there anyone who has passed that you feel you have immortalized in your work? If so, can you tell us a little about them?”

STM: I recently lost my Grandfather. He was a musician, playing the steel drum for over 60 years. He taught me at a very young age how to play, and that was pretty much the foundation for my musical ambitions. Growing up learning from him, taught me music in a way that I would not have gotten otherwise. It allowed me to hear music, melodies, rhythms, in a way that became so natural and easy, one could only describe it as being innately derived from the soul. As I got older, I began going on gigs with him, performing and playing in front of people. This instilled in me the confidence to display my art in front of others, which I carry with me to this day. As I transitioned into Rap and Hip Hop, the lessons I learned remained true, even if the genre was different. The gift of music that he has granted me, will forever be ingrained in everything I do.

RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.

STM: One of my favorite places I’ve performed so far has to be this place called Duds Dungeon. It’s this DIY venue located in Weymouth, Massachusetts, right outside of Boston. The best way to describe Duds, is to describe its community. It is the most inclusive, welcoming group of people ever, who graciously accept us with open arms every time we perform. The energy is infectious, hearing and feeling how excited the audience gets whenever we begin to rap. Feeling the love and admiration from people who don’t even primarily listen to rap music. And even getting the props from other bands, of which our music differs so vastly. It is a place for anyone who simply loves music and art, to come together and share in that love together. Duds Dungeon is definitely a place I look forward to going back to everytime.

RRX: What do you think is the most poorly understood thing about music, or the music you play?

STM: I feel the most poorly understood thing about the music I make, Hip Hop specifically, is just that; the music. I feel like people often ignore the musicality aspect of rap, and thus discredit rap artists as musicians. In reality as a rapper, your voice is often the instrument, and it creates the ability to bend, stretch, and contort your voice in any way shape or form you choose. For example, if I rap a line, I might choose to extend the ending syllable in such a way, or I might give more emphasis to a certain word or phrase. These are all ways to create a piece of music. Something that resonates with a listener in such a way, that it speaks to their soul and spirit. As I’ve been performing more, I’ve done a lot more shows with live bands, as well as incorporating my own steel drum playing. Hearing those hip hop songs be translated and played on live instruments, only helps to deepen the appreciation of hip hop as music in its rawest and truest form.

RRX: With the exception of singing, everyone has an instrument, an inanimate object that has the distinction of being a lifelong friend. Smooth or temperamental, these objects have a character. So pick someone to answer, can you tell us something special about what you play, your technique, your instrument?

STM: The instrument I play is the steel drum. I’ve been playing since I was a toddler, basically old enough to hold the sticks in my hands. This instrument holds a special place in my heart, being the vessel in which I was able to experience the joys of music from such a young age. This instrument I feel is not very well known. It originated on the island of Trinidad, so in the Caribbean it is very well known, but in other countries outside of that not so much. Not only is it not very well known, but those who do know it, often associate it with calypso, island beach vibes. Think “Under The Sea” from the little mermaid. Although that is true of its origins, and don’t get me wrong I love myself some calypso, the instrument is truly so much more than that. It is so incredibly versatile in the different types of genres that can be played. I can play anything from Jazz, to classical orchestra, to rock and roll, blues, and anything in between. It also has such a unique tone in the sound of it. It  truly compliments any variation of music in such a unique and authentic way. When I play, I use the instrument as an extension of myself. Translating the harmonies and melodies I hear in my head, and bending the notes of the instrument to my will, each tune I conduct is utterly and completely unique to Me

RRX: Let’s talk about your next project, your next few. Just not the ones you’re working on now. The ones you have your eyes on for the future. What’s coming to us?

STM: I am essentially working on new music everyday. I am always creating and always concocting a new sound, a new style for myself. However I am also an excessive perfectionist, and as such I struggle at times to present my finished product to the public. That being said, I most certainly have some projects that are in the final stages of completion and will be released soon. Specifically, I have an album coming called Drums & Symbols, which will be released in the coming weeks. I won’t lie, it’s been done for a while, but I’m finally feeling confident enough in the post-production side of it, to release it as a completed body of work. After that, I have another album coming out called Enemy Of The Mindstate. That project is currency in the mastering stage, and I’m super excited to have that out for the public to hear. I’m looking to drop that one probably early Summer, but definitely be on the lookout for Drums & Symbols which will be out soon. Like I said, I’m always working on new music, so I already have the start to some future projects in production. But those are the main two to watch out for in the coming weeks and months.

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