Deezie Brown talks about the importance of branding, the need for genuine music platforms, and speaks on Kevin Abstract.
Purple Tiger Blog: Thanks for getting in touch with us on such a short notice. We've been rocking with what you have going on for a while now, so it's pretty exciting to finally get to speak with you.
Deezie Brown: Absolutely, it's always a blessing when platforms not only reach out but genuinely support up and coming artists. These types of resources play a huge roll in the future of local musicians, and I'm glad you guys are doing your part by pushing the envelope and creating a blueprint for other platforms as well.
Purple Tiger Blog: Most definitely, so with no time wasted, let's get straight into it. You already know at Purple Tiger we are really huge on content! Content means more than anything to us. I know you're involved with Here Forever Media Group, which is a powerhouse when it comes to creative content. So with out a doubt, content really matters to you. Please share with us some key components of Deezie Brown that help shape the creative content of your art.
Deezie Brown: Yeah I've been working with the guys over at HF for about 3 years now and it's crazy seeing the growth, my focus in the creative process is basically using my addictions to describe my pain. I think one of the key elements to my vision is my addiction to the fashion lifestyle. We hear all the time from artists and public figures bragging about these types of pieces, but it's not everyday you hear someone saying they don't want these items, they actually need them to cover the pain mentally. What if the the industry had brainwashed an individual and painted a picture of what success looks like for them, this would be the solution to dealing with it for me. Purple Tiger Blog: That’s interesting. I'm sure you've caught some flack about this already. Has anyone ever brought up the name Kevin Abstract to you in response to your helmet? And what's with the helmet anyways?
Deezie Brown: Funny you ask that. Kevin Abstract was actually brought to my attention by my label mate and close homie Proz Taylor a couple months ago. Though the helmet may force you to see similarities, if your someone who doesn't judge a book by it's cover and critiques the artist by every element they have to offer including there Image, presentation and of course they're actually sounds then you'll be able to see the difference between us two. A lot of people forget that Daft Punk are the originators of this also just for shits and giggles. All in all I use the helmet to mentally provide protection from everything the industry has to offer in the most creative way possible. People can't judge what they don't understand. It's also a good conversation starter. Purple Tiger Blog: If there were a total of 3 things you could change about the music world for indie artists, what would it be?
Deezie Brown: I think the amount of good platforms and resources ratio to PR scammers is way off. You've got artist like myself that have been chasing what I would call “freedom and happiness” for quite sometime and there's nothing more annoying than someone saying that they can provide assistance to your journey when in reality its only to bend your pockets for 0 results. Another thing I'd like to see is a better support system between local artists. I'm in no power to justify how this should look because I need improvement in this area as well, but what I will say is it definitely needs some adjustments in order for us to see a little bit more progression as locals. Lastly and I think this may only apply to hip-hop artist what others may be able to relate as well in Sub-genres. When you think of Rock music you think of Punk, Metal, blues and etc. but in the hip-hop world we are stuck with one place to Distribute 20 different styles of rap music. There should be no reason you type in hip-hop on Spotify And a Kendrick Lamar record is followed by a Lil’ Yachty joint. No disrespect on either artist I think there's a time and place for both individuals at some point but the content and imagery the younger generation of rap are displaying doesn't blend with the message that every other rapper is trying to get across. I think the younger generation can agree with me also when the tables are turned, we got Trap & Hip-hop/Rap that's two genres to fit who knows how many rappers into. Something gotta give soon.
Purple Tiger Blog: I feel like there are artists falling out of the sky these days. Some are really good, many are forgettable. These days, it takes much more than just talent, sometimes even more than hard work. I know a few acts who've established themselves by other means. I've dived into exploring some people just from the look of their album cover, a promo clip of a video they were prepping to release, even the particular wardrobe in their default picture. How important do you think it is for artists to have proper creative direction and branding?
Deezie Brown: Well your creative direction is the first thing people see kinda like a book cover. Im really big on not hitting play if an artist can't respect the value of artwork. Choosing your creative director can vary between a lot of things but for me it's quality and turnaround time, along with communication, this goes for both parties. Also how you carry yourself plays a big factor these days it's really up to you on the presentation, but the cool thing is there's a audience for every artist.
Purple Tiger Blog: What are some of your short term and long term goals as an artist?
Deezie Brown: For me a short-time goal is effectively branding myself . Creating something that people see and instantly think of you. I feel that long-terms goals should be coming up with ways for your brand to grow. If you 100 followers make it a goal to grab 200 in two months and so on after that. Another long-term goal for me would be finding ways to provide your fans and supports with your music not depending on blogs and other outlets. This has been the hardest thing for me and my guys and it's still a ongoing process but I think it's get information for every local artists. People should be coming to you for your content unless there's really good relationships you have built with platforms so you're not paying for blog post.
Purple Tiger Blog: Awesome. It was great to chat with you and get a little insight to your methods and artistic beliefs. Great stuff. Hope to have you back soon to chat about some more topics.
Deezie Brown: Most def, thanks for having me.
