19 year old Chris Ervin (aka Dj Down South/Danny Montana) has been busy making moves in the music industry over the past decade. Finding his style and his listening audience, he works hard to separate himself for other independent artists while plotting his strategy to join the big boys. A native of Petaluma, CA, Ervin lives in Mississippi but has intention of being another local talent. He has his eyes set firmly on conquering the world.
In this exclusive interview he talks about his musical influences as well as how he is challenging himself through his newest project while also making a statement about his future.
Thank you for taking out the time to talk with us, Chris. Let's start with your own interests. What recording artists have had the most impact on your life?
There are many that had a big impact, such artists as, Bob Marley, Tupac, Coolio, Bone Thugs -N- Harmony, Matisyahu, and Damian Marley. Just to name a few
As an artist, how have you managed to separate yourself from the others out there?
I have a Unique voice and style of delivery. I like to give people something new to listen to, I'm always coming up with new flows and I love rapping on experimental beats, something that's really different.
If you had to describe your personal style, what would it be?
Throughout my career I've developed a style called Epic, It combines my love for old school drum patterns, and uses alot of orchestra elements in the melodies. I love it, you can catch that style on my upcoming project 'Dj Down South Vs. Danny Montana'.
One thing about hip hop is that it is not always known for sharing a positive message. Why is it important for you to give the world a variety?
Everybody has a message to share, some of them are not positive but there are some that are. America when it was being established was described as a 'Melting Pot' people from all walks of life came to America for freedom, I use freedom of speech to hopefully get across to people from all over the world, in every walk of life, and to all the generations to come how this 'Melting Pot' is from my point of view.
There are challenges with all careers. What has been your biggest challenge in getting your voice heard?
Meeting people, I have been told countless times throughout the years, 'Its not how good you are, Its who you know' So far in my career I have been struggling with meeting the right people. Though I cherish everyone Iv meet so far I would love to meet that one person who can help me get my career off the ground.
You are preparing for the release of your CD. What is the name of the project, and what can music lovers expect from it?
The CD is entitled 'Dj Down South Vs. Danny Montana' and music lovers are going to love the listening experience. The songs are great and I had a good time writing them.
The word is that you are making the CD available mainly for free download. Why did you make this decision and what do you hope will be the result?
Yeah, That is my decision it will be available for download on numerous websites. I made the decision because I am totally independent and my budget wont allow for me to press a significant amount to distribute effectively. So if I cant get it to everyone's hands through the stores the best I can hope for is to get it to EVERYBODY using the internet. I can only encourage you to burn it to a cd and let your friends, family, and co-workers to listen to it.
You have accomplished alot though you are relatively new to the industry. What advice would you give to artists coming up after you?
Know what you want, Set goals and strategies. Know what your going for and don't limit yourself to what others are doing, do what you want to do. You might come up with the next big style change.
If there was any artists you could work with who would they be?
There are a few out there that I would love to have a song with, some of them are: Matisyahu, Damian Marley, Jesse McCartney, BG Knoccout, Afrika Bambaataa, and Chubb Rock.
You are a supporter of the literacy campaigns Hip Hop and Books as well as The Write Stuff. Why is a project geared at reading something you are interested in?
Reading is very important and is something everyone should take up as a hobby. I enjoy reading myself in my spare time. I am currently reading 'Making It in the Music Business: The Business and Legal Guide for Songwriters and Performers' By Lee Wilson
Thanks for your time. How can our readers find you online or contact you?
No Problem, they can find me at http://www.MySpace.com/djdownsouth838 or http://www.djdownsouth.weebly.com. You can Tweet me at http://www.twitter.com/djdownsouth838.
