WAKE UP! Kentucky’s Leader of Bass-Demolition Destroyers [Artist Interview]
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Please welcome WAKE UP! to the storm!
Q1: Thanks for joining us, we are elated to finally have you! Can you give us the origin story of the name and idea behind the Wake Up name?
A1: Sure. WAKE UP! came about as an every day saying that means many different things depending on the way you express it. That’s exactly what my music is like. When I express in a horror soundscape it is more of a happy time for me but when it’s something dark and brutal it’s usually just me getting out my daily stress. For 7 years I was PLEXXUS and found an incredible amount of success. However, the image and importance of the PLEXXUS name and sound began eluding me. Thus in 2020 I re-branded to WAKE UP!
Q2: For the unknowing readers, and soon-to-be fans it course, where are you from?
A2: Paducah, KY or hell.
Q3: Can you tell us how you got your start in the music industry and what lead you into the dance music world? what ultimately kept you?
A3: I remember years ago stumbling across this guy Rednek on YouTube. I immediately became obsessed with dub and UK style. I continued following the rabbit hole and eventually decided to try my hand at it myself. I remember my first songs were recorded on a 2nd generation iPod Touch in an app called Music Studio. They were all so so bad but reluctantly enough that alone made me branch and grow. Wanting to know and practice more and more into what I do now. As for “what kept me” in the music scene… Honestly, nothing really. I do this for me and people enjoy it either way. I’ve taken several extended breaks over the years but ultimately anything else I’ve done hasn’t filled that hole of making music and enjoying what I do.
Q4: What impact do you wish to have on the world, whether it’s music or being a role model for others?
A4: I just want to help others. I currently have a couple of projects in the works to really start to be able to do just that but we will talk more about that later.
Q5: If someone is dealing with writers-block or just cannot find the mental groove to get into to learn & write music. Do you have any advice for them?
A5: If you need a break, then take a break. We will all be here when you come back. If you have questions then reach out to some of us and don’t feel intimidated to ask questions that you don’t understand. We are people just like you.
Q6: Are there any causes that you personally advocate for? Can you speak on this topic for us?
A6: I’ve been witness to many mental illnesses and personally I advocate for Brain Injury Awareness. It can happen to anyone regardless of social stature. It’s more common in younger men but can also effect a large population of the elderly. You can read more about it at www.biausa.org
Q7: What is life like in the shoes of WAKE UP? Walk us through a Day-In-The-Life of you!
A7: Day to day is very different. Some days I go to work and it’s nice and calm and others I’ve literally had flesh ripped from my arm. You can never tell what kind of day I’m going to have until you’re in the moment. The worlds a scary place and that’s exactly who I am.
Q8: Are there any exciting changes coming in 2021 for WAKE UP?
A8: In 2021, after 10 years of producing solo, I’m going to be opening up to collaborating with other artists. I have a new image, a new sound and I’m going to do new things.
Q9: Are there any special projects outside of your own music production that you are currently working on? Can you tell us about it?
A9: Many of you know that I, along with my awesome team run Anti-Feel Records (AFR). And most recently announced the reveal of our Forsaken Collection. Which is a new collective under the AFR brand for the dark and heavy bass music. Deathstep, Minatory, Dark Riddim and Tearout are our main focus in the collective. Forsaken will begin releasing on March 15th, 2021. So stay tuned for that.
Q10: What sort of creative processes have you called upon when approaching this project?
A10: It’s not really a creative process but it comes down to there being so few labels for dark bass music. Yeah, we have Crowsnest Audio (a personal favorite) and Community Mix Promotions and whatnot but I want to bring you something from the ground up that with every release you will see the same dedication and determination you see with our releases on Anti-Feel Records.
Q11: How do you find time to manage and balance your own music production as well as other surrounding projects?
A11: There is no time schedule. If there is work to be done then I do it. If nothing is going on that needs my attention then my team is doing their things. I put out 1 song a month as WAKE UP! so there really aren’t any time restrictions to push and get that done either. It’s usually a smooth process all around.
Q12: What artists inspire you the most to make music? Are there any artists outside the dance realm that also inspire you?
A12: I’ll stick with a top 10 or less here. In no specific order, Code: Pandorum, TenGraphs, Evil Wave, AVATAR, FIGURE, Rednek, Bring Me The Horizon, Apashe, Chelsea Grin and Gorillaz would be my top 10 inspirations.
Q13: Where has been your favorite place to perform or play music?
A13: I’ve never played a show or performed any sets. I do production only and focus more so on building my label and associated brands.
Q14: Who or what has been a key player or instrumental in your growth and success?
A14: As WAKE UP! I don’t attest to any success. With Anti-Feel Records and Forsaken Collection, other than myself I have to thank my team. I also have to thank all of the people that have helped us grow so fast in such a short amount of time
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Q15: Who do you believe deserves more spotlight and recognition in their music careers?
Give them a healthy shout-out!
A15: Where to start..?
Faezer, Fermilat, Espioth, SpaceGhost, FESTER, Skitzoid, Gorgonzilla, Rage-Bot, St!llTr!ll, and many, many more!
You are all amazing! Thanks again for having me!
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