Artist Spotlight: I.V.

Wes “I.V.” Scott pays homage to his roots through his raspy tracks and dialect on his latest release “Album Practice” a mixtape hosted by DJ Young Breezye and DJ Prez that has been gaining a buzz in the South. Taking on dual duties as both rapper and producer I.V. is poised that it’s his turn in the industry. He started working with music when he was about 14. Started rapping first, then took a break from it for a long time to engineer studio sessions and produce tracks for others. He never gave up writing because it fueled his passion and was a release from the everyday struggles of the world. When asked what are the advantages of being both the rapper and producer, I.V. stated, “it gives me total artistic control doing both, and it puts me on my own timeline for music creation. I can produce a track, save it, and come back to it whenever I want. Lately, I’ve just been producing the tracks as I write the song.”

New Age asked I.V. what his outlook on mixtapes were he claimed, “It’s a love/hate thing, I love the avenue because of the exposure. It has helped me and a few other artists I work with closely to get the brand of music we produce out there. It has also hipped me to artists I wouldn't have heard otherwise, that put out quality music consistently. I hate it in the fact that some people just put out stuff without even considering the quality of music on the tapes versus the number of tapes they drop.” I.V. stays hungry by recording and producing tracks every day in his home studio. The ability for artist to record and produce their own music has changed the way we listen and discover new music. The industry is so accustomed to the standard that when artist like I.V. come along creating a new avenue the executives at labels don’t have the solution which can mangle the A&R formula. When asked what type of success he was looking for in the industry he claimed, both the indie and mainstream scene has pros and cons. “I believe the indie scene would provide the freedom of creativity I enjoy, but the mainstream would allow wider exposure. I wish I could combine the two and get the mainstream budgets with indie creative freedom.”

Some of IV biggest music influences can be attributed to his environment, growing up in Memphis, TN. I.V. was exposed to everything from blues to UGK and 8 ball and MJG. “They really showed me that I can keep my southern identity and do music that’s true to myself.” He credits Nas, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Black Thought for their lyrical ability and simply describes his style of music as what “feels right”. “I like creating music that people will sit down and listen to, or just drive and vibe to. I'm all about track selection and lyrical content. I just like making great quality songs.” The future is looking bright for I.V. who is partners with fellow rapper MT the Great, “We have some things in the works on the indie front that really will be DOPE in every sense of the word.”

You can hear more music from I.V. >>>> http://omg.ly/8LGk

Download the “Album Practice” mixtape for free today!
Follow I.V. @ www.twitter.com/ivonthetrack

Introducing Kidd Russell

Kidd Russell's music and name is sure to be in every household like a flat screen TV before the year is out. Perseverance, pure talent, and faith are sure to get this small town rapper with a sharp tongue to the top. Kidd Russell grew up in the sleepy town of Riverwoods, Illinois But growing up; his favorite music was harsh, urban hip-hop. Call it a small miracle but Kidd got his start writing after an unlucky break when he suffered an injury in high school. After junior college in Philly, Kidd left for California where his first hip-hop endeavors began in a radio production class. He wrote a theme song for a Powder Puff Girls Football team and after seeing how the girls and the students reacted to it, he was hooked. Kidd knew from then on, he wanted to become a song writer and performer. He then made a risky move by leaving school with only seven classes left to pursue a career in music. Kidd Russell never gave up and returned to Chicago where he enlisted help from a team of industry insiders and released his first solo album in 2006 called "Untied" and gained local and regional success opening up for acts like Common, The Roots, The Flobots and many more. Personal and creative differences with his team couldn’t hold him back he channeled his frustration and wrote his biggest single to date, “Dear Shooter”. His follow up single, "Rush" was picked up by 3 TV shows. In the midst of his success Kidd was faced with personal issues and misfortunes that could have very easily prevented him from continuing his craft. Fortunately his two new singles kept finding their own successes, carrying him through the dark ages in which he had little, if no resources, to continue making music. After a few struggles faith would have it that Kidd would be introduced to a producer, Matt Jenkins and Junkyard productions was born. The newly duo began to write and produce songs and finally the music and Kidd was getting the recognition that he dreamt of. In 2009, six songs were placed on TV including MTV, WB, HD.net, Fox Sports and more. They have created several wildly successful theme songs for professional wrestlers that are heard around the world. Their single "Rush: Rock Remix" was chosen for the TV theme song for Ring of Honor Wrestling on HDnet. This year Kidd Russell is set to release a new mixtape called RUDY RUTIGER MUSIC and his First full length album on JunkYard Productions title "BACKYARD HERO's is set for a March release. New Age was honored to get a one-on-one interview with Kidd Russell as he self-promotes his upcoming album:

New Age: What are some things that you have had to sacrifice to get into the industry?

Kidd: think it would be easier or it would be a shorter list to know what I haven't sacrificed. The life of an indie musician is hard and complicated. Every day you sacrifice time in your relationships, sleep, money and more. At this stage in my career I am the only person who is willing to invest this much in my dream. Its been worth it and the 14hour days marketing and promoting have paid off. I guess it’s like starting any business from scratch you have to put in the work and Time because without that effort you might as well not make music.

New Age: What are the advantages of making moves in the industry as an independent artist?

Kidd:The advantages are freedom to make your own decisions. The majors try to control buzz, release dates and everything which sometimes slows down what is organically happening in the streets. They only do that for monetary reasons. So the advantage to being indie is freedom to do what’s right for the fans and not what’s right for your label making money. Music is a service to people it gives them escape, happiness and brings people together.


New Age:What is your opinion on the industry's current state?

Kidd: I think I've figured out the new business model of the music industry. I can't explain it fully because it wouldn't be wise to give away my secrets. But I will say the mistake major labels make is that they try to make one big wave and ride it out. My philosophy is to find all the boats in the ocean making waves and ride with them because their waves are constant! I know stupid metaphor but it makes sense to me. I think the industry is a great place and it’s exciting because how fast and easy you can get music to listeners. You just have to be smarter about how to make money.



New Age:What is the best way to describe your music?

Kidd: I like to say it sounds like the Midwest, fall leaves, flannels, hoodies, love, football, friends and hard times rapped or sang over original reggae, rock, hip hop and occasional rockabilly beats. Or to put it simple my producer Matt Jenkins and I say we are the Ween of hip hop.


New Age: If you could collab with any mainstream artist whom would it be and why?

Kidd: Common he's been my idol for years. After that the rest would just be icing on the cake. If I could collab in another way it would be Zoe Salanda ;)!


New Age:What is the most important element in the TEAM you speak about in your bio? i.e. manager, producer

Kidd: My producer Matt Jenkins is the most important member of my team without him the rest of the people on my team wouldn't exist . Music comes first the rest is just getting it out there.

*Kidd has opened for: The Roots (twice), The Flobots (twice), Mr. lif (twice), Common, Uncle Cracker, Mickey Avalon, G Love and the Special Sauce, N.A.S.A., Glacier Hiking etc...

Hear and Purchase Kidd Russell music on Itunes today!
http://www.kiddrussellmusic.com/
http://www.myspace.com/rickyrage
Dear shooter official video link


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTBStWcv5r0

Rush ROck Remix (hd.net theme song for Ring of Honor Wrestling)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmT5ylpk_LA

All-Star Music Edition

New Age will be bringing you some inside exclusives from All-Star weekend.Stay tuned for interviews, pics,and video from some of the rising names in the music industry.