Respect Magazine’s Unsigned Spotlight – Series 9 - RESPECT.

Independent artists keep music exciting & always remind us that there is so much talent in the world. Nowadays it is easy to get swamped with all the mainstream music that is out & you often forget to take time out to discover some new sounds that’s where Unsigned Spotlight comes in. Sundays at Respect Magazine will now be dedicated to giving Unsigned artists the spotlight & showcasing their talents. These artists will come from all over the country & have various backgrounds but all their music will be unique in a way as they pave the way for the next wave of music. Enjoy!

1. G.U.N. – (@GUNMusic40)

G.U.N. is a fresh sound out of Dallas. With high energy and a distinct voice, his music commands attention as it blasts through the speakers. He’s been picking up fans quickly and shows good signs of providing us with solid music consistently.

– What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

My biggest goal to accomplish was really just to become a leader on the forefront for the Dallas music scene, to really improve, bring Dallas up, and I’ve definitely accomplished that now it’s just about elevating the situation to make it easier for all DFW artist.

– What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

I hope my music touches all the real people that’s been through what I’ve been through that really relate to me. Honestly just want to make people move in any place they are from having they headphones in, walking through stores, to being in the house chilling.

– How would you describe your own sound?

I call my sound street symphony…lol got a lot of melody in my sound. I’m very versatile so I can give you real rap to Post Malone type music to R&B to Waka. I cover all basis.

– What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from making music is stay humble no matter what, stay patient no matter what, and never give up and strive for it to create discipline. Also coming from my situation, it taught me to have way more faith in God. Prayer is the key to be honest.

2. Mic Kellogg – (@MicKellogg)

The Midwest has a new eccentric talent on their hands with Mic Kellogg. The good-spirited artist has build a brief yet high-quality catalog of music with witty lyrics and use of harmonies. His sound is really one of a kind and he has the talent to use a variety of styles to craft his songs.

– What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

2015 has already been a whirlwind for me. The rest of the year will definitely be spent promoting my LP, “Breakfast” that drops on 9/13. I want to release a few visuals off the album before the year is over too. Otherwise I’m really focused on doing local shows for the rest of the year & Working with local artists. Just building the talent Milwaukee has to offer.

– What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

I hope my music gives listeners the message of RELAXATION. Everyday life is so fast and busy. You should be able to throw on my tunes after a long day, smoke a doob, pour up some OJ and just chill tf out. There’s also a lot of very personal stories and aspects in my music. I want people to relate, so it can help them through their own struggles.

– How would you describe your own sound?

I’d describe my sound as a hot stack of French toast.

With weed butter melted all over it. And weed syrup too…. If that’s a thing.

– What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

Biggest lesson I’ve learned this far is that HARD WORK WILL PAY OFF. This LP has been over a year in the making….I’ve written and produced every track with all attention towards the smallest details. Now the first thing I’m ever releasing is premiering on Pigeons and Planes.

Just doing things right the first time. And not half assing it….Is key.

3. Caleborate – (@Caleborate)

Bay Area representative, Caleborate is a fresh sound with a knack for awesome rhymes. His talent has been noticed and his fanbase is on the rise. The West Coast artist blends storytelling with clever rhymes and floats over smooth production.

– What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

This year I hope to get my music out to a larger audience. I think the biggest thing I want to do before the year is over is work with a major artist who has influenced my sound and influenced my life though. Among wanting to perform at large events and meet a bunch of people who are influential I mostly just want to make some great music with artists that I revere.

– What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

I hope that my music strikes a chord with listeners. I just want my music to reach them at points of their lives where they may need that sort of relatable and honest music. There have been times in my life (many times) where the only thing that saved me was my faith and music. I just want for my music to impact someone like that. The way that “The Internet” impacted me with Feel Good or the way that King Krule impacted me with “6 Feet Beneath the Moon”. I think that once you make that sort of connection with music, or an artist at that, you’ll hold allegiance to them for a lifetime, I want people to feel that for me and my art.

– How would you describe your own sound?

I would describe my sound as eclectic, alternative, instrumental, wavy, smooth all that shit. It’s just hella good to be honest. In my opinion at least. I listen to my own shit sometimes and it has so many different flavors, and so many different vibes it’s just like man. It can’t be put into a box, it’s just like me. It’s on some Gemini shit, one day it could be one thing, the next day it could be another, all I can assure is that it’s gonna be dope regardless lol.

– What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

I’ve learned a few very important lessons, the biggest one for me is understanding that this shit takes time. Anything that’s worth holding onto don’t come quick, so be willing to put that work in. Be willing to grind, be willing to sacrifice to get what you believe you deserve. It’s like Dom say; “you work hard, get what you deserve….” So that’s how I look at shit, this shit ain’t easy and nobody is gonna hand it to you. Ain’t no one way in you try and fail. Peace.

4. Yohannes – (@YohannesMusic)

Yohannes blends R&B & Hip-Hop in his own way for his distinct sound. The Grand Rapids artist provides us with compelling tunes and is good at providing us with catchy lyrics. He’s not afraid to play with a wide variety of sounds and adds an exciting factor to his music.

– What’s the biggest goal you hope to accomplish in 2015?

The big goal I wanted to meet this year was to get 100,000 SoundCloud plays. We just did that. So now it’s on to a million and more. We want to continue to give great music to people.

– What message do you hope your music gives to the listeners?

I want my listeners to know one thing when they hear my music, and that’s that their point of view is a good one.

– How would you describe your own sound?

My sound is really just my how I feel music should sound. My rendition of the world. What I’m doing shouldn’t be labeled yet. Just know we’re going to push the envelope. Let’s keep listening.

– What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since making music?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year would be to believe in your team and yourself. Everything will work for everyone if you continue to create and share.