Respect Interview: On The Radar With Nashville Tennessee Artist 6Tusk

Robbie: What’s going on thank you for taking your time out to speak with Respect Magazine, So what have you been up to today?

6Tusk: What’s up, what’s  up. Everything’s going good as it can and I appreciate you for having me. Today’s just been the usual daddy duties, and spending time with the family. It’s always good to find a balance between business and your personal life, you know?

Robbie: Here and Now it’s 2019 and you’ve come a long way from your start in 7th grade so now in 2019 what are some of things you’ve continued to do to create that raw feel for you like it’s the beginning?

6tusk: Well, it’s always felt like the beginning in some ways. I’m still independent, and I still engineer myself. I’ve always liked having control of my mixes, and just recording at my own pace. In “real studios”, I’ve always found myself having the engineer fix something to my liking, and that gets frustrating sometimes. In a way, it’s a vibe for me..I’m so focused and tapped in with my creativity when I’m alone.

Robbie: As of recently released your fifth song of 2019 “Appreciation” as a real dedication. What was the process while making this song?  Did you pick the beat first or did you write the lyrics first? And what stood out for you during the beat selection? 

6tusk: Well, I always write my songs after I’ve selected a beat. I may or may not change the beat if I take too long to record it, because my vibes change daily. This was my first song released after a 5 month hiatus. All the love and good energy from the birth of my son made me want to create something more personal to me. The subtle guitar really brought this work to life for me. I was driving when I first heard it, and I just started humming my melodies. I came up with the chorus rather quickly and I freestyled different verses all the way home. Soon as I walked through the door, I had to lay it down.

 Robbie: 6tusk you’ve put in hard work as an artist and your buzz continues to grow it’s been awhile since that usb mic grandma bought. What’s been your biggest lesson as an artist so far? 

6tusk: I’ve learned to not depend so much on someone’s words. I’m even weary of people’s actions. I can have an idea, but I never really know someone’s true intentions behind what they do or say. Because of that, I stick to myself and I put up a guard that may or may not be holding me back from progressing. I’ve had bad management and I’ve been in contracts from hell. You have to cut through these illusions and have a clear sight on your goals on your own. I just want other artists to know, your best leverage is knowing your worth. You’re your best asset. You’re your best investment. 

 Robbie: The meaning behind your name 6tusk has an interesting story would you mind letting the Respect Magazine family know the story behind your name and why you chose it? 

6tusk: My family comes from Laos. Before the communists took over the government in 1975, there was a red flag with a white three-headed elephant. This represented the ancient name of our country, “Land of a Million Elephants”. Each elephant has two tusks each; forming the sum of six tusks total.

Robbie: So for anyone traveling To Nashville what can they look forward to seeing without and doubt? 

6tusk: Well, like almost every other big city, you’ll have your touristy area, which would be Downtown, and your more high poverty areas. Downtown mostly consists of country music bars, restaurants, clubs, and the related. As far as the poverty areas, Nashville has a much higher rate of violent crime than the national average. I remember from a study it said you had a 1-22 chance of being a victim. So just be on your toes and stay away from areas that aren’t pleasant to the eye. The thing about the city is that you’re close to some housing projects; one wrong turn and you never know.

Robbie: What can the people look forward to hear and see from you in the upcoming year months etc?

6tusk: Well, I’ve been working on some great songs that are radio and club ready, rather than the usual “street” music I’ve made over the past year. I have some things in the work with Bay Area legend, Iamsu, and Master Kato from Shoreline Mafia. Of course I still have some songs with rising star MBNel and MBJoeMari in the vault. I’ve got to get work done with Queen Foreigner, LMB Letrece, and a few other rising artists from the Bay. I also have plans to tap in with other cultures as well. I’m going to do a few English-Spanish songs with some other verified artists that I’ve been chatting with. I have some homies from my city that I’m working with that you should keep a look out for: Vinny Vizions, Tim Cee, LBD, Lil Trip, Keelo, Roxo and a few others. DJ Jamestuuh has helped with a few events, and I’ve watched my bro Ty’Darius progress over the past few months in his DJ Journey. He drove my 8 hours over night to my first show, I know he’ll do great things as a DJ as well. I’m aiming to drop more music videos and host my own shows to bring more exposure. Big up Pro from Showkase for all the guidance.

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