Let’s break the ice. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?
I go by Illuminate, 19 years old and from Cleveland, TN. I am most known for my fun, high-energy tracks, but I dabble in just about everything.
How do you feel about the Hip Hop scene in Tennessee? A small sect of you guys have obviously realized unity brings greater things landing a TN Stage at A3C Fest… I can tell you with confidence that moves like this were not happening in indie Mid-TN Hip Hop 5-10-even 15 years ago.
I feel that the Hip Hop scene in Tennessee is in a state of development. Granted, we’ve had some artists come from around here, but mostly music inside a certain box. I think that we need a new breed of lyricists and unique artists to emerge from the Volunteer state.
In my opinion, Kelly Hite doesn’t get enough shine for the amount of grind she’s been putting in over the years. How has she been shaping and affecting the Nashville Hip Hop scene from your point of view?
I have only known Kelly for a very short time, but I had heard about her prior to being into the Nashville hip hop scene from Ed Pryor. I’ve heard nothing but good things about the work she has done, and when asking about the Hip Hop scene in Nashville, arrows always pointed me towards her. Like I said, I don’t know everything she’s done, but that artist recognition should speak for itself.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I listened to was “U Guessed It” by OG Maco. I’ve concluded that I’m going to throw away my Axiom 61 and bring in a toddler to play me tunes off of a Little Tikes piano so I can have a hit (Joke).
Who or what influenced/motivated you to walk this journey known as music? What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting down this path?
Music came to me in such a roundabout way. I’d say my love for music started when I ran cross country throughout my middle and high school career. Everyday I would run 5+ miles, with a fresh playlist of songs on my iPod. In high school, I began “making beats”, (really just looping downloaded sounds and stacking them), that led to messing around and writing some raps and different sorts of music. After a few failed bands, I took it upon myself to dive in headfirst to a genre that I can make work for myself, without having to rely on the failing band members I had from the past. I would say my biggest challenge to date is doing everything myself. From video production, graphic design, and marketing, to mixing/mastering and production, it has been me from the jump. However, I wasn’t ever taught these things.. and through a ton of trial and error, and constantly failing and learning from my mistakes I was finally able to round out my skills. I’m still doing these things to this very day.
Where do you want to be in 10 years?
In 10 years, I couldn’t begin to tell you what I want to do. Honestly, I have so many plans in my head that I am simply waiting to put on paper and bring to fruition. The resources just have to be there, and the time is right. You’ll see me follow in the foot steps of Jay-Z, Diddy, Dr. Dre, and Fifty Cent if you catch my vibe.
What should the audience expect from your performance at the A3C Tennessee Stage on October 11th?
I think my audience should expect to discontinue judging a book by its cover. The surprise factor I have is somewhat of a catalyst to my career. I’m going to bring high energy tracks, and get the crowd moving, but most importantly, I’m going to do things that I will undoubtedly be remembered for. I think that’s the most important thing at a show like this, where you aren’t necessarily the headliner. I mean, these people are going to see 20, 30 performances during A3C. How can I make them remember me? That’s what I’m asking myself now.
What does this opportunity (A3C TN Stage) mean to you? How do you think it will effect your career from this moment forward?
This is one of the greatest opportunities thus far in my career. Playing A3C has actually been a goal of mine since high school. To be completely honest, I could not even take a guess at how far this will take me. Aside from the performance. Just the networking. I have a drive for music that is considered borderline insane by some, but it’s just what I do. I’ll be there all 5 days, talking with artists, linking up with bloggers and producers, and encouraging industry professionals to attend our showcase. I’m going to use every bit of my time catapulting myself in this 5 day window.
Where can we connect with you online? Find your music?
I have music on iTunes, for those who would like to support at https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/expectations/id865514337?i=865514417. More places you can find me: youtube.com/illuminateofficial, Soundcloud.com/illuminateofficial,
Twitter.com/IlluminateYeahh, Facebook.com/Officialilluminate or email at Officialilluminate@yahoo.com.
Any last thoughts? Shout outs?
I would just like to say thank you to Kelly Hite and DJ Money Green. They have done a wonderful job, and have chosen an incredible lineup of people I will have the pleasure of sharing a stage with.
