#GetSOM via @djspins
Recently we took a trip with Los Angeles based recording artist MANIAC BLAC to get the inside scoop on his journey through his recent project The Concrete Island. This trip would prove to be one dope ride!
DJ Spins- What is your Stage Name? Tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?
Maniac Blac- I’m Maniac Blac and I’m from West LA. I started getting interested in the industry when I was 15 years old cutting vocals for homeboys in West LA.
DJ- Who and/or what inspires you to create?
MB-Well my inspirations can come from anywhere or anything or anyone. I just go by feel. So usually my music is a direct reflection of how I’m feeling.
DJ-How would you describe your sound?
MB-As a “breath of fresh air”… But you never know what you’re going to get, but the drums always gone slap!
DJ-So what is your creative process like?
MB-Well every process is different, so I just go with the flow of energy. But you never know where the flow is going to go.
DJ-What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
MB –Akil from Jurassic 5 who I did recently do a track with called “Jesus Than Jacob”, Kanye, Dr. Dre, Jadakiss, Ludacris, Erica Badu & Kehlani.
DJ-If you could open a show for any artist who would it be?
MB-Snoop Dogg.
DJ-What is one message you would give to your supporters?
MB-Three things. Put God first, show love to one another, and give back. That’s why we will be donating a portion of the proceeds from my new EP, “West Coast Islanders Concrete Island” to support BCRF for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
DJ-What is the most useless talent you have?
MB-Man that, that would be probably be skateboarding.
DJ-What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?
MB-I would be hustling or trying to find a way to do something with my life.
DJ-Who are some artists you admire and why?
MB-Kanye West, Jay Z, Rihanna, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Ludacris because they were able to cross over into other lanes to grow their brands. Whether it was film, shoes, perfume, they didn’t stay stagnant and expanded.
My inspirations can come from anywhere, anything and anyone. I just go by how I feel, so usually my music is a direct reflection of that.
Maniac Blac
DJ-What is the best advice you’ve been given?
MB-The way you become successful is by what you choose to ignore, and when you put in the footwork along with prayer God will bless you.
DJ-If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
MB-I would change the respect level between labels and artists and make sure that only fair and good business is done. Also, stop the biting that be going on.
DJ-What’s next for you? Where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
MB-What’s next for me is a new album called First Man On the Moon and God willing I would be touring by then. But I do need a DJ. Spins where you at? (laughs)
Keep up with Maniac Blac on social media! Follow him on IG@maniacblac3, Facebook @maniacblac3, and online at maniacblac.com