Tell us about your music and musical style?
I'd say somewhere between Hip Hop and Dance. I love southern rap hi-hats, but at the same time I'll throw in some four on the floor kick everyonce in a while. I guess it's just an amalgamation of the music I like to listen to. Purely instrumental at this point, but I'm looking to change that soon.
What made you want to make music?
Really, it's just kind of been something I've always done. There wasn't really a point where I decided, yeah, I should make music. It's just always been there. I was given an instrument at a young age, and there's been one in my hand since.
How did you hear about Red Bull Music Academy?
I attended a workshop in 2008, I think, with Flying Lotus hosted by mymanhenri in Ottawa. I went expecting a magical workshop where I would learn to magically inherit Flylo's chops but instead I was introduced to the Red Bull Music Academy. Since then I had noticed it being mentioned all over. I'd read about a new beat maker I loved, and there would be it's mention. Over time I came to know there really was something to it.
Why did you want to apply?
I had read a lot about past participants experiences and it's all basically the same thing; it's amazing, it changed my life, it's a musicians paradise. I knew I wanted that. The one thing that stood out the most to me though, is the apparent burst in confidence that artists experience after attending.
Can you tell us about what your experience there?
It's genuinely hard for me to put it into words, but I can definitely say artists past recollections of it's greatness are totally justified. I gained this amazing group of friends from all over the world and learned a lot while I was at it. It's not the kind of experience where you're sat down at a desk and given facts to memorize. Our lectures were made up quite a bit of the artist's anecdotes and philosophies towards music. We were taught how to be self fulfilling and confident as artists more than how to make something good. It was completely enriching.
What was the best lesson you gained from the lectures?
Basically to just do whatever you want to do. Don't base your expression on what you think others would or wouldn't want to hear. Just do you. It's some cliche be-yourself type stuff, but it's hard to quantify how valuable having an institution tell you that is. Especially when you know they mean it.
Did you get to meet any of your own heroes or musicians you look up to at the academy?
Yeah, plenty. I could write you a long list or I could sum it up in three letters. Rza. Enough said.
What was your favourite part of the experience?
The people I was surrounded by. The Academy is run by amazing people. You can tell the selection process is really thorough. Within my fellow participants I did not encounter a single negative attitude. Everyone was there for the right reason. No one was too cool, or too talented, or had too many posts on XLR8R etc. We were all artists just as pumped as the next to be there with each other. My circle of friends got a hell of a lot more global.
What is your advice to other Canadians thinking of applying?
Well, first, you need to get rid of the "thinking" of applying thought. Just do it. At one point I was fully convinced I would never get in. Then I realized the only way that would be possible is if I didn't apply at all. Fill out the form. Don't over think your answers. Fill them out completely as yourself. Not what you think they want or don't want to see. I'm fully convinced the selection process is based just as much or more on personality than your actual music. So download that application and put yourself on those pages.
Learn more about Exeter here
To apply to the 2012 Red Bull Music Academy, please visit; www.redbullmusicacademy.com
Red Bull Music Academy New York City 2012
Workshop 1: September 30 – October 12, 2012
Workshop 2: October 21 - November 2, 2012
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