Mz Bratt – Art & Passion
During her grueling recording schedule, Mz Bratt was kind enough to lend us her free time to answer some questions about where she started, who influences her and the challenges of turning a passion into a career.
Tuned-Out: When and how did you get started throwing rhymes together?
Mz Bratt: I started writing poetry from primary school days but actually lyrics at the age of about 13. I used to listen to Eminem a lot & Dizzee Rascal & I used to write their lyrics out & learn them, then i just started to write my own lyrics & learn them & gradually progressed I guess.
TO: What comes first – the theme of the song, the beat or lyric ideas?
MB: It can go either way depending on the creative energy, sometimes I may need a kick start so the beat would come first but other times I may go to a producer with an idea in mind.
TO: Which song are you most proud of to date and why?
MB: The last track I recorded because I progressed from the one before.
TO: Who are your influences in your writing style?
MB: I used to look to people like Kano, Dizzee Rascal, DMX, but now I just focus on what I want to say and how I want to say it.
TO: Dream collaboration – who would it be and why?
MB: I’d love to wok with Will.I.Am. I think he’s mad creative & makes fun tracks.
TO: Your studio recordings are tight and the music layering is solid with thick beats. Do you have challenges re-creating this sound when you perform live?
MB: Performing a studio track is a challenge in itself but I’m very focused & dedicated to making the live show as tight as possible, I go jogging & work out when I can to make sure my breathing is on point, although I never have rehearsals its hard to find time.
TO: How involved are you in the mix-down of the recorded tracks? Do you come in, run your lines and trust the engineers and producers to work their magic or do you insist on being involved every step of the way?
MB: At the moment I’m not really involved, the engineer will mix the track send it to myself & my manager & I’ll let them know what I think needs to be changed or worked on.
TO: Do you ever see yourself doing cross-over work? Say, collaborating with a rock group adding your stylings to their hard sound?
MB: Yes. I love all kinds of music & understand the process of progression & growing as an artist, I think it would be so cool to have a rock influenced track or rock influenced style. For example, Rihanna’s making it work.
TO: I know you did a mini-tour in the U.S. before. Any plans to return and extend your visit?
MB: I hope so, I was meant to be coming over soon to record, had some interest from Ruff Ryders.
TO: It’s difficult for up and coming rhymers to get radio play in the U.S. Do you have similar challenges over there??
MB: Yeah & no, to a point you have to prove yourself & the DJ’s have to believe in you, but the DJ’s over here are extremely supportive.
TO: Have you ever sung on a track or is that out of your comfort zone?
MB: I have sung on a few tracks, I actually love to sing I’m just not that comfortable with it. I need to learn how to use my voice more.
TO: Is the song “I Like You” written about a guy you had a crush on? Give us the details on that one!
MB: It’s about a guy I used to fancy throughout school but passed away so I wrote this song & another about him.
TO: What are you working on now?
MB: I’m just about to release my new single ‘Selecta’ & I’m just working on my album at the moment, grafting away in the studio daily.
TO: Fast forward 5 years from now. Where do you see yourself and what are you doing?
MB: Hopefully I’ll be a well established artist who inspires a lot of young people & motivates them to pursue their dreams. In regards to myself I’d like to think id be in a position where I have more control over my music.
TO: You come from a family with a lot of siblings. Are they as talented as you? Are any of them in the entertainment business?
MB: They’re all talented in their own ways. My oldest sister is only 22 and shes just graduated University and is now a teacher. One of my younger brothers is very much into music as well. He plays the guitar & has a band. He’s a wicked skateboarder, too - he’s only 12.
TO: Do you find that you’re being recognized more and more when you’re out and about in public? I recall seeing a tweet from you where you said someone recognized you and was surprised to see you riding the train. Does that become a challenge for you?
MB: Sometimes I just want to hide to be honest, I’m never rude to people that recognize me but sometimes I mistake staring for rudeness and forget that I’m known, but it means I’m doing good things for people to recognize me.
TO: Craziest fan experience – Any interesting stories to share?
MB: Probably a bunch of young girls asking me to sign their boobs – that was weird.
TO: Any upcoming shows or releases you want to let everyone know about?
MB: My new single is about to drop so look out for that, its called ‘Selecta’. Also hit me up on twitter @BrattOnline
http://www.myspace.com/brattonline
May 27th, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Great interview! I love it!
x
June 3rd, 2010 at 7:06 am
[...] of Mz Bratt which is quite amazing! Check out an exclusive interview between Mz Bratt and Tuned Out here! You can also follow Tuned-Out here on [...]