Mixtape Majors: Boggs

Q&A with MAXWELL VICTORY! @mgvictory @jboggs222 @mixtapemajors

Q&A INTERVIEW WITH MAXWELL VICTORY!

MIXTAPE MAJORS EXCLUSIVE!

Interview conducted by James Boggs for Mixtape Majors.

How did you get your stage name?

My stage name comes from my last name. Vicas is my given last name and Maxwell is my full name: I just thought why not change it to Victory because it sounds more like an artist's name. My name is too obscure. I originally wanted to call myself Maximus of Great Victory but I felt that was too boisterous and too long of a name for people to remember.

How long have you been in the music industry?

I have been in the music industry for a couple of years now and although I'm classically trained, I want to venture more into the popular music world. I've been singing since a very early age.

What artists, independent or mainstream would you want to work with?

It really doesn't depend who I work with as long as they are a nice and humble person who can work hard and be diligent in the studio. I'd love to collaborate with some major label artists but I don't think I'm there yet in my own music exploration.

Are you currently signed?

I am currently signed to Tru G Productions/Records out of South Carolina. I really appreciate how they've helped me and supported me since the day they discovered me. I know we're in it for the long haul and everyone on the label wants success. It just takes time sometimes and I respect that. Shoutout to Olandus YungSuperstar Good for finding me on twitter.

Where can fans find your music?

Currently my only outlet for my original music and covers is my soundcloud: soundcloud.com/maxvicas I think I'm unique on soundcloud because I mostly sing A Capella on the tracks. If I use a backing track or instrumental, it's because I love the song and don't know how to recreate it or what instruments to use. I used to have a Youtube channel when I was younger but I feel like audio output is a better outlet for me right now until a photo of me is shot professionally. Then I might reopen my Youtube channel for the general public to see.

Where have you done live shows?

I haven't really done much in the way of live shows, however I have much experience performing solos in front of people through choirs, musicals, and operas. I hope to transition and find new gigs soon though. I like going to open mics and singing for people. I just like it when there's a crowd. It really gives me motivation to perform my best and do what I love in front of people who may or may not like my voice. It doesn't matter to me if people diss my music or voice because I really don't care what the haters would think. I just want to be myself and keep doing me to the best of my ability.

Who's the biggest artist you have opened up for?

I have yet to open up for someone but I hope to soon. I feel like I could really get the crowd going for the main artist as an introduction to the performance.

Do you currently have an LP scheduled to release?

I do have an LP, that I'm working on, and it's currently untitled but I'm hoping it will drop sometime in November. I can't wait for people to hear my music and see the response my original songs get.

Finally,

What advice do you have for up & coming artists trying to get their foot in the door?

The advice I have for artists trying to get their foot in the door is just to stay yourself and don't try to copy or imitate your favorite artist. Just do you and everything from then on will hopefully work itself it. If you're willing to work hard, it's all worth it at the end of the day. you get rewarded with success and its a great feeling. Be original, but don't try to overdo it because people may start making comparisons to other artists and how one artist and another sound similar. That's cool but only to an extent. if you try to over-impress people in this industry they will just ignore you. That being said, however, doesn't mean that you should give up. just be yourself and if you have a unique enough sound, things will help you go far. Haters can also be taken as motivation for one to work even harder to get your music out there. Finally, keep your family, friends, and contacts with you the whole time. Don't cut ties with people no matter what happens. I do believe in second chances and I think if you want to reconnect with someone in the industry put your best foot forward and make it an effort. They might remember you and welcome you with open arms. That's the best advice I have for anyone wanting to pursue their dream of becoming any type of musical artist. I think at the end of the day it's about the music and that's it. just remember where you started and you'll be good to go.

FOLLOW ON TWITTER!

@MGVICTORY

FOLLOW ON SOUNDCLOUD!

soundcloud.com/maxvicas

Q&A WITH MA$COT! LABOR DAY EDITION! @itsmascot @jboggs222 @mixtapemajors

MIXTAPE MAJORS LABOR DAY EDITION INTERVIEW WITH MA$COT !

Interview conducted by James Boggs for Mixtape Majors.

How did you get your start in the music industry?

Music is my drug, if i didn't have it i'd go crazy. i been writing music and telling people in my school since i was in 7th grade, whether it be playing drums or rapping. so in my head i considered myself already in the music industry. As long as you have some type of fan base to give you the confidence and support in your work then you know your doing something right. Fans, and good writing = Music industry, whether your major or independent.

How old were you when you recorded your first song?

At about 14 i went by the name of "Lil Z" i recorded my first song out of my boy's basement. We had our own little clique called "OneTime" that would get together after school, instead of doing our homework we'd chill and write music. Homework? what is that? nah kidding, i would find someway to get it done even if it was the next morning.

How did you get your stage name "Ma$cot"?

After hopping out the rap game at age 16 i played drums for a band because i didnt want to just stick to one genre of music. It wasnt until i was 20 i finally found myself and decided that rapping is my root, its where i came from, and i feel it in my blood. i only talk about things i've experienced, went through, or seen. Unless its a song for a close friend or family member i'd take their life and put it on paper for them. You will never hear a lie come out of my mouth in a song. With that said, a mascot is used to represent something, a school etc.. so i thought to myself, everything i write down has to do with my own life, and people that live like me or been through certain situations that they'd like to express, but dont have the voice to let it be heard. So if everything i write down represents my life, what words describe that? Mascot. My writings are my mascot which represent me, while i also want to be the voice for the unheard. This is where Ma$cot is born. The dollar sign is because I'm about my business and money.

Who were your musical influences growing up?

Besides jamming out to "The gap band" and "Jimmy Hendrix" with my father as a youngin, here's my long list, Jay-z, Tupac, Fabolous, Blink 182, Slipknot, Memphis Bleek, DMX, Sum 41, Emmure, For the Fallen Dreams, Young Jeezy, The Clipse, Eazy-e, The Game, Dipset and all of G-Unit. My favorite right now are Wiz khalifa, Kid ink, Fabolous, and Pusha-T. Bone Thugs- Crossroads was the first song i really, really liked. i remember bugging my brother to keep playing that track on his tape player. Jay-z - Can i live was also a favorite, even if i didnt know what he was talking about at my age

How many live shows have you done?

Countless, i played all the time in my state of CT, also Providence RI too. However, i took a break until my next mixtape drops which i will have a mixtape release party and perform the whole mixtape. Soon after that i look to get back on the road and perform at every chance i get.

Have you opened up for any major artists?

I've opened for Soul Khan in Trumbull CT

Where are you from?

I'm from Bridgeport, CT but moved to the west of Stratford, CT in 2009. Im in Bridgeport almost everyday of my life though so Bridgeport will never be out of my heart.

Are you currently signed to a label?

I'm currently signed to an independent company, "TruG"

Do you have a Mixtape scheduled to release soon?

October 5th 2013 - "The Final Experiment" will release. The story behind it is, i've made alot of music in my past, whether it be rock, or rap, but it was hard to try and find where my writing is comfortable. But now i've cracked the code and after this mixtape the best of Ma$cot is yet to come, hence the name "The Final Experiment"

Finally,

What advice do you have for up & coming artists trying to get noticed?

You HAVE to apply yourself and GRIND. There's NO simple way around anything in life. Don't wait for anyone to find you, you can't be found if you don't put yourself out there. Imagine yourself in a game course full of thousands..millions..a race to the spotlight, your sitting with the thousands and millions in the dark. They cant see the obstacles in front of them so they're scared to get up and go for it. Little do they know if they just tried they can eventually succeed. YOU should be the one getting up and trying, never be scared of how a situation may seem, push through and there may be an alternative route yet to be discovered that can be the secret hall way to success... those thousands and millions will not make it to succeed. Be the one to get up and get it, dont let anyone hold you back or down you... Learn from your mistakes.. and proceed to the Finish.. Your dream awaits.