Day: July 2, 2020

Rising creative Lafayette Taylor is making strides as a recording artist, producer and songwriter. Hailing all the way from Alaska, his rich upbringing has led him to pursue music full time out of his 1SoundVives Studio based in Houston Texas. Coming off the release of his “FTSU” single, I caught up with Taylor to discuss his new single and plans for the future. Check it out below.

How has growing up in Alaska impacted your decision to pursue a career in music full time?
Growing up in Alaska made me want more. Honestly, there isn’t a lot in Alaska to do other than; school, sports, or music and in 7th grade I decided to begin singing as well as become a musician like my family around me who all played the drums. It was amazing, and I knew I wanted music to be a huge part of my life but in Alaska you could see the possibility of becoming stagnant. Of course, my family didn’t want that and my parents wanted my sister and I to have the opportunities to grow in whatever we decided to do and Alaska didn’t have those opportunities, but California did so they packed our things up and we moved to California when I was a young teenager.

How would you best describe your original sound?
To put it simply, I would say it’s a mix with old school R&B with a new style or vibe. The music I make is inspired by the harmony of Boyz II Men and Michael Jackson.

What made you want to have your own studio and create everything in house?
First, I’m all about unity/teamwork because I personally wanted to always be in a singing group purely because everyone is working towards a common goal to lift each other up to obtain that goal. So, when I began the process of creating this studio, I found that I had an opportunity to have a place for all creators. It was officially especially having my song “Why Why Why” because of how happy I was in that moment, when the record came together so did the space. All creators from musicians to engineers, dancers, etc. are creating something so I wanted it to be welcoming to everyone allowing them to work on their craft. With all of this happening I still have my main goal which is to spread positive vibes and just happiness.

What is the inspiration behind your new FTSU Single?
One night I was drinking in the studio, and in a very good mood of course and I just began thinking of the fun positive vibes California has so I knew I had to make a California type record. I love California vibe, the dances they create, and how everyone just is themselves especially at house parties. California house parties are intimate and when they dance, they do it in their way and it never is a question if everyone will hype you up. In Cali they just ‘do them’ no pressure or second thoughts of how to have fun, they just do it.

Who are some artists you hope to work with in the future?
I definitely want to work with artists; such as Eric Bellinger, Tink, and Keith Sweat. But I hope I can work with artists like Omarion, Tory Lanez, Boyz II Men, and Kehlani.

When can we expect a full body of work from you?
I’m actually working on it right now but it is expected to be completed and released at the beginning of 2021. 2020 is just the year of singles and EPs for me.

To stay up to date with Lafayette Taylor follow him on social media @Iamlafayettetaylor and stream his “FTSU” single below.

“Authenticity over good beats,” Its Doc told REMIXD Magazine. “I never feel pressured to do what’s in, or be like another artist.”

Its Doc is an upcoming artist and someone that you’ll want to be on the lookout for next. He recently dropped his first solo project called B.O.M. (Betting On Myself) and is ready to showcase his talents to fans all over the world.

His project is definitely a standout with 16 tracks and a handful of guest features, all of which put the Oklahoma City-based artist’s talents on display. Popular tracks like “Pullin’ Up” and “Grindmode” are great songs that introduce Doc’s sound.

Its Doc is refusing to settle for anything less than solid bars mixed with consistent delivery. Other standouts on the album include “Undeniable,” which is a powerful song about him being almost being able to “taste” success. He raps on the melody, “Life is looking bleak I turn meek and dream chase it.”

“Zaddy Daddy” showcase a glimpse of the artists slow/R&B-tinged sound and marks a track that’s different than all the rest on the album. He also puts his vocals to use on the song, which seamlessly harmonize with the beat.

Overall, the debut album is a promising effort and reveals Its Doc as a force to be reckoned with. The rising artist has music career goals for the future such as going on a tour and having his music licensed in films, shows, and commercials.

In a recent interview with Remixd Mag, Doc said that his sound feels authentic and unique to him.

“I am a unique individual, my perspectives are very relatable and common to people like me,” said. Continue reading to learn more about Its Doc and his latest project B.O.M. (Betting On Myself).

What city are you based in?
Oklahoma City

What is your artist name? What is your real name? How did you get your artist name?
My artist name is Its Doc. My real name is Antoine. I was in a group when I was 17 and my name was Document. The label head said that my name was too underground and told me to change it. It became Doc. Due to a lot of names being that I added Its Doc to search easier.

Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
My upbringing is my music. When you listen you can hear that through the storytelling. The principles I stand by and believe in come from growing up on the Eastside of Oklahoma City. My relationship with my kids stems from my father and my friends.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Authenticity over good beats. I never feel pressured to do what’s in, or be like another artist. And though I am a unique individual, my perspectives are very relatable and common to those who may have experienced something similar.

What ultimately inspired you to dedicate yourself to a music career?
My family. I tell my daughter all the time to go after your dreams, so it’s only right I lead by example.

What’s one reason you are passionate about music and what inspires you?
I’m always inspired by what is taking place around me. I don’t think I always speak my mind when I’m home but in my music, I can vent and get whatever I feel out.

Who are some of your main musical influences?
Nipsey Hussle, Jeezy. Dom Kennedy, T.I, Ludacris, Method Man, and Common.

What are some of your music career goals for the future?
I want to be on a tour soon, push my merch and brand B.O.M Betting On Myself, get a sponsorship and have my music licensed to films, shows and commercials.

Tell us about the project that you are promoting. What is it about? Is it a single or EP? Also, what is the name of the last project you released?
Name of my latest project is B.O.M Betting On Myself. It’s an LP comprised of 16 tracks about my experiences but it has something for everyone. Storytelling, partying , chilling, emotion, everything is in it.

What has the response been like to that project?
It’s been great. They all enjoy or are inspired by the music. This is my first solo project.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
Quarantine has given me a lot of time to work. I have a new project on the way titled Essential Work. I also am dropping a video for my lead single “Pullin Up,” in July.

What message do you hope fans take away from your music?
I hope that they are inspired and can play my music to get a push through a situation, party to it, chill to it, and vibe to it. Then listen again!

Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram.com/itsdocmusic
Facebook.com/itsdocmusic
Twitter.com/itsdocmusic

Listen to Its Doc’s newest album Betting on Myself below.