Spotlight Talent: Vos

This one is long overdue! Born in the "Windy City" and raised in the "Place for Lovers", this artist has found himself following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a rapper. With a sound that is far from what is out now, he is finding himself in his music and discovering things he hasn't yet figured out, until he started music.

Introducing..

VOS

Me: We finally getting this interview in! (laughs) Where are you from and how old are you?

Vos: Yes. Yes we are (laughs). I was born in Chicago and moved to VA with my mom and step dad when I was 12. I'm 22 years old. So, I guess to answer the question, I'm from Chicago, but lived in VA for 10 years.

Me: Wow, so you from the 'Windy City!' What was it like in Chicago compared to VA?

Vos: Yep, yep, I sure am. And I don't know, honestly, like, it's a weird question to answer for me because I don't really know much about Chicago. I was kind of oblivious to my surroundings as a kid (laughs). But, in terms of people, it's sort of like my friends are in VA and my family is in Chicago, so I have the crazy yound adult life while in VA and then I go to Chicago and it's kind of my happy, warm family time. If that makes sense (laughs).

(Laughs) It makes perfect sense. I was born in Jersey and that's where family is, but I was raised in VA for most of my life and that's where my friends are. (laughs) So, what is it like being an artist in Richmond?

Good to know that's a universal feeling (laughs). Being an artist in Richmond is pretty dope, I feel. My experience with it so far has been something I feel is really special. It's a community effort and people seem to be down for supporting one another as long as you're serious about your art and aren't an asshole (laughs).

I think you're the first person I have come across that has a positive outlook on support here. Because a lot of people don't think they are getting the support they deserve and to a certain extent it's true. So, as far as your support with fans and even friends and family, how's that been?

Really?! I'm very surprised by that honestly (laughs) But, I guess everyone experiences things differently. So far between fans, family, and friends, I have nothing, but support from my people! I am truly blessed in that sense. My family has a decent understanding of the dream though because my dad was an OG Chicago rapper, so I'm kinda following his footsteps (laughs). Fans wise, I don't know if I have any yet, honestly. (laughs) Most of the people that listen to my music right now and support are people I've personally met and have gotten to know, so I think of them more as friends than fans. That beings aid, my friends are great supporters of what I'm trying to do.

Ahh okay, so you picked up on the rapping career because of your father's influence?

Yeah (laughs). Although, I didn't really get into it till I started listening to Eminem religiously.

(Laughs) So, Eminem is a big influence on your music as well?

Yep, without a doubt. Probably the biggest. Although, I've kinda diverged from that style overtime.

Yeah, your style of music is different from what's out now. Do you think that would hinder you from advancing your career or help you?

I feel like there's a market out there for everything so if I can get my music in the hands of people that enjoy my style, they'll vibe with it and I'll be able to grow from there. So, I guess a little of both - help and hinder. Does that answer your question?

Yes it does! What do you find is the hardest thing for you as an artist?

The hardest thing for me as an artist is probably finding inspiration to work. I make my best music when I'm inspired, but when I'm not, I'm sort of just making stuff as practice and that period is extremely tedious. That's when my love for creating music turns into a true grind.

Yes! Gotta stay inspired, too. What about yourself have you learned from being on this grind for making it in the music industry?

Soooo much (laughs). It'd be hard to go through everything I've learned so far. But, the main thing is probably that you can't wait for others to do things. If you truly want something or want to do something, the only way to get it is by actively pursuing it yourself. Relying on others is the easiest way to not get anything done.

You preaching Vos! If you could have any famous artists feature on your song, who would it be and why?

(Laughs) Thank you! I'm just speaking my truth. And also, I'd probably have to say K. Flay or Kendrick. I just love K. Flay's music, it's atmospheric, and poppy, but also, Hip-Hop, and it'd be really interesting to do a song with her. Kendrick because it's KENDRICK!! (laughs)

(Laughs) Kendrick one of the greatest! And I've never heard of K. Flay! Now, I gotta listen.. Explain your song "I'mperfect."

Yes, please do! She's great!.. And explain?

What made you write that song? What was the concept behind it?

Well, the idea behind it is anxiety and trying to deal with the pressures you place upon yourself and the pressures society places on you. Like, I'm doing everything in my power to be perfect in the eyes of society and for myself, but it's impossible to obtain perfection, especially when you're an artist because it's very likely you'll never appease societies wants and your own being an artist.

Of course. It's like if you keep trying to please society, you'll never please yourself.

The inspiration behind it was literally a conversation I had with my friend also the tracks feature, Eliza, where I realized, "I'mperfect" also spelled out imperfect and we both geeked (laughs)

(Laughs) I'm weak! I liked that though! (laughs) I liked the name! You also have a performance coming soon! What are you performing?

Ayeee! Why thank you! Happy you enjoyed it. And I do I do! February 23rd and then another on the 24th with my Secret Bonus Level homies! I'm gonna be doing a 15 minutes set for the 23rd of an a capella verse, my first song ever Strange Mojo, and then Placebo Effect.

Okay! What's Secret Bonus Level?

Secret Bonus Level is a radio show/music group I'm apart of. I host the show on WRIR every Wednesday night from 1am-3am and what we do is have rappers on air with us and have a cypher over a live band! It's a really good time. But, lately we've been branching out to other things like putting on shows and what not at local venues like, Strange Matter. And everyone in the group makes bomb music!

That's wassup! So, you're a radio host and an artist! What can we expect from you - new music and radio show wise?

Radio wise you can probably expect to hear my music on WRIR every once and a bit and you will always catch me on Wednesday night hosting and free styling with the dope peeps that stroll into the Secret Bonus Level (laughs). Music wise, I'm honestly not sure stylistically, but I'm working on two projects, but they might become 1big project, "Obnoxious EP" and "Dreamers EP" or just, Dreamers album. But, I will have some single coming out in the between time while I work on those as well.

That concludes the interview with Vos! If you aren't doing anything on the 23rd and the 24th of February, be sure to check him out and listen to his radio show, Secret Bonus Level!

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