Yo-Dot
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Mikhail Stukov
Follow @MrStukov
Mikhail Stukov: So Yo Dot, tell us a little about yourself, where your from?
Yo-Dot: My name is YO-DOT. I'm a Independent artist from the NorthWestside of Milwaukee, WIsconsin. I represent a independent music imprint called "Umbrella Music Group" that has released over 15 Independent projects through our music brand. I've released 5 independent releases since 2009 under Umbrella Music Group. I've been writing music since I was 7 & began recording at the age of 14. I'm releasing a 6 song EP entitled "A Winter's Ration" in January 2014. I'm also a father to 6 year old son (AUSTYN) & a behind the scenes published Music Licensing writer.
Mikhail Stukov: What's helped you grow from a musical perspective and the business aspect of the industry? What advice do you have for any artist on the come up?
Yo-Dot: What's helped me grow from a music perspective is being a consumer and fan of Hip - Hop music first since I was younger & watching my partner in rhyme Prophetic winning over fans, from elite industry execs to overseas music entities with just staying true to his sound and not chasing or settling for what's relevant in todays music world. My advice would be to any aspiring artist is to not follow whats current sound-wise and try to fuse or create a sound. Try to be a student of the game & culture with doing research and knowing the history and origin of Hip Hop music.
Yo-Dot: What inspires and motivates me with lyrics is the art of shock value. If I listen to your record and I can't predict your next rhyme pattern or rhyme word and its witty, it's creates this euphoric feeling in my brain when listening to music. Now if can predict your lines or if your blatantly using a current or trendy flow pattern continuously in every song I can't respect that.
Mikhail Stukov: What do you look for in beats you’re selecting?
Yo-Dot: I look for clarity in every instrument track, from the snare and kick, to the bass lines. I try to stay away from 808-double time snares/ joints b/ I rock with those. I a more contemporary guy I like the Justice League, Dj Pain 1, The Business, Just Blaze beat type of dude. I lot a lot of dramatic synth, heavy drums live instrumentation sounding beat guy. Guess Imma old man lol
Mikhail Stukov: What do you think about hip-hop content today? And how is your music going to compete with what's going on?
Yo-Dot: I think hip hop content today is as diverse and free as its ever been. I like to think of all the different sounds and styles of hip hop today as branches or "sub genres" of the true form of hip hop. As long as we realize how it was founded and the origins of hip hop itself, we'll be in a good space. I think my music is going to compete with what is going on by me staying humble and truthful through my music to the point I start taking the listeners away from the fabricated, materialistic type of music content in order to maintain the balance of out music culture vs the music corporations that program rap music today!
Mikhail Stukov: Besides music what other hobbies do you have? Please tell me about your typical day
Yo-Dot: On a typical day, I like to chill with family, like my little brother or kick it with my grandmother, I might watch a movie, visit some friends and probably look up and google some weird theory shit, just to keep my brain absorbing knowledge and information
Mikhail Stukov: Your favorite movie ? and why ?
Yo-Dot: I really don't have a Fav., I like all the old Mafia joints of course lol. The Most recent joint I seen tho was prob World War Z or some other crazy shit lol
Mikhail Stukov: How does it feel when you perform live? Describe your live performance
Yo-Dot: Its an amazing feeling bruh!! It's like therapy and a relief of stress all in one. I have a lot of high energy during my live performances. Very direct and lots of eye contact with the crowd! I liable to climb a sound system speaker, jump on tables, whatever it takes to command the crowds attention.
Mikhail Stukov: What is your ideal musical future?
Yo-Dot: My ideal musical future would be all artist in 100% control of they're music & creativity, Music that is timeless & challenges the ear, rather than music that just keeps you content for a certain amount of minutes or hours. And of course 100% profitable for every talented artist, band group, etc
Mikhail Stukov: Who are some artists and producers you want to work with that you have yet to?
Yo-Dot: I would say Producers like Cardiak, Flying Lotus, DJ Pain 1, Hit Boy, Alchemist, DJ Kahlil,B!nk, & the list goes on lol
Mikhail Stukov: Please tell me about "A Winter's Ration" ? and what can we expect from this project?
Yo-Dot: "A Winter's Ration" is a 6 song EP I've been working on since the beginning of October. It's title meaning is basically doing whatever you have to do to get through and survive the coming winter months (Especially here in my hometown of Milwaukee, WI) . So I'm giving my supporter's a winter's worth of music to satisfy they're iPod voids until my official album drops Summer 2014. You can expect a lot of descriptive narratives, dope production & 6 dope joints filled with gems and substance.
Mikhail Stukov: Whats the best piece of advice that has been ever given to you?
Yo-Dot: I was in Detroit for Super Bowl XL with the late Big Proof (RIP) & I was telling him about all the struggles and obstacles I was going through as a aspiring artist in Milwaukee, WI. He told me "Don't complain, its like that everywhere & you just have to believe in your craft and stay consistent." I remembered those words and applied it to my grind and haven't looked back since.
Mikhail Stukov: Thank you very much for your time Yo-Dot. Anything else you want to add?
Yo-Dot: Yea ... Be on the lookout for more Releases for Umbrella Music Group from me, Proph, Tay Butler, D. Ellzey & K. Tarantino & download my latest project "Sherman Park Memoirs".
