#Repost from April 2021
Martone: BoldBeats is a man on a mission. Thank you so much for taking the time to sit down with me for this interview. Reading over your bio, I am struck by the fact that you grew up within a musical family, and that your father is the brains behind the operation of BoldBeats Entertainment. What was that conversation like when you told him that you wanted to start your very own as opposed to carrying on with the Strong Arm Family?
BoldBeats: To the best of my knowledge, it was when I was still in high school. He had come into my room and asked me, seriously, what was I planning on doing in life? I just remember blankly staring off before asking, “can I be a producer?”, to my surprise, he swiftly answered, “of course, you can be whatever you want to be, you just have to do it.” He’s never been pressed or offended that I don’t carry SAF in front. I’m a Seed Of The Arm. I’m doing what I’m supposed to. Branching off and starting my own lane, without forgetting where I came from of course.
Martone: You have said that you “want to be the voice of all the unheard talent”, that is an awesome responsibility, and a lot of pressure to put on yourself because, when I hear you say this, what comes to mind is being a role model, and they’re very few within the entertainment industry have voluntarily taken on this role. Do you consider yourself a role model? Is there any particular artist recent or long ago that you would like to pattern yourself after in this regard?
BoldBeats: It’s super stressful honestly. In order to help manifest my chief aim, I’m carrying myself now, as if I’ve already achieved what I want. With that being said, I’ve been very cautious of what I say, do, and how I act. I know, to some, that it may look or seem strange, but there are people who genuinely look up to me. It definitely applies a lot of pressure, but these kids are countin’ on me. What kind of example am I if I don’t continue trying, or if I don’t spread positivity now? As far as looking up to any artists, I can’t really name anyone individually. I’m sure there are artists out that are doing tremendous things for their communities and the ones surrounding them, but the mainstream media doesn’t push that news, and I’m not one to sit on social media too tough.
Martone: Who are some of the entertainers that you looked up to when you were growing up?
BoldBeats: Growing up, it was predominantly producers. I loved hearing a beat from Timbaland. As far back as I can remember I could identify his beat just from a couple of sounds. That man is a genius. I also liked the sound of Kanye West, Graduation era Kanye. I’m not sure, I’ve never really been a “fan” of anyone in particular I suppose.
Martone: I myself, as an artist knows how difficult it is to stand apart from all of the noise that is out there, and I know that you work with your father on a lot of the things that you do musically. What words of wisdom, or advice did he give you once you told him that you wanted to be a rapper/singer-songwriter?
BoldBeats: The biggest piece of advice he’s given me so far is to just be yourself. That’s the best way to sell yourself to the world. That way there’s no gimmick to uphold, and there’s no crossing of characters/realities. It’s just you. So what I’ve been spending a lot of time on, is trying to make people love me, for who I am. A genuine dude who wants to help mend souls through music.
Martone: Please share with our readers, what it was like the first time you performed on stage live. Did you experience the rush like most entertainers do?
BoldBeats: It was crazy. I had to hype myself up for weeks to break my stage fright and be able to put myself out there. I knew that I couldn’t go on, and be shy like everyone was anticipating. I wanted them to leave and say that they had a great time, and the energy was wild. I had my three closest friends with me, so it was a little bit easier, but before we even went on, people just started chanting, “BoldBeats, BoldBeats” so that really pumped me up. We had that crowd jumpin that night haha. That’s what really set the tone for me as a performer. I watched that footage over and over and over, studying it, and checking for mistakes. Seeing what I could do better the next time. But it was so surreal. A memory I’ll cherish forever.
Martone: Do you have any particularly memorable performances that you have done? If so, what is the craziest thing that has happened to you while you were on stage?
BoldBeats: Man, oh man hahaha, almost all my performances have been noteworthy, but my by far best, was my third show. It was at The Thought Lot in Shippensburg, Pa. DJ Rello was hosting it. I didn’t know who was gonna be in the crowd, but it was a thick one that night. People from all over. Out the gate, we had everyone hooked. But when Whatchu Need came on, something told me to step out into the crowd. I’m out there right, getting people hyped, hella people surrounding me. Everyone’s yelling “aye… aye…” to the cadence of the beat right. Right before the next beat drop, I feel someone grabbing my legs, they said “hold on, I’m picking your ass up”. In my head, I’m like it’s time to shine. I lean back, yell “turn the fuck up” and the crowd went crazy. I all but finished the song sitting above the crowd, having everyone rockin, phone lights out. That’s where one of my craziest pictures came from. I got it blown up, and now it hangs in my studio.
Martone: Like with many artists, myself included – we have all been impacted by COVID in terms of where our performances have been canceled, projects have been put on hold. But you released an album in 2020, did you release it prior to COVID? What has the reception been like for your project?
BoldBeats: Nope, I released mid-pandemic. I leased all of the beats for the project, recorded, mixed, and mastered them in my studio, so there wasn’t really anything that COVID stopped me. Other than maybe street promotion. That definitely got put on hold. I haven’t heard anything negative about the project though. Almost everyone who’s listened to it has said that all 11 songs are bops. So for me, I’m super proud of it.
Martone: I would like to tell you that the tracks I’ve heard, are absolute fire! Congratulations on your release – I have to tell you – Bully, and It Depends are two of my favorites. On the Paradigms project do you have any particular favorites from that project?
BoldBeats: Thank you, thank you. On Paradigms, my two favorites would have to be Open Door and All Out. Both songs are deeper to me than they sound, but the sounds themselves are smooth. I think I really flexed on versatility on the project as a whole.
Martone: What instruments did you play on Paradigms, if any?
BoldBeats: No live instruments were used in the making of Paradigms.
Martone: From start to finish how long did it take you to complete the album Paradigms?
BoldBeats: Ouu, that’s a hard question to answer. Some of the songs were recorded prior to me actually deciding to put together a mixtape and push it like an album. All in all, I’d say it took about 4 months to finally pick 11 songs that I felt were suitable for a mixtape of such high standards.
Martone: Since you have started on this journey of becoming an artist, what have you learned about yourself?
BoldBeats: I’ve learned that I’m stronger than I believe that I am half the time and that I also have a voice. Not a voice, as in I can sing well, but as in, when I speak, people will listen now. There’s a lot of power behind that, so I want to make sure that I use it for the greater good of everyone who’s going to be consuming my music. I’ve also learned that I do well by myself when being alone used to be one of my biggest insecurities, I guess you could call it.
Martone: At some time or another all artists have been told no in their career, whether it is getting their music played on the radio, or being passed over for performances or collaborations – which is a humbling experience. What advice would you give to up-and-coming entertainers about overcoming objections?
BoldBeats: My advice, is that if you can’t handle a no, this is not the place for you hahaha. Rejections sting, nobody likes them, but are you going to let a rejection stop you from chasing your dreams? You might hear 100 no’s before you hear that one yes, but that one yes may be the one to change your life forever. The only difference is, you gotta go through those 100 no’s first. ALWAYS push forward.
Martone: What would you like your fans, and or admirers to know most about you?
BoldBeats: That I’m real. I don’t do that cappin’ shit. I don’t portray myself as something that I’m not. I try to spread positivity on my social media. I’m always trying to lift up the next person. Life is too short, and already hard enough as is. There’s a lot of negative shit out there. I’m the one that helps show the way to flip it.
Martone: I know that you are currently working on branding, please tell our readers where you see yourself in five years in regards to all things BoldBeats.
BoldBeats: In 5 years, I see myself touring. Household name. How big, I’m not entirely sure, but I’ll be big enough that I’m supporting my family off of my music and the brand. If I could have a studio running in my hometown, that would be fire, but I’ll figure out the bells and whistles as I go.
Martone: What do you hope for career-wise for the rest of 2021?
BoldBeats: I’d like to break through this year. I guess everyone does, but I’d at least like to start solidifying my platform. I want to secure dedicated fans. Die-hard fans. Fans that love me and know that I love them. That’s what I want to do this year.
Martone: Where can our readers find out more about you and your career?
BoldBeats: They can find out more on my website!
https://boldbeatsent.com/
It’s new, but it’s fairly up-to-date! From there you can find all of my social media. Make sure to follow them to stay hip!!
Martone: Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with me today. Do you have any final words that you would like to leave our readers with?
BoldBeats: Thank you for your time as well! I need everyone to go stream my newest single “Affirmations” out now on all platforms. Make sure you FOLLOW me, on your preferred streaming services as well!
