We all have our stories that make us who we are. A true artist is able to take these life events and turn them into song. Our recent discovery VladHQ has plenty of stories and is now ready to share them in his music. We caught up with the producer and rapper for an interview. Enjoy it here:
First off, how did you become VladHQ?
I started making beats in FL Studio in 2014. I chose to go by VladHQ because Vlad is my first name and HQ is for high quality music that I strive to make. I became an artist with my first single release, “Love Me But You Don’t”.
Your sound is quite unique. How would you describe it?
Being a foreigner, I definitely do not sound like somebody who was born in US. I try to create catchy music that applies to my life in one way or another, that others can relate to.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?
There’s a lot. When I was a kid, I would free style in middle school over Eminem songs, like “Crack a Bottle”. As time went on, Chief Keef became a thing which made me fall in love with trap music. As much as it hurts to say, I do listen to some Lil Pump & Smokepurpp and I feel like he has talent and influence over where the music is going.
How different is Kiev from St. Louis and how has that developed VladHQ music?
If I didn’t move to STL, I would not be performing in English. I would love to blend in and make music in two different languages. The two cities are totally different, and while I love Kiev, I am in STL for a reason: better opportunity.
What is your songwriting process? Take us through how a track comes together.
I make music about events that happen in my life, so I would need a memorable event or reason for a song in order to actually drive it towards the end. There are so many songs that just don’t make the cut. Those that do are worked on, mixed, and mastered for at least a few days by me or a few different people before a release.
How do you hope to connect VladHQ with the listeners?
I want to keep building a following on SoundCloud and Spotify. I want to turn up with friends & supporters at local events. I wanna make St. Louis lit again.
What is next for VladHQ?
I want to keep surprising people with my music. I want them to say “LOL” or “WTF” when they listen to my lyrics. I am focusing on building a fan base and I will keep releasing singles as much as I can!
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists?
Music (hip-hop in general) is highly saturated right now. Everybody is doing it. If you can work with a unique genre, you may have a better chance of success. If you can’t see yourself picking up a mic, and entertaining a crowd of people on a stage, then it’s probably not for you.
Keep up with more music and the rise of VladHQ on his WEBSITE.
