Marcus Yates Weekly Update 2/15/15

Now that Valentine's Day is over and people are getting back to normal life again, let's check in with Marcus and see what he's been up to this week. 

Lettey: The internet is blowing up with questions about this new EP with Tech post on your Facebook. When do you anticipate recording to start and have you already begun writing for it? 

Marcus: It still has to be okay-ed by Travis and Seven needs to figure out the numbers, but Tech is finishing up his Special Effects album and he wants to do another project, then we'll probably get started on ideas. Right now it's just a mutual agreement between me and Tech to do an EP. I'm actually making a possible skeleton beat right now. 

Lettey: How is production of your current project going? Do you have an estimated release date yet? 

Marcus: I still don't because I'm still writing for it. I called to set up possible mastering sessions if that helps to know where I'm at in the process. (he laughs). 

Lettey: Very cool. We are all excited to hear what you're working so hard on. Will you be following any part of the upcoming summer tours or making any appearances? 

Marcus: Krizz had mentioned that he wanted to do something like a tour this fall. As far as me personally, no. I'm going to do another listening party. 

Lettey: Do you find that the season influences the music you're writing during that time? Like darker music comes in the winter and lighter music comes during the spring? (Album trends) 

Marcus: Yes, of course! That's how I tell I'm still tapped in. haha. 

Lettey: Did you tune into the Grammys? If so, what do you think about that kind of music or celebrity back patting? 

Marcus: Sadly, I did not watch the Grammys. (Marcus laughs). 

Lettey: It;s all good. You didn't miss much. Whose music are you playing lately to relax and get inspiration? 

Marcus: I was bumping Sade and J Cole. I've never really been a fan of his until this album came out. It's super dope. Don't forget Tech N9ne's Special Effects is coming out too on May 5th 2015!!

Working Hard and Living Life: Interview with Marcus Yates 7.1.14

Lettey: Good Morning Marcus. Hope your doing well. Tell everyone what's been going on with you. What are you up to and working on these days. 

Marcus: Good morning Lette. I'm doing great. I've been composing and mixing. Getting my camera fixed to direct videos, and mainly mixing has been consuming most of my time. If I was just rapping I'll probably be performing, but the mix is more important. Oh, but I do have a couple of shows coming up with Krizz Kaliko too that I'm preparing for as well. 

Lettey: Tell us more about those shows.

Marcus: It's a 6 show run. I still don't know all 6 shows, but I know Seattle and Portland are two of them. 

Lettey: Tell us how you're getting through the recent loss in your family. Who's supporting you through this time?

Marcus: Everyone is getting through it well. She was such a big chunk of the soul in the Yates family and the service was so uplifting. She was definitely smiling. 

Lettey: Tell us about your new project. How's it coming along and what have you been working on? 

Marcus: I'm working on this CRAZY track right now. I'm thinking about it being the single. I can't leave it alone. I keep playing with it. The project is gonna be so wonderful. 

Lettey: Who have you been working with on this project lately? Any plans for any new guest spots? 

Marcus: Just Tech so far. I probably might work on something with Krizz. It has to all align though. Macy has to happen. There's just no way it can't. I don't wanna be the one just putting people on tracks because its there. It's ALL about quality this go around and I'm not settling for less. 

Lettey: Do you have an expected release date for the project?

Marcus: No not yet, it's next year though. 

Lettey: What are your plans for music videos with this project?

Marcus: I'm gonna finish the songs first and submit them to other visionaries and bounce some ideas around about it. 

Lettey: Do you have any words of encouragement for artists out there wanting to make it happen?

Marcus: Yeah, and this might be rude motivation but..."Shut the fuck up and GO!" haha

Marcus Tells All weekly Blog

It's Tuesday and Marcus is working hard on creating and appreciating music all around him. Marcus took some time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for the fans. 

Lettey: Good morning Marcus. So the fans are excited for and anticipating this new project you have coming out. What are you currently working on with the album and who are you listening to musically for inspiration? 

Marcus: Hey morning Lettey. So right now I'm about 5 concepts/songs into the project. I'm just working on tightening up the mixes. I'm adding little things to make those tracks bigger. Right now I'm listening to Ratatat for that beauty in their electric guitar mixes. I'm trying to find how I can change how people listen to certain instruments. 

Lettey: What musical experience has most influenced you over the last 5 years and who has been a big mentor to your during that time? 

Marcus: The past 5 years...hmmm... Well within the last 4 years it's been my creative family from college. The experiences I've had with those people are priceless. From finding myself to finding my inner funk, it truly was a blessing meeting them all. 

Lettey: If you could have anyone do a guest spot on the album, who would it be and why? 

Marcus: Macy Gray. I actually need her on this album. Like yesterday!! She fits the texture, other than that, Tech definitely. My creative family, Clergy, some of the homies from AGO and that's about it. But yes, Macy Gray for sure. 

Lettey: If any major label were to offer you a contract, who would you be excited to hear from and why? 

Marcus: If I start my own label, I'll offer myself a contract (haha). It's so confusing with this music business, Lette. Which is so unnecessary. 

Thanks for taking time to answer some questions with us and until next week. 

Get to Know Marcus Yates in our new weekly fan question blog.

Lettey: Of the songs you've written so far, which is your favorite and why? 

Marcus: That’s really hard to tell. I spent so much time on all of them to the point where they all are my favorites as an (unfinished) whole. I’m still spending time on them.

Lettey. Do you have any shows coming up?

Marcus: No Shows coming up. Just creating and writing.

Lettey. What is the best way for people to get a hold of you if they wish to book a show or have you on a track?

Marcus: The best way to get a hold of me is at Oobersounds@gmail.com for booking and serious inquiries. (Marcus is working on his new album and response times may be delayed but we will all do our best to respond.)

Lettey: Will you be attending the Gathering of the Juggalos again this year?

Marcus: If Krizz Kalico has his own set there, then yes I will.

Lettey: Tell me why you feel Jazz is a good musical inspiration and what do you hope it will bring to your fans?

Marcus: Jazz is infinite. The sings, chords, different tempos and time signatures, you could be really innovative with it. It has no rules.

Lettey: People really enjoyed your podcasts online, any chance of bringing those back from your college days?

Marcus:  I don’t know. Being so indulged in just creating this project..It’s really hard to tell. I’m in the moment right now and just recording my moments. 

If you have a question you are dying to know about Marcus, shows, the album, or just about anything, send Marcus an inbox message on Facebook and see it answered here each week on Sunday. 

New Projects On The Horizon

Lettey:  What style of music would you say the new project sounds like? 

Marcus:  Good Morning!! It's still in the works but of course it's more empathetic to the listener than Dark Taupe Schemata. For example, A song I'm working on now is more personal about the women (yes plural) that I'm attracted to and how each one of them equally caters to me. (Playa playa) Haha!! Nah but I'm like really sincere and honest about my confusion in this project because that's where I am and that's what makes me wake up and wanna find myself everyday. 

Lettey:  What is inspiring you in this project and what direction are you hoping to go in? 

Marcus: I'm really free with the creative process at this point. Living and jotting down basically. Planning to visit Harlem here soon to eventually live there.

Lettey: . Do you have an idea of when you'll be releasing it? Any new shows coming up?

Marcus: I talked to my brother Jon Bap.. I definitely don't mind my project taking a year or two to be completed. Seriously.. And it's definitely worth the gamble of supporters losing interest and gaining them back. I have nothing but high hopes for this project. Greatness takes time. In between that time, I plan on doing production for Tech N9ne for his upcoming album.. Working and writing with Krizz Kaliko and touring with Krizz Kaliko as well. 

Lettey:  Are you moving to Harlem to connect closer to your neighborhood and to get more inspiration? Marcus: I think it's more to just THINK in a different space. I have family there to reconnect with too. I have 3 songs maybe 4 out of a possible 15 that I wanna do.. And I got all the time in the world to build upon them. 

On a quiet Saturday afternoon, Marcus took some time to share with me some ideas for the new album and where he is at this time in his life. The information was mind opening and will lead Marcus down a new road of discovery, in himself and in music. 

So I asked Marcus, "What is your inspiration for this album and what is running through your mind?"

Marcus had a look in his eyes of self discovery and intuition. He unloaded some information on me that changed my idea of what it means to be a person in this scene. 

"I really have been reading a lot lately, about the black male in America. The book I'm on now is 

The Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson. 

I would have talks with my close friends about things that I am seeing. Like how, for example, guns for black males are tools for escape from truth and true mental freedom. It's like the gun IS their confidence tool or compensation for their lack of patience and identity. Also the financial slavery of the black collective. I walk my neighborhood every day. I see check cashing businesses and liquor stores, but I never see these things in the "higher class" neighborhoods. I also observed the black women's role in degrading the black male. Making him feel lesser of a man or subconsciously teasing him by relating with white males because of the scarce opportunities for him in America. I'm starting to understand that this subject matter is a road less traveled because of fear of backlash and or worse. I honestly am embracing the ignorance of my surroundings to see what simple truths I can find within it. I also will be more unified in the production side of the project. 

I'm working with all my friends who appreciate the soul of hip hop." 

This answer really hit the spot. I asked, "Marcus, how do you hope to use your music to change mindsets and our environment?"

Marcus replied, "I just honestly wanna push the boundaries of expressing what you've learned from music. It's the healthiest thing to do and it can save lives!"

"Tell me what you think music can do to change lives and if you could make one big change in your neighborhood what would it be?" asked Lettey. 

Marcus gazed like a man formulating a great plan and said "Music is the noise we hear everyday in perfect harmony, so if it's done right and with good intentions, it can subconsciously bring others together. And I can't name nothing I want to change off the top of my head. I love my neighborhood." 

Lettey takes a moment, pondering her next and final question. Wanting to know much more so choosing her words carefully. "Marcus, with knowledge comes power and responsibility. What do you recommend people do in regards to getting that knowledge and how they should use it. How can music help spread that freedom?" 

Marcus gives himself a moment to truly think this one over. Then replies, "People need to use it in an empathetic way. A helpful way. We know there's gonna be cruel things in the world and that's just there to decipher from. I personally don't wanna be one of those cruel outlets for the people. If you honestly believe in justice, then you need to do it and speak it."

The world we live in will influence our music and our mindset so much. It's good to see people open their mind to what is truly around them without worrying about how P.C. they have to be. I recommend everyone take the time to open your minds to something new today. Truth is Gold! 

Bloody Kutty takes on Portland Oregon! Interview by Lettey Buchanan

Lettey: Tell me how you came about this tour that your currently on, and in Portland tonight? 

Kutty: Well I came about this tour when my dude, Cross Eyed Joe, he’s been booking some shows for me and he’s been reaching out to certain people, certain promoters out here, and got these five shows put together.  Seattle, Eugene, Portland, Spokane, and Albany. I’m gonna be here till I leave Sunday. 

Lettey: Are you looking forward to seeing anything while your in Porltand? 

Kutty: I’ve been here so many times. I’m looking forward to seeing my boy, DJ Chill, and I haven’t seen him in a night. I mean that’s all I really wanna see. I’ve been to any strip club you wanna see out here, and ate at any place you can eat out here. We always come here on tour and perform at the Roseland, its almost like a second home away from home anyway. 

Lettey: Do you have any projects your working on right now? 

Kutty: I am re-manufacturing my Flamez mix tape, cause a lot of my fans been wanting that so we pressed it up with three extra tracks on there. When I get home I gotta do three tracks on the new collabos with Strange Music called Strangulation. I gotta get in the studio and do that and then I’ll be working on a mixed tape that I will be doing, and a Flamez Part Two mixed tapes. So two mixed tapes, as well as getting on the collabos with Strange. 

Lettey: How has working in hip hop changed your life? 

Kutty:  I can guarantee you it’s a lot different than anybody who works a 9-5. This music shit man,  its crazy, it’s a fun thing, the only thing is you be gone from your family a lot. In the end it all pays off, when you get your money in bulk like a musician does, it’s a lot different from having to clock out 9-5, probably in a job you hate being at, but I love doing this. This is me. I am music. I sleep, shit, eat, drink it. You know what I’m saying? Music is my life, so it's paying the bills. I ain't had a job since 2000, so Ive been eating and living off music. So whatever. I wouldn’t trade it in for the world. If everyone could wake up and do whatever they wanted to do man, the world would be a better place.  

Lettey: Many artist have a flow to their albums that changes as they grow in their music. Do you predict any changes in your flow up ahead? 

Kutty: Always. If you ain't elevating, you declinin., You know what I’m saying? From my first album B.E.L.E.I.V.E, to my fourth studio album Black Gold, the style just kept increasing. I think if you aren’t progressing, you doing something wrong. You can’t be staying, you gotta get better as you go and its just gonna keep elevating for me. Each project I do, I try to make every song better then the last. Your only as good as your last song, so I try to make every one better then the last. 

Lettey: Who inspires you in the music scene at this moment? 

Kutty: Who inspires me..hmm..let me see .There ain't to many that inspire me, cause I feel like I be better then 95% of the musicians out here, aint knocking nobody but the music industry has kind of become saturated with a lot of simple rhyme. Which theres nothing wrong with it, cause they making their money. So shout out to everyone who got the simple songs, cause they making their money. What I’m saying is, as far as inspiration, I like TI, you know TI is a good inspiration, he’s a real dude and he actually has lyrics man. I’m a TI fan. I like, um, Rich Homie Quan, for the most part I like listening to what I like listening to on the radio.  You know, you hear the same people all the time, all day. To where you don’t get to hear new, you know what I’m saying? So there ain't to much out there thats inspiring to me besides that.  I may pop in some of my stuff, or I may pop in some Strange Music stuff or whatever. Cause I feel like we real high caliber lyrics and content and subject matter. So if it ain't TI or something like that I’m listening to man, then it ain't to much out there that inspires me except for self motivation.

Lettey: Do you find any opposition with anyone in music right now? 

Kutty: Nah. I ain't got no beef with nobody man. I can go from city to city, wear my KC stuff everywhere I go man. It's like I feel I’m respected as an artist, and as a person too. Cause it's like what I rap about is real life, what I rap about is my life. What I’ve been thru and even what I’ve been around, you know people hear it and respect if through the music. So I don’t have any plexes from nobody out there and I don’t think I got none either, wither it some bloods or crips or some folks or whatever. I’ve been respected by every angle of the game man. I have no oppositions or no beef out here with nobody. 

Lettey: What do you think of the current state of hip hop and what direction its going in right now? 

Kutty: It’s on a respirator. To me its on a respirator. I know they're cats out here making money, but to me it's like, hip hops on a respirator. And until I’ve succeeded past this underground status, or whatever man, you know what I’m saying, get a little bit higher on more of a mass audience type of level. I think its gonna stay on a respirator, I’m gonna come back and revive it, you know what I’m saying? I’m not saying I’m the best out here, but if you aint confident in yourself then what you doing it for. So I feel like if I get the chance to do what I need to do, like a lot of these main stream cats is doing, I’m gonna be a breath of fresh air for a lot of people. 

Lettey: How do you feel about how the chiefs did this year? 

Kutty: Awe, I can’t be mad at them. Andy Reid, I got love for the coach Andy Reid, I mean he turned a 2-14 team to a starting off 9-0 man and took it to the playoffs to do what they did. They really had a turn around you know. You know I feel like we got cheated the first playoff game. Iit was too many men on the field with the Colts and it didn’t get called and whatever. But I’m proud of the Chiefs. I’m the Kansas city Chief and a die hard Chiefs fan. Win, lose, or draw you gotta be with your own team. We’ll get em next year. 

Lettey: Where are you looking to be in the future? Any tours coming up? 

Kutty: I got a mini tour starting Feb 16th. It's gonna be starting off in MN. Its gonna be a 20-25 day run that I’mma be doing. It's gonna be called the Self Preservation Tour. So along with the two mixed tapes, I gotta do and record for the Strangulation collabo. I also got a tour. I got a lot on my plate, enough to keep me busy for the beginning of the year. 

Lettey: Can you tell me anything about the Strangulation collab? 

Kutty: There ain't much I can say, but that it’s a collabo called Strangulation and I’m on three tracks, Imma go in and do my business cause I got a whole lotta businesses coming up. So I gotta get in and get out. (Chill jumps in and adds “And he’s putting the industry in the choke hold”) Kutty laughs and says,  “ Ya putting it in the choke hold, you know what I’m saying, a rear naked choke hold." 

Lettey: What motivates you? 

Kutty: I got a six month old son now, and you know, I look at him and I got a new home back at home. I’m married of course, and a new little boy. So it's like, getting on the internet, getting on Twitter and Instagram, seeing all these new people keep following me or whatever. And a lot of people, A LOT OF PEOPLE , these last two tours I haven’t been on, possibly three, and hearing people say its not the same without Kutt up there, They need the three, the trio, so for people to be missing me and for them to be mad I'm not on these tours, they’re coming out supporting me on my solo run. You know, that’s motivation enough. I wake up every morning and I thank God for the home I’m living in and for my family, for a healthy son. That’s motivation enough for me to keep doing what I’m doing and to get out here and work my tail off til I feel like I’m am what I need to be. And even then I’m not gonna stop. I’mma keep on moving and keep on writing, and keep on rapping and doing my thing. 

Lettey: Any chance you might be working with Marcus any time in the future? 

Kutty: Ya, man, Oobergeek better holla at me you know. He better get in touch with me , or Uncle Ike you know what I’m saying. He got me in his phone, he got me logged in. Oobergeek Holla at me man, I remember when he was just dancing, so you know he came along way and the boy is talented too so, Holla at me oobey, you know who it is boy.  

Marcus Yates on 2014

Marcus Yates takes a moment to talk with Lettey about life, 2014, and what's ahead for his fans. 

Lettey: "How do you feel about reaching 1000 likes on your Facebook page? 

Marcus: "It's great. That's a 1000 people who pushed like! That's amazing. I hope it keeps growing and growing, and I'm growing. That's a thousand people who support and I'm excited about that."

Lettey: "What do you have planned for 2014?" 

Marcus: "What do I have planned? I'm so in the moment right now I don't know, but the things I've been working on are like, doing a video and helping around the community and stuff. I'm wanting to do more in the community." 

Lettey: "How will you be ringing in the New Year this year?"

Marcus: "With my cousin. We'll be having a good time. We are going to say goodbye to 2013 and Hello to 2014." 

Lettey: "Do you make any new years resolutions?" 

Marcus: "I don't really wanna make resolutions, I just wanna, like, continue and building upon what I already did and making that be great." 

Lettey: "Okay, tell us more about this show you having coming up with Krizz Kaliko in Denver on Jan 18th 2014." 

Marcus: "Yeah yeah! Krizz and I are going to be in Denver CO Jan 18th six days after my Birthday. We gonna go all out for turning 22. 21 was a great year." 

Lettey: " How are the sales of Dark Taupe Schemata doing?"

Marcus: "Dark Taupe Schemata sales are going well. Many friends have told me they really liked the album and played it all the way through, enjoying it all. I want it not to stop there but continuously grow." 

Lettey: "Will there be any possibility for merchandise that fans can purchase in 2014?" 

Marcus: "I've talked to some people who have deals to print shirts off. I'm got someone helping me work on that. So we are working on that." 

Lettey: "What are your thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs this year?"

Marcus: "I think they are doing great. I really want them to do better on defense. As far as the Chiefs if they combine their hot offense with their hot defense, watch out!" 

Lettey: "Who do you see in the Super Bowl this year?"

Marcus: "I see nobody but the Chiefs, I don't even see another team just the Chiefs. If the Chiefs win the super bowl every body's gonna be wearing red." 

Lettey: "Do you have any words for your fans as we move into 2014?"

Marcus: "Hey, I know I haven't tweeted in a while and I have't been online in a while, but I'm still here and I'm still being faulty and hopefully I'm not faulty."

So stay tuned for more information, more shows, and more interviews after the New Year!

Dark Taupe Schemata- Innovation Only (TAKE A PEEP AT THE ALBUM)

FOR MORE OF THIS GREAT MUSIC YOU CAN PURCHASE AT ANY OF THESE SITES:

1. https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/dark-taupe-schemata/id744922743

2.  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/marcusyates12

3. http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Taupe-Schemata-Explicit/dp/B00GMHWN9Q

4. https://play.spotify.com/album/6aRD6ST2bJAmYOk86760pc?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Vinyl or Digital Download?

The question of the hour is : Will the new album Dark Taupe Schemata be only a digital download or will vinyl be made? 

The answer to this question will depend on the fans. Do you want digital? Do you want Vinyl? If you want there to be a chance for a choice I need fan input. If you would purchase and pick up a vinyl, send an in basket message to Lettanina@gmail.com with the subject line: VINYL KICKS ASS. Otherwise the digital download only will be released on Nov 12th, tomorrow. So let me hear from the fans!

Live Listening Party Links from 11/9/13

So if you didn't catch the live Ustream of Marcus's Listening party on 11/9, then be sure to catch up here. We are working on the bugs of the program, so next time you will get the ultimate experience. Look in for up to date info about shows, concert streams, and more.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/40638548

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/40638548

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/40638548

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/40638548

Til next time, just "BE!"