From hosting the G-Shock sessions in 2010 to a feature on the SB.TV x Trapstar Cypher, producer turned rapper, Shadez The Misfit seems to have a lot going for him. He juggles education and music well and is currently studying for a degree. Julio Lawson caught up with him to discuss the Trapstar Cypher and his musical influences…

So how did you first link up with G-Shock on the sessions?
I first linked up with G-Shock last year, around the time they came together with a talent team to create the sessions. The intention was to promote new talent and have a platform to help establish artists through in store performances. Over time it has grown from being an event to being a community of creativity coming together to network and at the same time have fun, all under the wing of the prestigious brand, G-Shock. I started doing music a year and a half ago. I was writing music and trying to push myself early in my career which earned me performances alongside N*E*R*D and Duran Duran at the Lovebox Festival.

Before you were doing music, what were you doing?
Before music I was doing fashion design with several brands, as well as living the life of a student. I felt that music would bring those two elements closer together.

Is there a story to the Misfit part of your name?
A lot of people ask me why I call myself Shadez The Misfit. For me it was to remind me that I didn’t want to be like everyone else, I wanted to stand out. ‘Shadez’ meaning shadow in Gods light and ‘Misfit’ meaning sticking out like a sore thumb. From the music I make to my delivery, from my style of dress to even the branding; I was always a misfit.

The Trapstar fans voted for you to appear on the cypher on Facebook. How did you feel when you were told you would be taking part in your first SB.TV appearance?
I was excited more than anything. It was my chance to show the viewers what I’m made of. First impressions count, so with something like this, I had to come correct!

How long before the cypher itself were you told you would be dropping a hot 16?
It was a week or less knowing I was going to appear with the other artists. I knew of the other artists but not fully and this kept me thinking that I’ve got to stay on my A-game. That’s what I loved about it all.

Have you worked with any of the artists from the cypher before or have you got stuff in the pipeline with them?
I haven’t worked with the artists from the cypher before. Be sure for some music from us coming out of your speakers. We’ve realised we work well as a unit and have something major in store for the fans. As for what’s in store, in the words of Trapstar…It’s a secret.

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What type of music do you make and how often do you get in the studio and make something?
I make music that generates my thoughts and feelings. I try not to limit myself when it comes to the genre of music I make. I aim to put my all within a song so it gives you insight into how I see things. The studio is a regular thing, I go there to get things off my chest and brain that I need to vent.

Apart from being a rapper, do you do anything else in music like producing or DJing?
Apart from rapping I used to produce music but I’ve left that alone. I wanted to concentrate on pushing myself lyrically so for now I’ll stick to rapping.

Who do you look up to in music or think has influenced the music you make?
A lot of artists and musicians have influenced my music. From the likes of J Dilla , MF Doom, Andre 3000, Kurt Cobain, J*Davey, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Pharrell Williams to name a few. Even Prince, Jimmy Hendrix, The Foo Fighters, Sade, D’Angelo have all influenced my music. The list goes on for me as I try to not limit myself to the different types of musicians I look to for influence.

What subjects do you talk about in your music?
I like to show people situations in a different light. I like to make my lyrics visual and try to talk about stuff we can all relate to. I don’t want to lie to myself as an artist. I won’t lie about what I have and don’t have, I just be myself on a track.

How do you juggle being at university and making music?
It’s hard juggling what you love doing with education. It’s easy to stray, but I sacrifice my sleep for it. I just get on with it, because the more you put into your music…the more you get out.

When you finish university, do you see music as a full time career or do you just take each day as it comes?
The way things are going for me, I’m happy to make music full time. I feel that if music doesn’t go to plan, god forbid, I have a degree to fall back on. I have the motivation, drive and confidence in my music so I will push myself and get to the next level.

If you could give 3 tips to any up and coming musicians like you what would they be?
Don’t aim to do what’s already been done. Don’t predict your future…create it. You know yourself best, so create who you want to be. Perfect your craft as an artist. Make it easy for your listeners to get the message you are putting across.

Interview by Julio Lawson
Edited by Lily Mercer