Interviews & Profiles

MARCOS B.
Interview by Francis Tanneur

Could you tell us a little bit more about you? Age: 28 years old Birth Date: 08/08/1972 Live:  Dallas, Texas USA. I live in an area called Oak Cliff. Job: I’m a Computer Technician for the FDIC (Federal Depository Insurance Corporation) Hobbies: I love the Arts. How and when did you get into the business? I didn’t break into the business until I had completed my first single “Endless night”. The recording and duplications were the easy part. This was in 1997. I had already been making music for several years but the work really began when it came to the business side of music. I intentionally broke into the music scene with a single, because of my little knowledge of the music business. I didn’t want to create a full-length album, and all my hard work goes to waste. I really didn’t know many people in the music scene when I finished my CD. A friend of mine known as DJ Felony made it possible for me to get my music played on the radio for he first time. The radio station was KNON 89.3 FM. It’s a community radio station.

They play all types of Dance, Hip-Hop, Tejano and Freestyle music from 12pm to 4pm. This was really my break into the music scene. From there things started happening. People called the radio station and wanted to book some shows. Record shops wanted the material in the stores. Remember this was just in the local Dallas, TX area. I found out a distribution company called MDI. They were in a small city outside of Dallas. They were able to distribute my material along the West and East Coast of the USA. Nothing spectacular but OK! It’s really hard to do all these things on your own. A piece of advice: learn all you can about the business as possible. You will never know it all and remember you have to take risks sometimes. Getting back to my story. MDI did take advantage of me and they still owe me money. I did most of my distribution on my own (locally of course). I really didn’t make an effort to pursue things further than Dallas. I wasn’t into the Internet at that time so I didn’t make any other connections.

 When I released my second full-length CD I was ready for the world. I had the power of the Internet on my side. I produced my full-length album titled “When You Go” in 7 months. I not only produced this album but another full-length album for a Latin rap group called Aztec Tribe. It was alot of pressure and work. I had a lot of personal things going on in my life so that didn’t help, so it seemed at that time. My album really reflected my life during those long months. I feel that’s why people can feel the emotion in my music. I was able to get SouthWest Distribution Company to distribute my full-length album. They were able to get it into several stores across the nation. I got a lot of exposure through them. Once again here comes the business side to things. I’ve only received one check in 2 years. Hmm… Yep people will take advantage of you if you let them. It’s partially my fault but I will continue to persist with them.

Anyway you have to ask yourself! Why am I doing this? The fame? The money? Etc.You have to do music for the love of music. Sometimes you don’t get paid and sometimes you sit back and say: “Nobody really even knows who I am”. My love of music will never fade. If you love music and learn from other and your own mistakes, you will get paid one way or another. I want to be happy and be able to provide for my family. That is my goal.

What were your motivations when you began singing in Freestyle music? I’ve loved Freestyle from the time I first heard it. Without question I knew this was the style I wanted to sing. I had a lot of time when I was younger and I knew I could write songs that would touch people. I knew I had the talent to learn how to produce music. To answer your question: All the Pioneers of Freestyle inspired me to sing Freestyle. Freestyle was the way for me to express my love or sadness to the world. I’ve tried to surround myself with people that were into music. Fortunately my brother was a guitar player and I learned a lot of things from him. I had so many inspirations.

Why did you choose Freestyle music?

I was about 12 years old when I heard Freestyle for the first time. I loved the fast beats with the smooth style of singing over the top. A funky beat with a romantic ballad over the top.

I’ve always been a romantic so the lyrics hit me in the heart.  

Did you always want to become a singer?

I’ve always loved music. I always wanted to sing. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do it as a career but for sure I wanted to do it for a hobby and a passion. To tell you the truth music is still my hobby and my passion. Sometimes when the business side of music gets to be too much your music creativity can be effected.  

Who have been your main influences?  The Pioneers of Freestyle. My brother, and his musical influence on me. All the people around me, that loved and played music. God gave me a talent to put my feelings on paper and into music. My family has always been supportive of my passion.  Which artists and producers would you love to work with? I would love to work with all the Pioneers of Freestyle, Stevie B, Johnny O, TKA, Cynthia, Lil Suzy, Cover Girls, etc. Nobody in particular! Any one of these will make my dream come true.  If I could suggest you a duet, which singer (female or male) would you be interested in singing with? Male: Stevie B Female: Cynthia or Cover Girls

What is your “all time favorite” Freestyle song?

There are so many songs that I can’t just pick one.  Anything from Stevie B, TKA, Johnny O, Cynthia, Sa-Fire, Cover Girls, Sweet Sensation and many more…

Anything the Pioneers of Freestyle put out I loved. They put out this music with a lot of passion. 

How is the Freestyle scene in Texas?

The Freestyle scene in Texas goes up and down. Freestyle music hits hard and then it fades. There are not too many stations in Texas that play Freestyle. We have a wonderful station here in Dallas called KNON 89.3 who has always supported all local and international Freestyle artist. Dance music dominates sometimes, then Rap, Merengue, Hip-Hop, then Freestyle comes back. It’s crazy!!!! 

These songs were actually produced by DJ Felony. Jamie later released a full-length album produced by himself. DJ Felony has been one of our Pride and Joys in the Dallas, TX area. He has been involved with so many project that it’s too many to name.  Some of his greatest successes were his songs with Mila Marcil and George Patineo. These songs received nationwide airplay. DJ Felony was a Radio DJ on K104 R&B/Hip-Hop station here in Dallas. He has move on to the number 2 R&B/Hip Hop radio station in the nation. Power 106 in Los Angeles, California. Frank Martinez is and Up and coming producer out of Dallas, TX. He produced the latest full-length album of Aztec Tribe. 

Why are you so discreet on the Freestyle scene, you only did two Freestyle singles “Endless night” [1997] & “When you go”[1999]) and one album…over 3 years?

Being discreet can have its good and bad effects. One can be in the scene all the time but their music may reflect in bad ways. Music being rushed or lyrics written with no thought may be an end result. I’m discreet in the scene for many reasons. One of the biggest and first reasons is finance. Since I am financing everything from production, promotion and studio equipment it is very tough to put out music often. Second, is the inspiration in writing music. Sometimes I go through a dry spell and can’t and don’t feel like writing music. Other days I feel the music and it reflects my feeling and my life. This causes big gaps in releasing my music. This can be a luxury for one on an independent label. One can make music when they feel it but it can also hurt you. People need to consistently see you in the scene. All in all. I don’t ever want to rush any of my projects. I want to release good music with good lyrics. In due time it will be heard. 

Let’s talk about your full-length album “When you go” that you did in 1998. It simply is the quintessence of Freestyle music (you used different genres and rhythm beats of this music: Old School, Progressive Freestyle, Planet Rock, Electro, etc). Where did you draw your inspiration?

My heart will always be with the Old School Freestyle. It’s in my blood. When I make music this style always surfaces. I try very hard to never forget the Old School while combining the new school. I wanted to let people hear how versatile I could be in the Freestyle scene. As far as how the songs are written, they came straight from the heart. I lived what I am singing so all my pain and happiness was poured out into this album. 

People who love Freestyle may have never heard a song like “Tradiciones” A mix of Boleros, Hip-Hop and Tejano music all in one. I wanted to leave the people with the expression of WOW! That boy can flip it back and forth. Some artists only concentrate on one style of music but I like to do all kinds. I had several Radio stations playing different songs off of my CD. If you concentrate on one style this would not likely happen. I’ve recorded country songs in the studio believe it or not. All in all I wanted to share my interests in other music genres and at the same time hitting a different market. 

In the future, do you plan on playing only Freestyle music?

I will continue to different styles of music. I would like to do a song with mariachis, a Tejano song, and later may be some Broadway or even Opera style music. I don’t know if I will every release these songs to the public but I will always do different styles of music. As far as music I will release to the public I will definitely be doing Freestyle, remixes and Hip-Hop music. 

With your unique voice, why did you never do any Salsa music?

I love Salsa music also: I just don’t know how to play that style of music. I wish I were better on the keyboard cause I would definitely want to do that style of music.

Thanks for the compliment on my voice. I just want to add a note: It is very hard to sing live so I give all the people that doing that day in and out all the credit they deserve. A person’s voice can be cleaned up very well in the studio. As well all know this is a common practice in every style of music in every studio but of course there is only some much and engineer can do.   

What is the best adjective qualify your album?

VERSATILE… 

Why did you decide to produce your album by yourself?

It was a lot of work but definitely worth producing my album. I worked with several producers throughout the years. Some good some bad. I knew I had the talent and fervor to make my own music. It’s always hard for me to go into someone else’s studio and pay them to do something I know I can do myself. Sometimes I would go into the studio and I didn’t feel the music all. Sometimes I would get inspired to write music in the middle of the night. I can’t just get up and walk into someone else’s studio. I like the luxury walking into the next room and making music as I feel it. Believe me there a lot of things I can’t and don’t know how to do. I don’t hesitate on asking people for help on those issues. I like to do most of the preproduction by myself. When I finish with the preproducion I ask for other peoples input and help. 

Is it harder to be an independent artist?

I think it is definitely harder to be an independent artist. You are the CEO, Producer, Promoter, Agent, salesperson and worker in all other areas. It’s good because you learn how to do all the different kind of jobs but it can be overwhelming.  

What is the meaning of “Knowledge ES Power Records”?

There is a common saying that goes “Knowledge Is Power”. I agree with this saying to the fullest. “ES” means “IS” in Spanish. I changed one word in Spanish to direct this message to my people. The Latino people in the USA have so much power but it’s limited by lack of education. I’ve been in College for about 10 years now so, I know it’s tough but education is the key to success. If it be at a formal school or special training in the job market education is very important. 

Under your label, do you have the intent to produce other local artists?

At this moment I’m will be concentrating on remixes and new songs for myself. I hope to later produce some new young talent. I getting up there in years and people don’t want to see this fat, bald boy on the stage. Ha! Ha! Ha! 

Due to your Latino roots (it’s definitely an asset for your career), all your songs are very influenced by this culture. Do you think that Freestyle music needs more Latin flavor?

I don’t know if needs but I do miss it. I remember hearing more Spanish guitars and Latin percussion in the Old School Jams. I think as long as we don’t forget the Latin flavor everything will be fine. It would be nice to hear it more often. I know we have several artist of different nationality, I think if they could combine their culture with the Freestyle foundation it would be a interesting sound. 

What his your favorite style of Freestyle (Latin Hip-Hop, Progressive Freestyle, etc.)? Why?

Latin Hip-Hop: Because of the Latin influence. The Spanish guitars, the Latin percussion’s, the way the songs are sung are what make it Latin. I enjoy all the other styles of Freestyle though. They all sound good to me. 

Why has Freestyle music become an underground music? What is your opinion on this subject?

Commercial music is just too powerful. Freestyle is not a genre that can be played consistently on Commercial Radio Stations. I can count on my fingers the number of times Freestyle has been played on Commercial Radio Stations. I do feel it’s underground but sometimes I think that it may be a good thing. Good things are hard to find. I know Freestyle will never die. The music industry will pump up any style that is going to make big money. Rap and Pop are the moneymakers. If a certain style of music is not a moneymaker it will definitely be considered underground. 

Do you have any upcoming projects for this year 2001?

My intention for this year is to do remixes and production to sell to major record labels. I have made some good contacts this year to make this all possible. Wish me luck. 

What do you think of the Freestyle scene and market?

I think Freestyle comes and goes for the general audience. The die-hard Freestyle lovers will always listen and play Freestyle. Freestyle comes and goes on the radio stations here in Dallas. Some months they play a lot of Freestyle, then Rap, then Dance music. I can only speak for Dallas. 

What is the future of Freestyle music?

I think Freestyle will continue to fade in and out of the music scene. This is of course for the average listener. I've seen Freestyle come and go throughout the years. I will never grow tired of it. Commercial music is just too strong and won't make any room for Freestyle. Freestyle songs will appear every once in a while on the Big Commercial Stations. That is good. The world can get a taste of what they are missing in the Freestyle world. 

What would you change in the Freestyle industry today?

I wouldn't change a thing. I wish Freestyle had more exposure on commercial Radio Stations. I know more people would fall in love with Freestyle if they new it existed.  

What advice or message would you give to future artists?

My advice would be to do music from your heart. It will always reflect in your music. Good lyrics, good music, good melodies. Of course everyone's opinion of good is different. For example: I'm very proud of my music but some people may think it sucks. Keep this in mind. Everyone is not going to like your music, your lyrics or you. Be creative, professional and humble is always good in my opinion.

As far as the business side is concerned. When doing any business always use contracts. It can and will save you a lot of heartache because when money starts rolling in you will see everyone's true colors. Most importantly surround yourself with positive and keep in touch with them. I'm terrible about that myself.

Anyway! Never give up your dreams even when you think your never gonna make it. It's tough but it's worth it in the long run! Good Luck and God Bless to all you future artists. 

Do you have any particular message to give to the Freestyle community?

Just keep Freestyle alive! We know it will never die but keep in making noise in the air.

I want to thank Francis for all of his help and especially for all of his patience with me in getting this interview done. Please continue to read his reviews on all the latest in the Freestyle world. 

Thank you Marcos.

The End

Interviews & Profiles