ElectricSlim shares his 'Big City' dreams

Mainstream music is fine by us, but so much more can be said about an indie artist trying to make it in the industry. New artist, Electric Slim shares what it's been like for him to break into the dog-eat-dog music industry and what's driven him thus far.

We at Swide, appreciate finding those musical diamonds in the rough, unpolished talent so to speak. Swide's recent find hails from the Bronx, New York and goes by the name ElectricSlim. We caught up with the underground talent and got to know him a little better.

Where'd you get the name ElectricSlim?

Haha, you can call me SlimZilla if you'd like! Slim is actually a nickname I've had for years. It's funny how that name even came about. There was this guy in my neighbourhood that I used to crack jokes and he would always call me Slim. So after a while, the name just kind of stuck with me. I put Electric in front cause I felt that best represents my style and attitude. To be honest it sounds like an old bluesman name, so I just ran with it.

How did you first get into music?

I've been around music my whole life. My pops was heavy into music back in the days, so I was always around crazy musicians learning different sounds. They used to take me all the time to see them play. It just naturally grew on me. It was something about the guitar that did it for me. I've been with that thing ever since tooth and claw.

What made you decide to switch from being a producer to an artist?

It was a win/win decision for me. I felt like if nobody feels my beats, I might as well just sing on them my damn self and kill it. I just learned throughout the years to do whatever I feel. I always knew that being an actual musician is vital in the industry and if you feel it, so will the public.

Do you write your own music?

Yes. I write all of my material.

What has been your biggest struggle as a new artist?

I've struggled more with trying to pay the rent than anything else. Music is art, it just flows… you know what I mean? As a new artist, it’s really not that hard to get out there. Now of days, music is totally accessible. One click and you got it. I love that you can go worldwide with just one download. That's amazing to me.

How has being from New York inspired your music?

I'm a born and raised New Yorker from The Bronx. It's a paradox. It can beautiful, but at the same time it can get to me. New York can be tough… the taxes, the rent hikes, the slumlords. All that inspires me. Truthfully the day-to-day street hustle is inspiring. Meeting new people and collaborating with talented artists…New York is where it's at. We get it all here.

Who are some of your musical heros and why?

Damn, I’ve got so many musical heroes. If I could cut that list down…I would say Muddy Waters. That dude is mean!! His music hits my soul every time.

What first attracted you to playing the guitar?

The guitar just fell into my life. I'm all about banging drums, shaking the floor and waking up neighbours. Groups like The Gypsy Kings and The Jimi Hendrix Experience are what made me want to learn the guitar more than anything. My guitar is everything to me. I call her LadyDevine, ha.

What is the electric project? Are they other people involved?

The Electric Project is my band name, but it goes a little deeper than that. It’s my very own constellation, you know what I mean?I feel like we are put on this planet to conquer through art and inspire people with that art. Everybody has there own world that they live in and things that they want to do. I feel that ever since I picked up my guitar, I've been on this loud Sonic journey. My life is electric and I want to both shock and wow people with my sound. I do all of the music myself, write, produce, perform it all. I'm currently putting the rest of the puzzle pieces together now with the help of talented musicians to rock out and create great music with. It’s like a manifestation of a dream; do what you feel now, while we are here. What do you want people to remember you for before you go? The Electric Project is that for me but through music.

What was the concept behind your video, Big City Life dreams?

My lifestyle living in New York inspired the concept for the music. It’s like a parody of it all. I’ve promoted parties here in New York for a little while. The scene is what I call it. I wanted people to see what it looks like through my eyes. New York City can eat you alive, but if you control it…the world is yours. Literally!

When can we expect an album and was it difficult funding it independently?

Well the first single "Big City Life Dreams" is out and rolling along with the video, which was directed By Fabie Dufils. The Electric Project's first album is totally indie. We’re looking to release it digitally by April, 2010. It wasn't hard finding the means to create neither the music nor the video. I just thank God I have awesome friends that believe in me and what I'm doing. We just merged our ideas and started creating. If you feel it, then everything will fall into place…that's my motto. You don’t need a label to teach you that.