“FAT MAN”, is what Stokes first called him, I laughed & then smiled, he was like the funniest YET quietest guy I had ever met! Then I remembered his face, & thought hell, I had seen his blog MANY of times. “Taylor GOT beats” was a name that I had heard many, many times. . Never would of thought we had so many people in common between us. SCRATCH that, he lives on the crest! Lol. From the name, I knew he worked with Music, which actually drew me too him. Over these past months I given the chance to becoming friends with ‘TaylorGotBeats’ (but I haven’t yet had the pleasure of watching him work (undecided face) and he is a amazing artist. I chose to interview him solely on all of his work that I have seen (photography wise) because of course, he does makes Music too. So here’s to Taylor, thanks for the interview ‘FAT MAN’ =]
kayc0rner; When did your career start?
About 2 years ago
kayc0rner; Why is Photography important to you?
Because it allows you to capture emotion and time
kayc0rner; Who or what influenced you to become a photographer?
Well, my father is a photographer. Along with my good friend Kasey Stokes. I've always liked art and been around it so I gave it a shot.
kayc0rner; Do you believe in the expression ' A picture is worth 1,000 words " ? Most definitely, because one photo has the ability to say everything you want to say in a glance. Or in some cases everything you can't say. Some experiences are too drastic for words.
kayc0rner; Do you have a favorite photograph?
I have many favorites but if I had to choose I would say Terry Richardson. He does amazing editorials. www.terryrichardson.com
kayc0rner; Do you think that society would be different if photography was never invented?
I think it would be a way of living; Photos give people Identity and character. But I'm sure another similar art form would take its place.
kayc0rner; What makes a good photographer in your opinion?
Someone who can make the best out of what tools they have and show a wide range of different photos.
kayc0rner; In your opinion, what makes photography an art?
The fact that people can debate wither a photo is good or bad makes it an art form.
kayc0rner; Do you prefer using film cameras to digital?
I like the look of film more but I prefer digital for the quickness and reliability
kayc0rner; What motivates you to do what you do?
The look I get when people are happy with the good shots I take of them and doing things that have not been done before.
kayc0rner; Where can a person of interest find your work / reach you?
[ do you recall the day , you said -- ' this is what i wanna do , make music '?]
Middle school probably, I rapped to make friends and some how along the way became pretty darn good at it. I'm not complaining. But as for the day of enlightenment thingy, I do not ever recall saying ' this is what i wanna do , make music ', I simply just started making it.
Where, Why and How did you come up with your stage name?
I used to go by the name "Vintage". I was about 13 or 14 when I made that name. I felt like I was a young kid bringing an old school feel back to hip-hop. A lot of my early work sounded real retro. Anyways, people called me "Vin" because they were too lazy to pronounce "Vintage". So it kinda stuck. I responded to "Vin", now. It was a lot easier to say, I guess. Gotta keep it simple, ya dig? Then, my dad (Melvin Villaver Sr.) was listening to my music and he said, "You call yourself, 'Vin'? My father used to call me 'Vin'." So now, the name has some sentimental value. I never met my grandfather, so I guess it works out. A piece of him will always be around, Young Vin will carry the name.
Are you a member of a music organization (label) , if so name?
Nah, I'm too cool to sell my soul to the devil.
who are your musical influences?
Eminem, really. And The Beatles. Everybody else that I listen to catches my attention for a while, but no one commands it like Eminem and The Beatles.
who are your favorite groups? cd ? ( list 3 a piece please)
Groups? The Beatles, The Fugees, and A Tribe Called Quest.
CD's? The Marshall Mathers LP by Eminem, The College Dropout by Kanye, The Fame Monster by Lady GaGa, I'm not PLAYING!
i take it your write your own music , but what gives you the inspiration ?
Anything, really. I try to strictly roll with concepts. So if something seems creative, I will develop the concept until it's perfect. Good music takes time.
whats more intriguing and creative writing lyrics or the actual singing creating melodies?
I don't sing much on record, so I'd say writing the lyrics.
what image do you think your music conveys ?
Whatever the subject matter is about, but I hope the image is positive.
what do you want from your fans ?
Groupie sex! I'm just playing, man. Hahaha. I would hope for loyalty. Fans who are always in my corner.
what are your immediate music career goals?
To make a lot of music and have a lot of fun doing it.
what has been your biggest challenge has a unsigned artist?
Getting people to look past the fact that some artists would prefer to be unsigned. That just because some dudes are signed, doesn't mean they're good.
what do you want to accomplish with your music this year (2010) ?
I would hope to develop a steady fan base and slowly imbed it in your brain that I'm here for global domination.
out of all the songs you have recorded , what is your favorite ? , what is your least favorite?
Hmmm It's hard to say because I have a lot of unreleased material that no one will ever know about unless I leak it. However, I do love this record called, "Sliccc" I recorded it about a year ago. It goes hard!
could you briefly describe your music- making process .
kay`corner ; When did you first 'become' an artist ?
I've always done music. It's always been a hobby of mine that I enjoyed doing. I just never had a outlet to let people hear what I was capable of.
kay`corner ; Where, Why and How did you come up with your stage name?
Khleo was my nickname in school. So I just ran with it.
kay`corner ; Are you a member of a music organization (label) , if so name?
Yup my own. Zero Unlimited INC, & LBW Ent Affiliate. Bows company.
kay`corner ; who are your musical influences?
Mos Def, Method Man, Drake, Snoop Dog & The Dream
kay`corner ; who are your favorite groups?
DPG, Linkin Park, Audio Push.
kay`corner ; What are you TOP 3 CD's ?
Love/Hate - The Dream
The Documentary - The Game
So Far Gone - Drake
kay`corner ; i take it your write your own music , but what gives you the inspiration ?
Real life situations. i believe in VENTING THROUGH MUSIC. So i put my emotions on the songs,
kay`corner ; what image do you think your music conveys ?
They same images we've all seen as human beings and growing up. LIFE.
kay`corner ; what do you want from your fans ?
To understand i love making music, and i hope they enjoy what i create because THE WORLD IS A CARTOON was just a sneak peak. i got alot more tricks up my sleeve.
kay`corner ; What are your immediate music career goals ?
TOUR!!!!!
kay`corner ; What has been your biggest challenge has a unsigned artist?
Catching new listeners. Doing everything on my own from my room.
kay`corner ; What do you want to accomplish with your music this year ?
A ALBUM
kay`corner ; What is your favorite song you have recored thus far ?
Lied To Me, Slow Motion, Purple Yellow Mango.
kay`corner ; Could you briefly describe your music - making process ?
Let the beat play thorough the MONITORS. Give me a Monster, write what im feeling, then RECORD.
kay`corner ; DO you have any upcoming shows?
A few, nothing official yet though.
kay`corner ; How can fans to be gain access to your music ?
twitter.com/khleo_t ill keep everybody posted on that.
kay`corner ; Any last words ?
2010 will b a year KHLEO will show exactly what he's capable of
The ONE stop BLOG , 4 REAL [ Los Angeles ] talent . I decided to start a blog focused on two fairly under-appreciated ARTS . Music & Photography . Being that these two are STRONG passions of mines , it comes at ease ; finding FRESH , NEW , UPCOMING & UNsigned LA music & photographers . This blog will feature ONLINE interviews, as well as VIDEO interviews , Photos of the day , Spoken word , Poems , as well as personal music / photos .
whos kay? wannabe photographer and musician from Los Angeles, Californa . Currently involved in numerous projects but am a professional procrastinator . Interested in spoken word , photography and music .
