There's a lot of respect given to artists that manage to make it big without a big label behind their backs. Indie rapper Microdot is most definitely one of them.
Brother of Phantom's Sanchez, half of AllBlack, the veteran rapper made it to Team Brand New on the fourth season of MNet's music reality show, Show Me The Money 4.
After making his mark on the hit show, the Auckland-native went on his world tour performing in the U.S., Canada, Japan, Austrailia and more.
In the midst of his U.S. Tour a few weeks back, we had the chance to interview Microdot courtesy of him and his management.
KPS: Who's the artist or the song you listened to that triggered you to become who you are today?
MD: The artist's who influenced me to become the artist I am today would probably have to be my two older brothers who first introduced me to hip-hop. My brothers would listen and create hiphop music as soon as I would get back home from primary (elementary) school. This influenced me to mimic them at a young age of 7. Plus at school we use to learn about rhythmic poetry focusing on rhymes.
KPS: What is the meaning behind the name Microdot?
MD: Microdot - was made by myself at the age of 9, in the studio during my first ever professional recording session in Auckland City. The engineer had a huge mole on his right cheek and at the time my push scooter brand name was "Micro". Obviously being 9 years old I put two and two together and it worked and stayed with me. I was also very chubby at the time so it suited me well.
KPS: You and Dok2 first came together as AllBlack almost a decade ago and made a comeback last year, what's it like working with Gonzo and when will be the next release?
MD: Working with Dok2 again was quite fun and interesting cause I linked up with the bro quite often. It wasn't like a day at the office at all it was more like lets hit the studio and make a track for my release after Show
me the Money 4. He was the same old Dok2 as he was when he was 14years old and I was 11 years old. Quick production and recording but successful outcome.
My next release is due next month (No Exact Dates) with two mini-albums planned which one being English orientated and the other being Korean orientated. Shot a music video in Brooklyn New York City too, as well as another one that was shot over Chicago, Japan (Tokyo) and Korea. I'm excited for these projects as it isn't 100% fixed of the release order per track of album or mini-album. I guess its a surprise.
KPS: How about your brother Sanchez?
MD: Sanchez is a musical genius which means he is very picky with his craft which I don't blame him. But it is definitely fun doing this work with him as we are family though we argue a lot.
KPS: Is there anyone else you'd like to collaborate with?
MD: Machine Gun Kelly, J Cole.
KPS: How do you get your inspiration to write music?
MD: I get inspired from the vibes of the atmosphere I am in at the time I am writing... Gym, Rainy Days inside my car, Sunny days outdoors (Driving), in the studio early hours of the morning. My emotions at the time bring
out different vibes too.
KPS: What are the highlights of your international tour so far? Favorite cities you definitely want to perform in again?
MD: Japan was quite insane with the vibe it brought out which was after my Chicago Show. Chicago Illinois was also quite hype with the crowd being ecstatic for my arrival on stage which I appreciated a lot. Australia had
to be one of the most memorable alongside San Francisco USA with sold out shows which was amazing.
KPS: What's your personal favorite song to perform?
MD: Tear Gas which is one of my unreleased new song is very very hyped up trap type track. Gets the crowd going and of course Goal Keeper is a classic.
KPS: Are there any rituals you do before you take the stage?
MD: I like to listen to Hillsong worshiping music which keeps me calm and I pray and I just smile all the time haha. Its weird but I find getting nervous does not help with a performance haha. Besides that I like to talk to people about other things besides my performance.
KPS: What's on your agenda after your international tour?
MD: I am currently preparing my full length album (not fixed) which will be a mixture of English and Korean.
KPS: You've created an independent clothing line *DOWNBAD.* and are continuing your rapping career, what else would you like to do future?
MD: DOWNBAD. is my baby, its being nurtured and is growing. it will be
rereleasing with a brand new line in mid june (expected) 2016. Rap Career: is my bread and butter but I am looking to enter the USA market as an artist. Future: I would love to start up my own business (outside of music) entrepreneurship. Property investment, restaurants, etc. as my university, double major and single minor degree of Marketing/International Business and a minor of economics.
KPS: If you could give your EP to any western artist who would it be and why?
MD: I would say J Cole or DJ Khaled. Just the vibes and future seems most
relatable. But you know its hard to tell as I would seek for some one who
would be able to upgrade my creativity and artist-ship limitlessly.
