You might remember our review of Absoloot. We recently linked up with him to grab the below interview.

For those that missed it, tell readers who you are, where you are from, and what style of music you create.

Well I’m Absoloot an independent artist with As I Am Records and we’re based out of South Florida. I make positive hip-hop with a message.

What led you to decide that music was the path you were going to walk?

I’ve always had a passion for music as far back as I can remember. Once I began to understand how I could use music to help people I knew this was something I had to do.

Was there an “ah-ha” moment?

Yes I knew this was for me from the feedback I received from one of the first songs I wrote called “So Long”. It was about continuing down a path not knowing where it may lead me. I wrote the song to cope with something I was dealing with and didn’t realize so many people felt the same way. That song helped me understand the power of lyrics and how we go through different things, but still end up dealing some of the same problems.

What has been your favorite part of the journey so far?

My relationship with my parents. Both my parents write and sing and there’s a lot they’ve accomplished that they never spoke about until we started our first record label together. Both my parents have been a big influence on my writing because of their experiences. It’s just a great feeling being able to work with your parents and accomplish things as a team.

How is the Internet/social media helping (or hurting) your efforts to promote music and connect with fans?

The internet is an independent artist best tool for promotion. It gives the fans direct access to the artist they grow to love and also gives the artist the most cost effective ways to promote their music. I can’t really think of any ways the internet would hurt an artist.

Is there a specific challenge you face when trying to use the Internet for marketing?

No I haven’t really had any challenges as far as promoting online. I’m just always looking for new ways to promote.

Any advice for others trying to do the same?

Yes I’ve noticed a lot of independent artist don’t release music to the public which is a huge mistake. If your an artist the only way anyone can support you is if you release your music. Releasing music is also the best way to determine the path you want to take as an artist. Once you release something then you have to promote, promote, promote. There are a lot website that make your job easy for you like Jeejuh.com, coyotemusic.com, axcesstalent.com, reverbnation.com just to name a few.

Back to the music, who are your influences?

My parents have been my biggest influence. I see myself as a writer first as oppose to a rapper so I really look to those who can help me build on my ability to write.

Who did you listen to growing up?

I grew up listening to a lot of Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Sting, and Pat Metheny Group. Which are still some of my favorites.

Who do you listen to now?

Well to name some of the newer artist I listen to are Miike Snow, Big Krit, Empire of the sun, Salem Al Fakir. As you can see I pretty much listen to all genres of music (Laughs).

What is the scene like in your area?

I’m in sunny South Florida so I’m sure you can imagine what the scene out here is (Laughs).

Any other artists or producers you work with?

As always I have some new material I’m working on with Emaculant. I also started working on another project with the super talented J Sharp and Unique G. I know the ladies are going to love what me and Unique put together. Also I hope to continue you working with Jee Juh they’ve been a huge help in creating the album “Banksters”. Jee Juh is pretty much an independent artist best friend from promotion to production.

Where we can grab the album?

Well the album “Banksters” will be available in June on Itunes, Amazon, Reverbnation.com and anywhere that sells music online. Also our past 2 albums and singles are available online now.

Where can people connect with you online?

The best way to communicate with me is through Twitter and Instagram. I’m on Facebook just not as often.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs?

Yes I would like thank my wife Jackie and daughter Olivia and my parents Carl and Cynthia for all their hard work and support and the As I Am team Bertram Gillings, Krystal Gillings, Ian “Emaculant” Carr, management Dadly Filius, Vieris Ras, Robert Blakely, Robins Blakely, Maria Rodriguez, Ruth Rodriguez, Khambrel Mac, Jee Juh for all there hard work on the album “Banksters”.