If you have been paying attention, you should know by now that Hand’Solo Records is one of my favorite independent Hip Hop labels.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Hand’Solo artist Whatevski about his Cult Classics album, motivations, challenges and much more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Who is Whatevski? Where are you from?

Whatevski isn’t my real name. It’s just whatever. You know? I’m not really from around here. 

What style of music do you create? What attracted you to this genre or style?

All kinds of styles. The Cult Classics project is sample-heavy rap beats with rappers from all across Canada on it. It’s not meant for easy digestion. It’s designed so that the listener will hear something new every time they listen and hopefully has a bit of replay value to it.

I also have 2 more projects coming out within the next year. One is a future alien trap album, Project Blue Book. The other is a super retro-style soul album with a full band and soul singer, Sargeant & Comrade. So, I am kind of all over the place with styles. I try not to get bored/stuck in one genre.

Who or what influences your rapping? Your production?

The things I surround myself with is what eventually shapes me into who I am and what I do. The world is a crazy place and it’s also a constant source of inspiration. 

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

My whole life. The creating is the fun part. The sharing is the hard part. 

What motivates you to keep going?

At this point music is just a part of who I am. Sometimes you love certain parts of yourself. Sometimes you hate them. You can block them out for a while, but your true self always comes back around. So, best thing to do is just accept it and keep it moving. 

Why should people listen to Whatevski?

I am not sure. I never said they should…

What is your new release? How is it different from previous releases?

This one has some old and some new jams on it. It wasn’t expected to have a big marketing push behind it, that’s one of the reasons why it’s called Cult Classics. It was expected that this album was one of those ones that goes under the radar. It’s made for music listeners that are in “the know”, you know? An underground release that only certain people with particularly refined music tastes will enjoy. 

Did you set out to accomplish anything specific with this album?

I have issues releasing things. As an independent artist you have to put in a lot of work and expose certain parts of yourself to the public in order to put anything out. (Not those kind of parts… but maybe…) The goal was to release something. And now I have 2 more projects getting ready to drop. Funny how that works.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? And to discover more of your music?

I am not very good at the internet. I think you can find me on all regular streaming channels. I will try to get better at it I promise. 

Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I use Spotify. Because it’s the first one I tried and it works. I only got it about 6 months ago. 

What about vinyl, CDs, and MP3s?

What about them? They’re all great for listening to music. Don’t forget tapes… the Cult Classics tape release has 5 extra songs on it that aren’t on the digital release for all the collectors out there. I am a bit of an analogue head and enjoy holding physical things and pushing real buttons. 

As an indie musician in the digital age, how does the technology help and how does it hinder your art and career?

You can write a whole essay with this question. Everything is what you make it. There is good and bad in everything. I don’t hate on new technology, but I don’t fully embrace it either. Promoting yourself is easier… or so I hear. Once I learn the ways of the internet I will let you know if that’s true or not. 

What are your other biggest challenges in attracting an audience to your music?

I just make the music… Once you put it out, it takes on a life of it’s own and attracts it’s own audience. I make the honey. The bees are already hard-wired to be attracted to it. 

What was the last song you listened to?

Project Blue Book – Lasers  (working on the video right now).

Do you tour or play live? Where can music lovers find out where to see you perform?

I do a lot of live shows with my band, Sargeant & Comrade, and work as a full time DJ. I’m all over the place under all kinds of different monikers. 

What’s next for you?

The two albums that I had mentioned earlier. More shows. More music. Maybe some time away from all the music. Some art projects. Possibly some animation/video work. 

Any last thoughts, shout outs, or words of wisdom?

Work smarter, not harder. And don’t be a faker, be an original sound maker. Bye for now.