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Interview with Vally & Rocket – The PreTape, Military Service, and Musical Purpose

by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman March 26, 2015 11:11 am Tagged With: Hip Hop, rap

Vally & Rocket just dropped their album The PreTape and we grabbed this quick interview with the duo to ask them about it as well as find out what motivates them and keeps them inspired creatively. If you dig the music, support the musicians by sharing, streaming and purchasing music and merch.

Vally and Rocket

How did the two of you come together for the purposes of making music? How long have you been doing this?

Vally & Rocket: We met at Ft Hood, Tx while both of us were serving active duty in the U.S ARMY. After we both realized each others talent, we created 2 mixtapes within a 6 month period, developed a fan base, and performed shows all while successfully fulfilling our contractual obligation to the military. We have been making music together for 3 years.

What should we expect when we press play on The Pretape?

Vally & Rocket: When listening to “The Pretape”, you should hear passion, recklessness, and motivation to overcome any situation. This is a bible for everyone who’s working to achieve a goal. Playing the “Pretape” in chronological order is a very true reality of our lives from beginning to end. Literally and figuratively explaining how we moved from the ‘block” to working towards obtaining successes reflected in “Superstars”…which leads to several “Nightcaps”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPgJppstSRk

Who or what inspires and motivates you to make music? Why are you pursuing this path?

Vally: Hip-hop as a culture continues to inspire me. I love all of it, especially when it creeps into new areas we never imagined it could reach such as education and corporate America. It’s amazing that a message of frustration, defiance, and relentlessness can relate to so many people. Without having positive influences; hip-hop has taught me that if you’re willing to work hard and take a stand, success will follow. I pursue this path to motivate and entertain others but also as a means of therapy for myself.

Rocket: I agree with everything he said, but would like to add the sense of purpose that I get from making music. When a kid tells me that I got them through a rough time, or that they don’t cut themselves anymore… that’s what it’s all about.

[Tweet “This is a bible for everyone who’s working to achieve a goal.”]

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

Vally: I want to be in that “big house by the lake” that I spoke about on “Superstars”.

Rocket: Haha. Honestly, being able to financially support myself from music is the ultimate goal. I would love to be able to travel the country, or world for that matter, from our music.

What was the last song you listened to?

Vally: I listen to music all the time so I’ll have to alter the question a little. The last song I listened to that I thought was impactful to the culture was Lupe Fiasco “Deliver”. The video was a great representation of hip-hop accepting negative consequences for our actions while simultaneously working around disadvantages that prohibit us from achieving our goals.

Rocket: I am actually the opposite. I don’t listen to much music nowadays. I find myself being more critical rather than enjoying it. With that being said, last thing I listened to and was intrigued and engaged with was Drake “You & The 6”. It’s a modern day “Dear Mama”. I love the personal look into his life and relationship with his mother.

Do you guys perform or tour? Where can people catch you live?

We’re always ready to perform and would love to be a part of any tours. Our next show is June 6, 2015 in Prescott Valley, Az. Afterwards were planning a major move with expectations to propel our career.

Where can we connect with you online? Stream your music?

  • www.flyerthanafly.com (home website)
    www.facebook.com\vallyandrocket
    www.soundcloud.com\vallyandrocket



All of our music is available on the major online retailers.
iTunes, Amazon mp3, Google Play, etc.

In addition, you can also stream it on your favorite apps and websites to include: Spotify, Pandora, Beats Music, Xbox Music, etc.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Vally: Shout out to all of our family, friends, and fans who supported us this far. Thank you and stay tuned because we have some more great music in store for you.

Rocket: To anyone who has ever pressed play on a song or video. Regardless if you liked it, I appreciate you for taking a chance on us. Also, I would like to salute all the servicemen and women past and present.

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About Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman

Joshua is a music business consultant currently serving as COO of Unlimited Sounds, a boutique publishing admin & consulting firm based in Northern California. He also serves as director of Pac Ave Records, a student-run record label. He is an archivist and curator via Indie Music Discovery.com, co-founded with C Bret Campbell in 2011. He is also a Father of 3 and an all purpose jedi... but before any of this, he was and still creates as an indie/DIY songwriter and producer. Connect on IG. Read full bio.

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