What can you tell us about the new EP?
Lobotomy is 5 original tracks produced by Native Beats out of Bethlehem Pa featuring myself and some friends of mine; Nysom, Pryme Prolifik, EB Da Illest, and Tha Soloist. The feel of the project is a little more conscious than what you’ve previously heard from me on The Spice Rack, a little more heartfelt and personal… but it’s got a banger or two!
What is the backstory behind the title of the EP? “Lobotomy”
The title of the EP, Lobotomy, and the upcoming LP, Brainwaves, go hand-in-hand. The majority of the tracks on Brainwaves reflect a common (at least to me) way of thinking since I’ve had my share of bumps on my road and I like to talk about how that makes me feel – often times angry. Brainwaves is going to be everything my fans expect to hear from me.
Tell us about the upcoming events you have scheduled?
As of right now I haven’t announced anything, although there are always shows in the works. And I do mean always! To keep up with what my team and I are doing, check out 610nly and Battleaxe East Coast Warriors on Facebook or visit 610nly.com.
What would you say an Artist must have to maintain a successful long-term career in music?
That’s a tough question to answer without writing a novel… but in short, determination. Independent artists on my level, and even those well above mine, have to be resourceful. Of course, it’s vital that they make quality music. But in my experience selling records gets harder all the time unless you’re on a major label. So if you want to pay your bills with your music, you have to do shows and you have to sell merch; tee shirts, CDs, posters, buttons, whatever you can. It’s definitely a hustle and it’s definitely not for the easily-deterred.
What Artists have you been listening to recently?
Some of my recent favorites have been Slaughter Rico, Adlib, Diabolic, R.A. the Rugged Man, Cassette Deck Kings, Mercy Gang, Carnage the Executioner, Madchild, and Skrewtape. Many of these are available for sale at East Side Tattoo, 2313 Union Blvd. Allentown.
Do you have a favorite track on your new EP?
I would have to say the second track, Cracked, is my favorite. It’s not what you normally hear from me. I took a step outside the box and tried to show a different side of myself with some more serious and conscious subject matter. The experience was great for me and I’m extremely happy with the results, so it’s probably safe to expect more from me along these lines.
What future projects are you working on with 610nly?
As you may know, our focus has been in Allentown. Currently we’re trying to explore some new venue options and expand into some surrounding cities in the LV. Like any good business we want to expand our reach, and like any good artist we want new people to hear what we have to say. As far as specifics go, we’re going to be a little hush-hush about it until we’ve got some good things locked in. Keep up with our social media accounts and our website.
How do you feel the Lehigh Valley has been handling the music scene lately?
I can’t speak on the scene as a whole, but it’s encouraging that the artists we’ve been reaching out to are receptive to the ideas we’ve been pitching them. The responses that we’re getting at our shows are only getting better.
Did you collaborate with any other Artists on “Lobotomy?”
Tha Soloist, EB da Illlest, Nysom, Elz Sinatra, and Pryme Prolifik are all featured on Lobotomy.
What advice would you offer to current and future Hip Hop Artists?
Don’t bother unless you’re serious. And if you ARE serious, don’t hesitate.
Tell everyone where they can purchase “Lobotomy” and also listen to your music?
Lobotomy is FREE to listen to on soundcloud.com/splitdivo
Physical copies of the upcoming LP, Brainwaves, will have the entire EP on the disk as well.
SPLIT DIVO INKSLINGER ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/split.divo?fref=ts
SPLIT DIVO’S SHOP HE OWNS: EAST SIDE TATTOO https://www.facebook.com/eastsidetattoo610?fref=ts
@EastSideTattoo610
610NLY ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/610nly?fref=ts
SPLIT DIVO ON SOUNDCLOUD https://soundcloud.com/splitdivo/sets/lobotomy
610nly.com http://www.610nly.com/
Here are some other interviews by Janel Spiegel
