Go “Behind the Boards” With Outasight (Exclusive Interview)

(Editor's Note: This is the latest in our ongoing "Behind the Boards" interview series, which takes a behind the scenes look at the music you love.)

I remember almost two years ago finding this Radio New York mixtape on illRoots by some cat named Outasight and I remember not really knowing what to expect and, subsequently, what to think. The music was so different. I could tell his demeanor was soooo different and not a bad different, just a different that I couldn't remember ever being exposed to. I was intrigued. Fast forward to the summer of 2009, where I found myself listening to From There to Here basically everyday. It was my soundtrack. Late that summer, I moved to Texas and I vividly remember listening to that mixtape for the entire drive, only taking it out to pop in another cd which had 'Brand New Day' on it, playing that 3 or 4 times over, and then putting "From There to Here" back in.

There's just something about OU's music and at first listen, you know its there but you can't grab it at first. I've come to realize, understand, and appreciate that the outlying quality about OU's music is that its uplifting. He makes genuine, feel good music. Its the type of music that probably reminds you of the music you grew up listening to with parents, a real Motown-esque soul built on top of like Pete Rock drums. It just feels good to listen to.

Then, add to all that Mr. Richard Andrew's relationship with producer 6th Sense and you'll begin to paint a picture with needing to hear the music. If you are familiar with 6th's production, you know that sonically its going to sounds great, and its going to have soul. You can fake a lot of shit in the music industry but you CANNOT fake soul. Its something you have or you don't, it cannot be learned and it surely can't be bought and these cats have soul.

December '09 started with great anticipation for OU's album "Further". I was lucky enough to be sent an advance copy of the album. This allowed be to have a perfect winter soundtrack for my drive from Texas to Colorado for Christmas. If you cant tell, dude makes great roadtrip music.

I guess I should also add that I saw dude perform a couple times at SXSW this year, and he tore it down. If you ever have the chance to check his live show, I definitely suggest it. You wont be disappointed.

Now, here we are, mid-August 2010, and earlier this week, Outasight dropped his newest effort, "Never Say Never". OU sent me a copy last week to review and I was blown away. I'm not just saying that either, he's really stepped up his game on this mixtape. You can hear the growth. The disc starts with 'Complicated', a guitar driven, mid tempo, sing songy joint that really sounds and feels like Outasight's bread and butter. You can hear the confidence, but never complacency. This a theme throughout the tape, confidence without complacency. The effort also features a surprisingly dope and equally unexpected collaboration with Freddie Gibbs on 'Near the End', as well as 'Lush Life' with recently signed Warner label mate XV.

I guess at this point I would traditionally tell you to download the mixtape, "Never Say Never", and immediately enjoy it, but in this case, do exactly that, while simultaneously checking out my exclusive interview with your new favorite artist, Outasight, as we discuss life on a major label and, most importantly, his music. Be sure to check for his crazy flow on 'Ahh Yeah'. Too dope.



John Stewart: What up dude! Introduce yourself for the readers?

Outasight: Hello, my name is Outasight and I am a singer/rapper/recording artist, based out of New York currently getting ready to put out a new project called Never Say Never for free download (HERE or) via IamOutasight.com.

John Stewart: The past 12 months have been pretty solid for you. Where do you see the next 12 months taking you in this industry?

Outasight: It has been a crazy year, and I certainly feel blessed to be where I am. Still, I got my work cut out for me, as I am trying to get more and more people to hear the music I live and love to make.

John Stewart:You semi-recently signed Warner. How has life changed now that you're signed?

Outasight: Being on a major label is a dream come true for any aspiring artist. Together Warner and I are working to build the public awareness on who I am and what I do. It’s an exciting and challenging process and it is certainly an incredible feeling to have a huge company behind you such as Warner.

John Stewart: When creating, where do you draw inspiration from?

Outasight: Creative inspiration comes from everything. Art, music, books and mags, girls, love, fighting, vices, ups, downs, the whole 9…. getting inspired comes easy. You can always check www.heyoutasight.tumblr.com to see what’s inspiring me recently. Shameless plug, I know.

John Stewart: Do you a specific process or writing technique you go through in the studio? I know it’s pretty unpopular to claim that you actually write your own lyrics.

Outasight: I really don't have a specific technique at all, but I definitely write my lyrics down. Some songs I write on the spot, some songs take weeks, even months to finally piece together. I like to keep concepts in the mind, which usually pop up randomly. Topics, titles, characters...they're all excellent ways to start the writing process. From there, you go...and hope for the best.

John Stewart: It's obvious that you have a special relationship with 6th Sense. How did you guys get hooked up?



Outasight: 6th and I share a respect for music and dig the idea of progression. We never want to make the same record twice. We've been working for almost 2 years now; met through a mutual friend, and clicked right away because we're both music nerds and live in the studio.

John Stewart: What is a typical Outasight studio session like?

Outasight: Get in round 1, 2pm. Whoever is in the studio plays music that they're digging for round an hour or so to set up the vibe. I learned that from working with Sa-Ra, it’s really nice to hear great work before you work. From there we get into drums and/or samples, keys, and bass. If we find a groove that we're all digging I'll start mumbling melodies and as the music moves forward I start putting words to it. Somewhere in between all that smokes are lit and scotch is drank and the next thing you know its 4 am and you've laid down an entire record with vocals and all. It can be a blur sometimes I swear.

John Stewart: What do you think sets you apart from other artists?

Outasight: That's not a question for me to answer really, that's truly the listener’s opinion. All I can do is be honest in my work and keep trying to get better and put my best foot forward. Sounds cliché, but authenticity is important in this game. It is easy to look at everyone else and compare and what not, but you're only responsible for what you release, so that is all I can control.

John Stewart: How much time would you say you spend in the studio per week?

Outasight: Depends. Right now I'm recording, mixing, and editing an album so sometimes it can be 5 days at around 12 hours a day. But if there are shows, and whatever else, it'll be whenever and wherever. The studio is sanctuary, I try and stay in their often.



John Stewart: How often are you faced with writer's block and what can you do to get out of it?

Outasight: Writer's block comes and goes. Best way to get out of it is to make something or hear something that smacks the inspiration right back into ya. Simple as that. Get inspired.

John Stewart: To close, is there anything we've overlooked? Where can the fans reach out and connect with you and your music?

Outasight: "Never Say Never" is available, so download now!!!

Feel free to follow me on twitter as well at @outasight and thank you to Refined Hype and DJ Booth!

Download "Never Say Never" via BandCamp