Dustin Kelley

What is music to you? What does it give you?

It's freedom. Being able to clear the mind and release emotions. Also very entertaining. Hearing your own creations come alive is an amazing feeling every time!

What is your music dream?

To simply be heard and known as 1 of the best to ever touch the genre. My creativity is in a lane of its on. I believe I have a form of the art that should be known to many. So my dream is to make a living doing what I love to do.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

Myself. I would improve the man in the mirror before even trying to improve anyone else. You have to start at the source and you can ONLY make change after acknowledging that change is needed.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

LL cool J- I need love My aunt gave me the cassette tape and played the hell out of it. I was a little ass kid then. Didn't know a thing about love.

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

I have many influences musically but as far as hip hop it would be artist like Bone Thugs, Twista, Ludacris, Hustle Gang, 2 Chainz, Young Dro, UGK, Chance the Rapper and many more. I love any artist who's creative and puts effort into their craft.

What inspires you to make music?

Life. I think about it as a time capsule. Leaving paper trails over my life and the lives of others as well. I feel like when you hear good music, it's a marker at that time in your life. And in the future, When your ears hear that song again, you will always be reminded of that time, whether good or bad. My mind is always going as well. So I figure why not write these thoughts down and express them.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Self Motivation. Self Belief. Self support. And I don't mean be selfish I mean be all the drive that you need to become successful. Don't wait and depend on others to push you or cheer you on. If you want it, Go for it. The world is big. Someone will like it and/or relate to it. No matter what your dream is. Self motivation is the best but it's not always easy to do when it seems you have no support. But pump yourself up and Keep pushing!

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

Comfortable. I prefer an audience over performing for a few people. I feel like audiences offer a wider range of opinions. So it gives the possibility that more than half will like what I have to offer. It's also an unexplainable high to see the crowd get lost in your performance.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

The reality of most is not reality at all. WE need more honesty in the genre as well as the culture.

What do you think of Drooble?

Thus far, Im liking it! No complaints at this moment. Let's hope it doesn't change.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Not being heard. I struggle with finding my demographic and finding a committed Fan base. I'm not the typical rapper so it's more challenging. I always make a good impression after they press play, but getting them to press play is the frustrating part.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

I'm new to my current local scene but I do support the artists, engineers, and producers here. I try to build musical relationships in many ways. Always willing to work with new faces.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Great content. Style, delivery, originality, Flow, good cadences, signature sound and image. I think those are the most important.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Hymaginn, Hymaginn, Hymaginn, Hymaginn, Hymaginn, Hymaginn, Hymaginn and Hymaginn!