[Feature] JENESIS’ Top Artists For 2012: Profile – Skewby

Name: Skewby

Projects: Proving You Wrong Since 1988, More Or Less

Management: 715 Management

Booking: 715 Management

Website: http://somethingaboutskewby.com

Clothing Brand Reps: IMKING

What did 2011 bring to you as an artist?

2011 brought me reality. It was a huge reality check for me. From a distance I thought more doors would open with more work that I put in. Now I know that kicking down doors is the only way to enter a room. Well, in hip hop at least. There are also rooms for sale, but purchasing respect has never been my thing. 2011 hasn’t been my favorite year, but it’s been a great teacher nonetheless.

What was the biggest accomplishment that happened for your career in 2011?

My favorite thing I did this year was find a group of kids that knew my songs. There is nothing better than that to me. That’s all I want. I want to share my thoughts and ideas and see somebody who relates to them. The internet and I aren’t friends. I don’t believe much that I see on there. Whether it’s to my benefit or not. I’m happy to have people in that space that support, but nothing compares to actually seeing it for real. That happened a few times this year and I’m extremely happy about that.

What 3 elements helped you progress this year?

Great question. I guess I’d have to say videos. Every time I released a video that seemed to gain a lot of attention. Another element would be festivals. SXSW and A3C were key elements for me this year. Those gave people a chance to meet me and furthermore understand what I’m doing. The last element would probably be silence. In an industry where everybody is fighting for the most attention, my silence and space from it all gave me room to work and get better.

Where do you want your career to go and what are your plans to achieve it in 2012?

I want to tour. I want to release music and I want to tour and share that music. It’s that simple for me. After that who knows. I’m all for doing new things and seeking new opportunities. As far as I’m concerned I’m already in 2012 and 2013 is in a few months. My entire focus is making songs that make me happy and performing those songs.

What separates you from the other up and coming artist of 2011?

I have no clue. I don’t know these guys. I don’t know what they have in mind. We probably all want the same thing. I hear a lot of them talk about money a lot. I want some, but that’s not the focus. I hear a lot of them talk about fame & girls. I’m not in it for that. That doesn’t separate us though. We’re just a bunch of kids trying to dodge a 9 to 5 and do something that makes us happy. In reality, I’m not trying to separate. I think everybody is separated enough as it is.

If the year 2011 was an advertisement, what would its slogan be for you?

One life to live, don’t waste it worrying about rap.

I say that because Hip hop isn’t my life. It was my life at a certain point. As I get older I’m letting go of that. I’m growing and experiencing new things. Hip hop is just a part of my life. And if I die today I don’t want my last days to consist of reading a blog to see when a new mix tape dropped.