EKKO AKA Young Ancient

Written by CMNY Admin Monday, 10 October 2011 14:17

EKKO AKA YOUNG ANCIENT

GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND INFO AS TO WHO YOU ARE?

My Name is Ekko. I'm a songwriter/Emcee currently residing in Reading,
PA. The first half of my life I was raised in Brooklyn, and the other
half I've lived a small city known as ''RDG'' (Reading Pennsylvania). In
the midst of that I have lived in many other cities/states growing up
like the Bronx NY , Tampa Florida , New Jersey and California to name a
few. I took my first serious approach at writting lyrics when I was
around 14 living in Florida. Inspired by the struggles of poverty and
family issues I was determined to make this Sh!t happen. It was like a
non-stop thing when I first got my ''pencil'' wet. I have spent
countless hours perfecting my craft to get to this point. 

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOUR NAME?

My name is ''Ekko'' aka the ''Young Ancient One.'' The name Ekko came
together from another name I had when I was younger which was ''E-Double
Kay O'' aka the KO kid. Overall I also ran with the name ''Ekko''
Because I felt like my true purpose and goals for putting in this work
is to get my music to ''Echo''. The ''Young Ancient One'' is a name that
was given to me by ''Steph Black'' a member of ''N.O.F.I.A'' My hometown
team. Steph Black also happens to be the younger brother of retired NBA
star  ''Donyell Marshall''. Steph and others say ''The Young Ancient
One'' fits me because I seem wise beyond my years, as if I have been
here before. 

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WHO IS YOUR TARGET MARKET?

I try to make well balanced projects that can reach everyone.
Individual songs might be designed for certain markets, because I have
such a diverse following. I have to cater to different styles from track
to track so my entire Fan base feels acknowledged. I concentrate on
certain themes as I design each song, but I make sure that the final
album has a diverse sound to it. My European fans have certain demands
of my music, as do my US fans, my home base in PA, my west coasters,
etc. It's selfish of me to write just for my OWN enjoyment, when I
write, I keep them in mind at every session. That's the most important
lesson I've learned as I've transitioned over to being a professional
artist. The end result is usually a well rounded album. My fans seem to
appreciate this level of detail.

WHAT SINGLE OR PROJECT ARE YOU CURRENTLY PUSHING?

At this current moment I am pushing for my 4th project to be digitally
released entitled ''Ekkodemik ll'' which is set to be available on most
popular sites by late October. I am also pushing my new single entitled
“Back to my City” produced by Mike Kalumbo. We also have a new Video
for that song as well that will be releasing soon. 

WHAT IS THE PHILOSOPHY BY WHICH YOU LIVE BY?

My philosophy in life is "work hard play hard." I rather go through the
struggles and earn my success so when I get there I can assure myself
that I deserve it. An easy ticket in the door comes with an easy ticket
out the door. They may not welcome me in with open arms but I'm
definitely going to get up in there. 

WHICH ARTISTS HAVE INSPIRED YOU?

Before I ever started rapping I use to write and recite rhymes a lot.
My favorites were verses by ''Jay-z'' and ''Big Pun." But Most of my
inspiration came from watching my brother's reaction to these guys. He
really started tripping when I first recorded my own lyrics on my
mother's PC monitor with a built-in mic . That is what really made me
believe I had it. Good looking ''Hec Vega''. 

WHO DOES YOUR PRODUCTION?

I have worked with many talented producers such as The Bakaboyz, J
Nari, Hazardis Soundz, Mike Kalombo, TA , and Marco Polo, But Most of my
production was done with ''Franky Franchise'' and ''Cras Bangaz''. These
two producers have worked with me along the way of developing my style
and craft since I was about 16 yrs old. 

WHAT IS YOUR OPINION OF THE CURRENT STATE OF THE MUSIC INDUSTRY?

The current state of the music industry has definitely evolved from
what we all were use to. With that said, it has both its good's and its
bad's. As far as artists taking the independent route there has been a
lot of advantages and benefits. I personally believe it is going back to
its true roots where gifted lyricists are getting more of the
recognition again. I look forward to the next young generation of
artists coming out being that I am part of that new wave of gifted
lyricists. 

IF YOU CAN CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WHAT WOULD IT BE
AND WHY?

If I can change one thing about the industry it would be the perception
and judgment some people have about being a rap artist. Some folks
overlook that at the end of the day this is more than a job or a hobby.
It's a serious career field that requires much time and energy as any
other job would, maybe even more. I personally am a young father first
before and after the microphone and camera goes on/off. Even while the
mic is on I express this message through my music. My only wish and hope
is that people see the real me through my songs and not just a rapper. 


ARE THERE ANY SINGERS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN THE
FUTURE?

I would like to work with a few R&B singers in the future. As my career
takes off I feel my choice of singers to work with would be Chris Brown,
Jeremiah, Miguel , and Trey songs. Amongst those I'd like to try working
with various unique singer like Ryan Leslie , John Legend ,Will-i-am,
Jill Scott , or Maxwell. I am very versatile though so I'm curious to
see what opportunities I land with future collaborations. 

WHAT PRODUCER WOULD YOU LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH IN THE FUTURE?

In the future I would love to produce and build a track with Swizz
Beats. He seems very energetic and exciting in the studio, and that's
the type of environment I like to surround myself around when I'm in the
lab.  

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR LIVE SHOW? HOW HAS IT EVOLVED?

My favorite part of live shows would have to be my acapella segments.
They usually are not planned and I usually shock myself when it happens.
Nothing is more intriguing to me than the crowd's reaction when I'm
letting a quick unreleased verse or two rip. It's always an epic vibe
when that takes place on stage.

WHAT IS YOUR LP GOING TO BE LIKE?

Expect to see a lot of raw lyricism and heart-felt messages in my first
LP along with exceptional and wisely picked production to match the
quality and sound of my wordplay and cadences. I want people to be able
to pop my first LP in and get goosebumps the whole way through. Every
expression and feeling will be met as you listen through my tracks. 


WHAT IS YOUR WEBSITE?

My website is www.ancientmuzik.com [1]. I can also be contacted on
Facebook as Ekko Ekkodemik, as well as on Twitter via @Youngancient.

ANY FINAL WORDS FOR THE PEOPLE.

My advice and final words to the people is to always stay true to who
you are. Be you! It's harder to portray someone or something else. When
it all falls down you won't have anything to hide if you remain true.
Stay in school and if you are a young parent take care of yours. Make
goals to achieve for yourself and your future. Chase your dreams. God
Bless all. 

Links:
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[1] http://www.ancientmuzik.com