So if you haven’t been active in the DMV scene for the last couple/few months, there is a new sound penetrating the underground music scene that we have yet to hear in our metro area, and the person who is bringing it full throttle is a young cat by the name of Devin White. Devin White is a Pop artist from the DMV, now correct me if im wrong, but he must be the first Pop artist to step up from the DC metro area and he’s, in my humble opinion, doing a damn good job at it from what I see and hear on his album sampler.  Since his entry into the music industry, Devin has received many views and positive responses on his hit video for Pulse, which received over 5,500 views in the first 2wks. (see below) So you may be asking yourself, who is Devin White? Well we have linked up with Devin to provide you a first look into the life of the pop sensation from the DMV.

Intorduce Yourself
Devin White, 20 for one more week, Reppin VA Beach.

How Long have you been singing?
I would love to be able to say all my life, but i really got into music in the last 5 or 6 years. I moved from VA to Washington DC to attend Duke Ellington School of The Arts when I was about 15 years old. I studied Theatre (acting was my first passion) until i realized that Music was more of my calling…It was more challenging.

When did you get introduced to the DMV Music Scene?
I got into music right after i graduated from high school, but it wasn’t till about the last year and half that I started networking and talking with the right people. I think an artist needs that time of silence and creativity before they step foot into the industry. It gives you time to explore who you are as an artist and what exactly it is your trying to say.

What are your influences?
Musically, it can be anybody. Every genre of music has something to offer. Right now im really geeking off this new Lady Antebellum album. The chord progressions and melodies on some of the tracks are crazy. I’ll hear that and incorporate it into one of the tracks I’m playing around with in the studio the next night.. just to see how it fits. Movies are really what gets my juices flowing…Horror, Sci-fi, I think that’s what entertainment is supposed to do. Take the audience somewhere else…make them wonder. Those kind of things inspire me.

What are the goals you would like to achieve in the next 5 years?
My heart runs off creativity. Taking things to the next level. So that’s honestly what I set my mind to, and hopefully that will translate into broader commercial success. Either way I intend on living my human life creating and searching for new forms of expression.

How do you think your music has been received in this area , especially with the area being heavily saturated with rappers ?
Its surprising because although I don’t think rappers are gonna be in their car thumping “Pulse” on the way to the club, they actually are very receptive to the music. I get so many emails and Facebook messages from rappers interested in collaborating with me. I think everyone in 2010 is interested in expanding their genre capabilities…trying new things. I’ve received alot of love and respect from the DMV area, and I try my best to live up to it, and rep it constantly…

Faves from DMV?
I actually held a concert not too long ago on U street.. [The Black Box Event] that featured alot of local artists…Their my favorites. Ihsan Bilal, Pert McFly, Kelow, and a newer Alternative female vocalist, Meche Korrect. Her sound is crazy and I actually directed and produced her first music video about a month ago. Artist that are innovative and constantly pushing themselves are my biggest inspiration.

Do you think that by you being acknowledged in the DMV now will help open the flood gates to a lot of other singers/dancers/pop artist etc that have yet to make them selves known ?
I hope so. There’s alot of raw talent in the DMV area. Alot of artist with unique perspectives and alot to say. I think seeing another artist create exceptional work is one of the most important components to artistic expression…it makes you raise the bar, go the extra mile…Hopefully that’s what I can be for alot of younger aspiring artist in the metropolitan.

What can we expect from your project?
Dynamics. I was really focused on creating a project that could translate with different listeners. I use a formula…for example, a few weeks ago in the studio, I started thinking…”Is there a record on here that my grandmother would like?” the next day I came in and we recorded “Rollercoaster”. I play with different textures and sampled elements, I create records that I want to tell stories and subject the listeners to an experience. If you wanna dance for 35 minutes, exercise for 12, and slow it down for 32, this is the disc you want to put in. [Laughs]

When will your project be released?
I’ll tell you that the release party in the 23rd of this month. [Laughs] I’ll most likely release it within that week.
We keep pushing the release date back…I wanna make sure im satisfied. I’m a virgo so im anal about making sure everything is the perfect package. But soon as it’s released FreshpairofDMV’s will have the first copy [Laughs]

How did you come up with the concept of the PULSE video?
I got inspired while watching “Book of Eli”. I wanted to craft a story of these deprived eccentric characters who were at mercy of a new warrior of some sort that eventually [In the video] rejuvenates them. Somewhere inside I think it was symbolism that represented my own musical rebirth..

Tell us a little about the video
It was directed by Crystal Owens, conceptualized by myself and my previous creative director, Kimberly Richmond. We worked very hard on it. Long rehearsal nights, tense production meetings [laughs] ..its a process. One of my fondest memories is the temperature of the warehouse we filmed in…it was freezing! The coldest building I think I’ve ever been in in my entire life. We laughed and shivered for 16 hours but we made it work!

How did the relationship with JayDex formulate?
I actually came across some of his photography and was really interested in working with him in that way, and eventually discovered his film work. I was amazed at his continuity and attention to detail. John is truly an amazing guy to work with and I think that’s what sets him apart from alot of other videographers. He’s willing to brainstorm collectively and is always calm, cool, and collected. He’s definitely someone I will always be able to trust with my creative endeavors.

Devin is currently working hard for his “Rock The Park” concert performance this September 4th, so  make sure you catch that!  Also please make sure you visit his site , genericisdead.com .  In the coming months make sure you download/purchase etc Devin’s album “iCRed” being distributed by Interscope Records.  SUPPORT LOCAL ACTS!

If you would like to work with Mr.White please contact his management team at Worrell Choice Management.

We would like to thank Devin for his time, and hope the best of luck on the release date!

What if I told you that there is still hope for the Hiphop culture to rise once again? What if I then told you that the return of Hiphop would rise from within the boundaries of the DMV? Yeah, id think I was full of bullshit as well, but its very plausible. As of lately the district meto area has been getting a lot of attention from the mecca of hiphop and other areas as the artist from our humble abode are making a sound for theirselves to shake up the scene. One artist that we’ve been tracking for sometime now, a good friend of ours, is one of the emcees who stands out and shines in the lime light. The main attraction in tonights show is Chris Barz(io).

Chris Barz came to be circa 2007 with his first project entitled “Do You Know Him?” drawing the attention of a lot of true hiphop heads from the area providing a “new” refreshing sound. Chris’s lastest project “Class[icks] Out The Dark” was a remarkable mixtape that would easily be mistaken for an Album you would buy off the shelf at Best Buy. Produced by Best Kept Secret, Industry Producers from the area, this tape is the definition of hard work. Now reving up for his next release of “Angels & Jets” , Barzio promises to “WOW” the none believers and make faithful listerners drool. “ It’s Angels singing, and Jets flying; all different vibes, very hype , exciting, and smooth…”- Chris Barz. With a statement like that, I personally cannot wait to hear what he produces. Oh yeah, by the way, all tracks on this upcoming project will showcase the other side of Barz that is often overlooked, his production; chris will be producing the whole mixtape. So for all of you who have not been paying attention, please do yourselve a favor and go do some research and get hip. Now fuck all this noise and talk to Barz!

Interview:

Q: So here we are again, cuttin’ it up with none other then Chris Barz.  Go ahead and introduce yourself and let them know whats good!

A: Cool, names Chris Barz..the kid who graduated from dreamer to dream[catch]er

Q: So what have you been up to since your last project?

A: Since the last project, i’ve just been evolving..like with mad sickening amount of work ethic; Craftin’ some of the realest shit I can possibly create.

Q: Whats the response and energy you have been receiving from the release? What have you been hearing in the streets?

A:  Some people are calling “Classickz Out The Dark” an underground Hip-Hop masterpiece, they are too kind though.  I’m hearing a lot of things; some are saying its an amazing body of work, and thats nice to hear about anything you put your time and effort into.  Im still trying to get it heard but at the same time i’ve grown so much already.  I’m anxious for people to hear what I got next!

Q: Now that youv’e tasted a bit of fame with this mixtape with it getting alot of attention, exspecially outside of the DMV, what’s going to be your next power move?

A: If I tell you my next move, then its check…..mate. I’m just trying to be the best emcee and producer that I can be in order to heal the world with the universal language that is music.  Whether it’s songs you party to, vibe to, ride to, or fly to.

Q: Now we’ve caught wind that your next project will be entitled “Angels & Jets”.  Whats the story behind the title, it leaves so much to the imagination!

A: It’s a balance of earthly ambitions and spiritual ones.  It’s a soundtrack to some of the shit we can all relate to or feel.

Q: So what can we expect from “Angels & Jets” as far as features, the genre, etc?

A:  It’s going to set the ILLEST mood; whats ill about the features is that i’m working with some of the dopest musicians.  A combination of 808 bangers, live bangers, ill vibes, dope rhymes, raw lines and honest lyrics.

Q: Out of the DMV area, who do you think artistically, is on another level?

A:  Out of the DMV, as far as being artistic and out of this world, I like Rosetta Stoned.  I never heard anything like that ever, it’s dope!  The Five One band is really artistic.  Tabi Bonney is sick w/ a lot that he touches.  They are all VERY unique.

Q: What is your take on the DMV music scene?

A: I think we have alot of hidden treasures and best kept secrets with amazing talent….like..me! aha, but really we have some of the sickest producers to come from here.  Chucky Thompson (Biggie and Mary J), Rich Harrison (Beyonce), and Best  Kept Secret (Wale) and you can hear how music is influenced by the live music we grew up on.  That’s how Angels & Jets, it’s a mixture of live music and everything else. Really its a revolutionary sound!  I think there will always be an abundance of rappers but as long as everyone is doing them and bringing something fresh and new to the table, we will continue to rise.  My mind is on “Angels & Jets”

Q: Wow…lls, Any final words?!

A: Everyone wants to fit into a certain crowd or category, but the best artist and coolest ones were the ones who strived to be the best “them” as possible.  I want Kanye and Pharrell to hear my shit and go damn…WOW…who is this kid?!  And i know they will when the hear my shit.  So dream on yall, but make sure you dream catch.