Q: Do you write your songs?
   A: Yes, I write them in the notes of my iPhone.

   Q: Where do you get inspiration for your lyrics?
   A: Just from what I feel at the moment. I try to find an instrumental and then base the lyrics off of what I feel at the moment.

   Q: Explain the meaning of your favorite song that you have created?
   A: Resilient- It means that even though I’m not a big star I’m using my own money to do what I do.  It is also about how I’ve progressed from the old stuff I did to going to two different studios to record.

   Q: Do you rap and create the music alone?
   A: Yes, when I record I go to a studio in Jeannette where people help me, but when I create it I do it alone so I can concentrate.

   Q: When did you start rapping?
   A: Probably a year ago for fun with my friend Raistlen [Willett] as just a joke. But then I started liking it and now since I’ve done it and started to take it seriously I feel like it has more meaning than people think it does.

   Q: Do you perform any other types of music?
   A: I sing a little bit online, and I’m also in a band with Jake Bringe and Zack Bortot.

   Q: Do you plan to also make a CD filled with other styles?
   A: December 8th I am going to the same studio to record a new mix tape.  Then on January 1st I’ll release the new CD, but it will have 12 songs and a full CD cover this time.

   Q: How do you create the background music and beats for your songs?
   A: Solomon Stevens makes some of them, but most of the time I find people online that produce music and get it from them.

   Q: How do you feel when you are making music?
   A: I feel good because it lets people hear what I’m thinking.

   Q: Do you plan on pursuing this in the future?
   A: I plan on going to the art institute for graphic design and video production but if I could pursue this in the future I would.

   Q: Do you plan on performing live and doing a concert?
   A: Yes, hopefully my friends follow through and set up a gig at the Keynote Café for me.

Student Spotlight: Derek Hughes

Heather Dougherty