“My inspiration comes from within and that’s what helps to make me creative and will forever be a cut above all the rest.” -@GRGrimReepa
Listen to the show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/avaliveradio/2015/09/17/episode-257-ava-live-radio-behind-the-music-with-jacqueline-jax
GETTING TO GRIM REEPA AKA DHARMA
by Jacqueline Jax host of A.V.A Live Radio
Success is …
when a person’s heart is set on attaining a specific goal by a certain time frame and accomplishes his/her plan. That is true success!
Career goals…
To make an impact in the music industry and becoming the greatest musical artist in history. Maybe even do a little acting in a movie or two someday but my major goal is to invest all of my musical returns into Real Estate and I will put my family on top of my list so I would ensure my kids a solid future set for them.
3 ways I challenge myself to achieve my goals…
(1) I challenged myself to see how quickly I could complete a double album after getting the beats/rhythms from the Friends For Real studio. It took me one week to write 20 songs, in two weeks I completed 40 tracks. It took me an additional two weeks to record all 40 tracks. That album is now ready to be released and can considered an investment to my career.
(2) I challenge myself with all genres of music. I find it very interesting because that’s what led me to create [CRAZY SHADOWS.] It is somewhat fun, it also takes me out of the box and into the deepest depths of my mind, creativity at its finest. To breathe life into my work for my fans and all listeners to enjoy, that’s another step towards greatness for me.
(3) Doing a show can also be a challenge, the thing is an artist never knows what to expect being on a stage with 5,000 or 10,000 people expecting to see your best performance, That is challenging enough but, its helps to build the artist as in, self-esteem, stage presence and awareness/composure, but it’s another step towards a victory earned with hard work, sweat and perseverance.
Overcoming obstacles…
By learning from my mistakes and improvising when necessary. Staying focused and never allowing myself to be distracted from my goals no matter what obstacle I face. Keeping my family in my heart also helps to motivate me also.
Biggest fear…
I honestly, have never found myself to be afraid of anything even when I was small. I have no phobias of anything that I know on Earth, but the only thing I wouldn’t run a risk with is lightening. Other than that the closest thing I come to fear was when I had to deliver my own daughter at birth and that was an experience of a lifetime for any daddy.
Grim Reepa AKA Dharma Bio:
Born Percival Lord September 30, 1979 in Hopewell Highgate St Mary, Grim Reepa aka Dharma found his passion for music at the age of 15 when he wrote his first song and began to Write for various Artists while attending High School in Kingston Jamaica. At age 17, he started recording with Main Source Music. At age 19, Grim Reepa aka Dharma started producing and managing himself and released a single titled: “Check Yourself” on the Spring Water Label that gave him his first radio play locally. The artist has done numerous interviews and shows, playing with A.T.I and Fully Loaded just to name a few. He has been in the business without a manager and making it on his own working with Seanizzle Records releasing his hit single “Valley of Death.”
Staring in music…
When I was a teenager I always listened to other artists on the radio and said, “that’s what I want to become”. At the age of 15, I wrote my first song and I haven’t stop writing since.
Crazy Shadows…
is about a man fighting to keep his good side and not crossing over to the dark. It is also a about the struggle, fighting to survive and the hardship of life on a daily basis. It represents determination and mental strength. The song was inspired by my sister, after we had a discussion I took to my writing pad outside and began writing. A few days later I went to Friends For Real music studio, paid to for a rhythm created by Ricardo Reid AKA Red Boom and the song was released the day after. I released it to DJ Rodrick Howell on RadioHitz92 FM, shortly thereafter the song took off. The sad thing about it all was that after recording the song I was in a vehicular accident and couldn’t walk for a week; I was only visited by only one friend throughout that entire period of time spent recovering.
What to expect…
Not having the proper team to work with to market my album and promote my single it can be a bit technical and frustrating getting it to the right audience; but I expect the single to do very well, maybe selling Platinum or even Diamond. That would be amazing, depending on if I can really afford to market “Crazy Shadows” to its full potential. My idea of getting proper marketing and exposure would result in using Social Media for Itune sales and sharing the specific track on websites that I’m associated with and maybe even getting an investor who is willing to invest in my career and propel this track to its full potential etc. It is currently playing on 2 internet radio shows streaming out of New York, that achievement I am proud of. My music is meant to be heard as uplifting to the listeners mind and soul taking my fans and listeners into my world, where they can leave their stress behind and be free. My songs are Rated (E) for Everyone so all age groups can listen and love.
Living in Jamaica…
I Live in a small community called Hopewell, in the Parish of St Mary Jamaica. When I am not there, I am in Kingston. Music in Jamaica is like water, it’s everywhere. There are a lot of musicians and artists here so it’s a struggle to stay current and relevant. There are shows like A.T.I , Fully Loaded, Container Sundays and lots of clubs; there are annual events that take place daily and nightly so the fun and music never really ends. Outside of music I enjoy playing Mortal Kombat or just chilling at the beach.
The music business…
I truly don’t wish to elaborate in depth on the heart of the music business , but I can say it’s a great business to be in and even better when the artist has real love for the business and passion that drives him/her to becoming an icon in the industry. Meeting my fans means the world to me. Greeting them, shaking hands and signing autographs. Sharing that bond brings me a warm feeling and I enjoy making my fans happy. I remember this one time both my cousins and I went to a specific studio to audition. After the producer heard both my cousins, he told me he was too busy and didn’t have the time to listen to my lyrics. That didn’t stop me because I was determined to succeed with my music, I was even more determined to find a producer to assist my young career; from that point on, I started to produce for myself, and learned the business as I went.
Single VS. album…
My personal opinion on releasing a single is that a single has a longer substantial life line or lasts longer in the mainstream; a single would have all the time it needs to grow on listeners and less competition from other songs that it would be collected with on an album. An album can have its ups and downs also, but it is good when the artist or manager can get a good deal for the album with a reputable company. That company would then help market the album and approve what contracts to sign off on.
Marketing strategy…
My marketing strategy is inferior to most of what I have seen honestly; but I am still in the learning process in comparison to others. I believe if my strategy was on point, I would have my songs in some big time movie as a soundtrack, in a video game or as a WWE Wrestling stage entry song. That doesn’t mean we are not working to reach that level and beyond. As an Artist/Performer/Song Writer/ Producer it is a lot of networking for one person based here in Jamaica; while keeping up to speed with what’s current in the business. Doing paid and promotional shows , sharing the music with Facebook friends, twitter fans, even doing ads and jingles also helps.
I would love to spend 5 minutes alone with…
P. Diddy! I always admired his professionalism and his passion in his work. He has never seemed to get carried away by his achievements or success. A man is just a man, but he has been a Malcolm-X to the music industry of Rap- no disrespect to 2Pac and Biggie; but I have always dreamt of dropping a hit song on one of P. Diddy’s beats/rhythms. My inspiration comes from within and that’s what helps to make me creative and will forever be a cut above all the rest.
Music trends…
Being trendy is a strong part of an artist’s image and can also be influential because even fans these days want to dress like their favorite artist; artists get recognition based on their fashion, style and dress code , and perhaps can land a clothing deal. It also shows character and class and sets a standard for the individual. It’s a balance of one’s career choice , even a cop has to dress himself to represent his job professionally.
Social media…
Soundcloud: https://m.soundcloud.com/grimreepa-1/crazy-shadows
Twitter: www.twitter.com/GRGrimReepa
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Grim.Reepa
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=ADEAAA1ff5sBrJJdWk8Zqumxu2zDKOU0RoXXkvI&authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=I3X7&locale=en_US&srchid=1948522771442073988114&srchindex=1&srchtotal=1&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A1948522771442073988114%2CVSRPtargetId%3A224362395%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary%2CVSRPnm%3Atrue%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCH
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/GrimReepa/