New York Artist Haiko
Q:What was it like to find out you had a write up done about your song STAR PWR?
A: My manager (Jess) sent me the link randomly and I was dumb hyped. It is my first official blog write up in the rap game and there is so much more to come.
Q: How did you come up with the ideas for your merch? Where can people purchase it?
A: My guy Raden, based in Europe - he is a beast when it comes to designing merch. We have been working together via email/IG for a couple years now, and the work only gets better. As of now, all my merch is sold out. But I am dropping new merch super soon! You can find it on www.haikomusic.com.
Q: What do you like and dislike about being an artist in the Bronx?
A: I love being an artist from NYC. There are a lot of opportunities here to get your name out there, get heard, and perform. The bad thing about that is the amount of competition in here, so you really have to separate yourself from everyone. Branding is an important factor.
Q: How have your performances changed since you first started?
A: Having ten years in the industry, I have performed on 100s of different stages, in three different settings. I was the vocalist in a band, then I was a DJ, and now I am rapping. My performances have always had a lot of energy and intense stage presence, whether there’s 10 people in the room or 1,000.
Q: What do you like most about what you do?
A: I love creating. I love having full control of making the music I want to make. But I think the thing I love the most about it all, is the vision behind my movement. You gotta be crazy enough to think YOU will be the one to “make it”. With the amount of work I put in everyday, there’s no other option.
Q: What challenges have you had to overcome with your career?
A: I think rebranding was one of the biggest challenges for me. The EDM scene is different from the rap game but similar in a lot of ways. I had to start over from scratch and develop a new way to make music. But I loved the process and I feel like you constantly have to evolve anyway, so get used to it!
Q: What keeps you going on chasing your dreams?
A: I want everything I never had in life. I lived in the projects my whole life up until now. I have had a little taste of fame and what comes with it. I want to be able to take care of my family and friends. I want to start generational wealth and provide so much for the community I grew up in, and help wherever I can around the world. I know I have what it takes, I just can not stop.
Q: How do you come up with unique album and song covers?
A: I have two amazing photographers that I work with consistently, Young Wepa and Clinton Elliot. When we come together, we just brainstorm a bunch of ideas and execute. Clinton shot and designed the artwork for Pink Stain, Miami Diet and STAR PWR. Wepa is my main photographer who’s been there since day one. We have been on the road together, done shows together, created together, etc. She designed the cover art for the next single I got dropping next month. Can not give anything away yet!
Q: How long does it take for you to create, record, and master a song?
Better For You (Replugged Version) Directed and Shot By Young Wepa Produced By Jeffrey Severino + WhoIsRodney Mixed By Sardi Mastered By Dan Millice Follow m...
A: It really depends on what mood I’m in that day. Some days, I can write a song and record it FULLY in 2 hours. Some days it can take months to do, because I don’t feel right about the track or it’s missing something. My mixing engineer, Danny Sardi, is the best in NYC. He could mix a track in a couple of hours and it’ll be the best thing you ever heard. My mastering engineer, Dan Millice works just as fast too. We could easily pump a song that’s ready for radio in 2-3 days MAX.
Q: How do you differentiate yourself from other up and coming artists?
A: I have wanted this forever. After a decade of grinding, I feel the most proud of my music today. I know what it takes to win. My brain works differently - I am always thinking six to eight months ahead of time. From experimenting with different genres, touring the US, failing time after time again, I know I am ready this time around.