Skulastic was born in Vancouver, British Columbia, and currently resides in Nanaimo. This hip hop artist has performed with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Warren G, GZA of Wu Tang Clan, Kool Keith, Krizz Kaliko, MIMS, and Joey Stylez.
Cendrine Marrouat: Hello Skulastic, it is great to have you. When did you decide that you wanted to become a professional musician?
Skulastic: I started writing random poetry in grade 11, because it was something that interested me. Typical high school stuff didn't interest me at all, I was a bit of a loner and got bored of trying to fit in so I'd go down the halls in school and sit and write, and always carry my Discman around with me.
When I was about 21 or so, halfway through college, I fell in love with making music, sounds cliché, but it's true. I took my random poetry one step further, and started writing verses, and then songs and then making beats, and it all just took off.
CM: What is the story behind your 'stage name'?
Skulastic: I wanted to release my first song, and set up a MySpace page. Also other artists wanted to collaborate with me on songs, so I had to come up with a name. Someone suggested because I was always learning and in school that Skulastic would be well suited for me, and I just kind of went with it. I can see now how that name fits very well in who I am and what I am doing.
CM: You are ready to release your first solo album. Would you tell us a little more about it?
Skulastic: Sure, I haven't released anything yet, I've been doing a lot of behind-the-scenes work and very glad that I am doing so. I am glad that I have taken the time to get comfortable with my craft. My first release will be a free downloadable LP, produced completely by me, it will include full length songs, instrumentals, and a couple concept instrumentals as well.
CM: Your style is reminiscent of what I like to call 'good old' hip hop. What are your main influences?
Skulastic: I love old school hip hop. I know the stuff that I first started listening to, the stuff that got me in love with hip hop and I keep it close to me, never forgetting why I got into Hip Hop in the first place. As far as influences go, musically I love everything from jazz, soul, RnB, funk, blues, reggae, disco, electronic, pop, etc. In terms of Hip Hop, my main influences are artists such as: Rakim, Pharoahe Monch, Mos Def, Queen Latifah. Lyrically, I get inspired and influenced by absolutely everything!
CM: You have performed in every major venue on Vancouver Island and the lower mainland. Any favourite moment you would like to share?
Skulastic: Opening up for Tech Nine in Courtney for 3000 people. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but it's the biggest crowd I've rocked so far. We had some technical difficulties and in order to keep the crowd going, the host started beat boxing and I kicked a freestyle. It was dope to say the least, I didn't feel nervous or pressured at all. Being on stage feels so at home and natural to me.
CM: Any plan to visit other Canadian provinces?
Skulastic: I don't have any concrete plans as of yet but I am working on them for sure. I would love to tour the eastern part of Canada, as well as the central part such as Ottawa and Toronto.
CM: How do you usually work on a piece? Do you need a specific setting or do you go with the flow?
Skulastic: My creative process is all over the place, I don't have a routine or guidelines, for the most part I just go with the flow.
CM: What advice would you give someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?
Skulastic: Be very sure of the music you want to create, but at the same time experiment. Don't get lost in a sea of opinions or what other people are doing, focus on yours. Let the passion for the music guide you, just go for it!
CM: What is next for you?
Skulastic: Release my LP, get my music out there by any means necessary, play as many shows as possible, produce for other artists, release a follow-up LP and then, I don't know.
CM: Where can people find more information on you?
Skulastic: You can find me on Facebook, ReverbNation, Twitter, YouTube and MySpace.
CM: Any last words?
Skulastic: Just be yourself, but first find out who you are.
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Cendrine Marrouat may be contacted for potential interviews, reviews and general enquiries at info@cendrinemarrouat.com or http://about.cendrinemarrouat.com.
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