Malcolm Young – The name speaks for itself….

• Tweet

• Tweet

Written by VaughnySweet

So as I sat patiently waiting for this “not-so-new” kid on the block to come chat with me, I was amazed at the ambiance from this cool arse spot called The Sneaker Studio. It was first time visiting, although I’d been invited many times – but I digress. A hidden jewel in the heart of the hood, I soaked up as much as my environment as I could. Vinyl records, glass cases with bling’ed out Jesus pieces, urban men’s wear and of course, sneakers. The urban art inspired clothing store was also the house where classic mixtapes were made from the Aim High crew. With a studio booth housed in the far right corner and distribution tools in the back, it was place where big tings a gwan. As I continued my observation, a semi-raspy voice from the back called out “Aye, I’ll be there in a minute”.  I followed with my usual “OK” and continued to absorb all I could. I sat in the back and people-watched as folks came in to shop, peruse, have unimportant conversations and at times, just simply hang. About two minutes later, one of my faves came and sat by me to catch up…his name, Malcolm Young. You’ve met him before back in August 2010 upon the debut of his first mixtape The Curious Case of Malcolm Young and his follow-up mixtape Malcolm Young vs. The Industry. You got a glimpse of the man behind the music, his inspiration and his aspirations. Today I check in to see how things have progressed since we last spoke and get some info on the latest self-titled mixtape, Malcolm Young.

[GraeGram: What’s inspiration behind the new album?]

Malcom Young: Real life instances, circumstance with people…it’s like a book on my life, an autobiography.

As we’re sitting there chatting it up, I randomly pick out three songs and ask the inspiration behind them.  You can sample them in the player below. Here’s what I chose…

[GG: My Boss, what’s this one about?]

MY: I was having issues with my boss. Felt like he was slavin’ me…we just didn’t get along and I realized right then, I wasn’t built to work for other people.

[GG: What’s the idea behind Ocean of Thoughts?] — listen here:  

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

MY:  Basically a mind full of open thoughts, randomness, girls, success…I was ify about the track when I first heard but after while I started to feel it and began writing and that’s what I came up with.

GG: This is the one that’s posted on your blog right?

MY: Yeah

[GG: ASStrology?]  — listen here:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

MY: [laughs] the inspiration behind this one was basically the zodiac signs but I wanted to do something different with it. I talk about the differences with women and their signs. There’s some science included in the track.

[GG: I noticed the lyrical content is craftier, do you feel you’ve grown since the first EP?]

MY: I definitely recognize my growth as an artist, to be able to create full songs on a CD, as well as more songs that make sense.

[GG: You’ve been performing more since we last spoke, how do you feel you’ve grown as performer?]

MY: The experience is different from when I first started.  I was nervous at first then I started practicing more and got rid of my nervousness. I learned that preparation is the best experience and that the audience varies. I realized that I have to perform whether it’s 10 or 10,000. I see my improvement with every performance.

[GG: What’s your role within Aim High?]

MY: I’m an artist within the company and now I’ve begun producing. I’m like the VP of the group along with Esso but I’m mainly and artist and producer. Aim High is an entertainment group but we treat it as if it were a Roc-a-fella.

[GG: Have you found yourself more focus now that the group has more structure?]

MY: Definitely. I see the value of teamwork. One of our younger artists, Billz, I help him grow as an artist. Even though I’m still learning, I can help with some of the things I’ve already experienced. It also helps me focus more as a member of the team.

[GG: Tell me more about Sneaker Studio, I see the booth in the back, do you record here?]

MY: Yeah. I recorded the latest album here, as well as all the new tracks I put out. We do all the packaging and mix down in the store.

[GG: Can you see Sneaker Studio being like a Rap City?]

MY: Nah, not really. We don’t really have the room to have features and we mainly want to focus on building our artists.

[GG: So when’s the next album?]

MY: It’s pending. I’m more focused on this album and producing, as well as performing.  You could probably be on the lookout for the next album either next summer or fall.

[GG: So what’s next?]

MY: Definitely focusing on producing, developing more videos for singles off the latest CD and working with local artists.

As we talked a bit more, Malcolm shared with me that he’s learning the guitar and piano, in addition to a young artist who he’s currently working with. He’s definitely a man who’s determined to be the best.

Overall, it was great catching up with Malcolm on that unseasonably warm and sunny day. Might even go back and hang at Sneaker Studio and finish my people watchin’….maybe…for now, I’ll just let Malcolm Young rotate in my iPod. I suggest you do the same…here’s the link: http://itsmalcyoung.blogspot.com

Vaughny 4 GraeGram Magazine © 2011

You can find Malcolm at these spots:

www.reverbnation.com/malcolmyoung

www.facebook.com/itsmalcolmyoung

www.twitter.com/itsmalcolmyoung

www.youtube.com/itsmalcolmyoung1

www.youtube.com/thesneakerstudio