Get to Know: Artistik Approach

This was by far one of the best interviews I’ve had to date. It’s always a pleasure when artists take time out from their schedules to share a bit about themselves. Artistik Approach is one such group. These young artists from different walks of life are coming together to create something fresh, innovative, and all their own as well as designing a curve in the underground hip hop scene. Comprised of a rapper (J. West), an R&B artist (Eso), and a percussionist/beat boxer (Sylve), Artistik Approach is creating not only great music without instruments, but they’ve allowed us to see that there is always room for change. Get to Know: Artistik Approach

So what’s behind the name Artistik Approach?

Well it was a concept that I (Eso) had. We were just getting together and I’m like hey we’re all art students (Memphis College of Art) and we do different forms of art not just visual but musically as well and we approach them in different ways and boom there we were Artistik Approach.

Are you guys working on a project?

Yes we are working on our first LP. We had a project that we put out last year that we’re in the process of rerecording that and releasing that as well.

How does Artistik Approach stand out from the rest of the crowd?

J. West: I think it’s just the coming together of three completely different styles (beat boxer, R&B artist, and rapper) and making it work so well and effortlessly. I mean we’re all dope on our own, but when we come together collectively and make music it’s like Lego pieces building something awesome like cute little Harry Potter’s.

Do you all see this group together for the long haul or do you see yourselves eventually branching out on your own?

Sylve: I mean I like to work with other people but I don’t think I ever want to lose this. It’s hard to find good chemistry like this and when you have it and it works so well without even trying hard at it, makes you not want to leave it.

Eso: I agree. That’s how we all came together. We were just hanging and chilling and vibing and it just all came together. And it felt good so we just went with it. I mean we do get asked to be on other projects, but we always come back together. This isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Well that’s a good thing. How do your families feel about what you guys are doing?

J.West: My family has been involved in things musically like all of my life so it’s pretty much like a regular thing to them like “Oh you got a show tonight. That’s good. Have fun and be careful.”

Eso: Same here. My mom sings so I’ve been around music my whole life. So when I told them I wanted to do music they were like “Oh okay.” It wasn’t really like a surprise and they’re really supportive.

Sylve: Same but maybe not as full force. My parents are involved in music. My brother is involved in music. He plays Jazz. But as far as me doing shows to perform music, that’s sort of new to them like “Oh you’re performing? That’s good.” Especially for something I would do around the house just for fun. They’re supportive.

How do you guys feel about the fact that you’re bringing a capella style of song to the forefront in Memphis music?

J.West: Less is more. It’s cool because it’s like minimalistic so it’s just really nice and refreshing but at the same time actual beats are nice too. So it’s like being consistent and interesting at all times.

Eso: Yeah…kinda what he said ya know? We started out with what we had and somebody liked it. We were just doing it and someone asked us to be on a show so we did and we got a great response and we just kinda kept that going. It stands out because no one else is doing it and it’s a chance to really showcase the talent. Sometimes music can be over-saturated. With us you get the chance to hear how each element influences and enhances the other.

How do you guys balance work and personal life? I know it can’t be easy.

Sylve: It’s not. Especially right now with the way everything is moving. Right now is really more so a test because work now is crazy. Shows are coming more and more and now it’s like there’s no extra me time. It’s like now more than ever I’m saying to myself don’t crack…don’t flip out…it’s going to be okay. Stay calm…you will get the time to rest soon enough. It’s hard but you know when you love doing music so much like it doesn’t seem like much of a burden.

Eso: Same here. Like life has been really busy lately. We’re all pretty busy with our own individual lives. Her with work, me doing what I do, and him with another year of school so trying to fit the music into all of that where all of us have these schedules that go together and do something is challenging. We just have to be focused.

J.West: Yeah…it doesn’t seem all that tough because mainly I’m a student so I just let it come like man I need to write a verse for that or let me go and do this show or let’s go into the studio and work. It’s just a lot of fun to me so it doesn’t feel like work at all. I’m not working. It’s like a really long infinite party and I’m having a lot of fun.

Where do you see you guys going from this point forward?

J.West: A couple of finished products, me not working at Barnes & Noble anymore, and just some steady shows…a couple hundred fans…700…800 I’m good.

Eso: Yeah a couple of projects. Hopefully this would be what I would do full time like this would be my income and this would be my only focus. Like if I wanted to do anything else it would be in addition to what I’m doing now…um yeah. Also some touring nationwide and probably overseas.

Sylve: For me I think it’s the same like doing this full time where I’m not clocking a 9to5. Having the ability to paint murals when I’m ready or feel like doing them.

Do you guys have an official website?

Not yet but you can most definitely find us at these spots.
Blogspot: http://artistikapproach.com.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/artistikapproach
Twitter: http://twitter.com/siphneaaye
http://twitter.com/approachbrandon
http://twitter.com/dick_solomon
http://twitter.com/artapproach

I’ve saved the best question for last. Tell me one thing about you that no one else knows?

J. West: I really really really love deviled eggs. Deviled eggs are delicious.

Eso: Umm…I don’t know man. Well…I can’t whistle and it use to bother me. It still does just not as much.

Sylve: I really don’t know. It’s kinda hard for me to share things. Well I use to be a cheerleader back in the day. A lot of people don’t know that about me.

Writer’s Note: The complete interview of Artistik Approach as well as the entire list of artists featured this year in the Get to Know series will be posted at the end of September. Stay connected for details.