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Giano Interview with MusiqFix
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11/1/2010
Here’s what Giano had to say when MusiqFix caught up with him recently.
MusiqFix: W...11/1/2010
Here’s what Giano had to say when MusiqFix caught up with him recently.
MusiqFix: What do you think of today’s HipHop?
Giano: Hip hop today is “fun”, lol. As a purist, I prefer the complex rhymes and intricate/layered beats of some of the pioneers and innovators, but the kids, well they just like to dance and have fun, haha. Hey, it’s a multi-million dollar business, and that doesn’t happen purely off of innovation and creativity. So, while I have my personal preference of music and what comprises the soundtrack to my life’s experience, I don’t hate (too much, lol) on the new school hip hop movement. Hopefully, in time, we will revert to more complex, thought-provoking rhymes and musical beats, though.
MF: How do you feel when you’re on stage?
Giano: Depending on how long it’s been since the last performance, earlier in the day, I may have butterflies while thinking about the show. But once I get on stage, it’s on, I’m in the zone, and there is no fear…I’m totally at home on stage.
MF: How do you find people respond to your music? Are they hearing the message you want them to?
Giano: I generally have positive reviews of my music. My audience has broadened over the years, thankfully, so with each new release I like to bridge a new part of my experience to the world of new listeners I’m blessed to have. In terms of hearing the message, I’m of the mind that music has its own voice. Many times, I am inspired by instrumentals more than lyrics. I am an abstract emcee, but there are elements of absoluteness in many of my songs. I like to leave it up to the listeners to gain their own experience. It’s more fun that way.
MF: Tell us about ‘Beautiful World’?
Giano: Beautiful World is my second studio album, released completely independently via my label/production company, PNG Productionz. I was blessed to get music from great producers such as Tony Stone, DJ Essence (Lampmode Recordings), JustWord, Sinuous, and 4SightSounds. These guys are awesome at their craft. The music always drives the feel of the album and these guys helped me with getting that abstract boom bap feel to this one. I and my man Prophetik also did production on many songs on the album as well. The album speaks to people who are searching for spiritual answers, but aren’t really deep into their decision making process yet. It’s like they’re on the fringe of their decision. So, we relate various topics (e.g., single parents, domestic violence and rape, philosophy, politics, etc.), questions and experiences I’ve had myself, in hopes of providing a little more color to the canvas they are already painting. Beautiful World is currently available everywhere digital music is sold (e.g., iTunes, Amazon), and can be requested at some retail stores.
MF: Have you worked with other Christian artists? If so, how was that experience?
Giano: Many of the producers on Beautiful World are Christians. I also work with non-Christians as well. It’s about the relationship we build. I’ve also been privileged to be featured on some artists’ songs, and am currently working with a few Christian artists on some upcoming material. The experience has been 50/50. We are human beings first, and then we are whatever else. So, some Christian artists are wonderful to work with, while others (many whom the deal doesn’t go through) either have hang ups or other personal issues that make collaboration difficult, or even impossible. Fortunately, in my case, if you see them in the credits of my album (or my name in theirs), it’s because we’ve built good relationship and the outcome was great.
MF: With your technical background, do you find yourself taking over the engineering in the studio?
Giano: Sometimes, yes, although I am a firm believer in allowing professionals to do what they do best. Engineering school is more about learning how to think analytically than anything else. I am very particular when it comes to various aspects of the music. The more I learn the more particular I become. So in pre-production and post-production I am very involved in the project. I also do mixing and additional production to songs where necessary.
MF: What’s the worst experience you’ve had as a musician?
Giano: The worst experience, unfortunately as an artist who is a Christian, has been dealing with various theological philosophies of some other Christians who may base our relationship on our differing personal beliefs. In some cases, it ruined an opportunity that the artists and I had of making some good music.
MF: What advice would you give to a fellow Christian Rapper just starting out?
Giano: Wow, I could write a whole blog on this. Perhaps I will someday, lol. In short, when it comes to personal and spiritual growth, always look to God for your example, not man. When it comes to music, have honest friends and supporters around you – not everything you put out will be hot, and if your circle of friends says that it is, then you may need to find more objective friends. Finally, if you’re putting out a song, EP, or album, ask yourself (and those who are closest to you), (1) “would I purchase this?” Or, (2) “if I was down to my last $10 and it was either buy this album or a meal, which would I buy?” While that seems to be an exaggerated example, the answer you provide to that question when looking at your album should tell you whether or not your music is ready for the world to hear.
MF: Most artists with a day job say it’s difficult, how do you balance the two?
Giano: Simple, I need the money, lol. Yeah, it gets hard, but when you want something, you go after it. I actually balance work, music, and school, so it’s a triple threat, lol. My strength comes from God, so I never worry about the rigmarole. Sure I occasionally forfeit social gatherings, but it all balances itself out. We grind for a little bit, so we can chill for a long while.
MF: How do you think the Freestyle sessions with your uncles helped your craft?
Giano: They helped greatly. Freestyling is about being witty. It’s about being clever and coming up with dope lines from what you’re thinking, observing, and getting back from the crowd. So, that’s a part of everything I do now, from songwriting, to performing, to my entire attitude and perspective on my career – thinking quick on my feet, moving through setbacks (you can’t let a diss line throw you off, or you will lose, lol), and trying to always win.
MF: What’s the production process like for you?
Giano: I listen to classical music more than any other type of music, and that’s on a daily basis. So, the production process for me is like a typical classical song. I look for multiple elements, various emotional vibes, and I always want something that is addictive either in the melody, musical notes, or in the memory of the songs. That’s where conception begins with a project. I’m never afraid to get rid of whatever I think is my “favorite” song on the project for the sake of making better music. And I always use various artists’ albums (whom I look up to) as benchmarks of feeling, sound, and cultural impact when I’m developing the project. I also never release anything that I wouldn’t purchase myself. The process to develop a project that I’m satisfied with seems to take longer and longer each go-round. And I like that because it means that I’m not satisfied with anything less than “better than”. I always want to outdo whatever was done on the last project. I always want to feel like it’s the first time.
MF: Which do you find more difficult the words or the music?
Giano: I’m a pure emcee. I could think of lyrics in seconds and have a good verse completed in minutes. I could freestyle a verse in a moment, especially when I’m in the zone. I’m more of an experimental producer. It takes me a lot longer to make a complete beat, which I am satisfied with than to write lyrics. For instance, I produced the title track, “Beautiful World”, for which we shot a video. I wrote the verses of that song during a 20 (or so) minute visit in the grocery store walking around with my sponsor, while in Anchorage, Alaska. It probably took me about a total of a week (spread out) to be satisfied with the beat that you actually hear on the song.
MF: How did you feel when you received the Urban Music Award nomination for ‘Best New Artist’?
Giano: It was great. Of course winning would have been nicer, lol. But, while at the show I got to meet artists like Bobby V, Swizz Beats, and KRS One. I wish I had more time to build, but it was still a great experience. And it’s something cool for the resume, haha.
MF: What’s next from Giano?
Giano: I’m currently booking events for 2011. I am working on a new EP called B-Sides and Remixes, Volume 2, which I hope to release in the first quarter of 2011. Look for more videos, creativity, and innovation. Hit me up at Facebook.com/mirgiano for more info!
MF: Best of luck to you Giano! Thanks for taking the time to share your music with us!
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Giano Interview with Vents Mag
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How the did started with all this??
I’ll try to make this extremely long story shorter, lol. I star...How the did started with all this??
I’ll try to make this extremely long story shorter, lol. I started at a young age. I grew around hip hop music. My uncles were DJs in NYC and my family in general has a great appreciation for world music. That has always been a major influence for me. When I was around 9 years old I wrote my first rap verse and used to make beats for other kids rapping at the lunch table at school. By 12, I had recorded my first at-home demo and learning all the lyrics to my favorite emcees at the time. Ages 13-14, I was performing at talent shows and recording more demos. By high school, I was battle rapping at lunch and after school. I started to know God at 18 and stopped writing for a while to develop as a person, until I was inspired to write again. At 19 I felt the creative spark again, which led me to more writing and recording throughout college and finally in 2003, decided to actually start making professional recordings. The rest is history in the making.
What's the message to transmit with your music??
The message I want to transmit with my music, in short, is “healing”. I want to create great music that helps to heal the mind, heart, and soul. I follow Jesus and His teachings, so that’s a major influence in my life and art. However, many of my fans and supporters are from various social, ethnic, and religious backgrounds because I have diverse topics in my songs. I seek to be relevant to what’s going on in the hip hop community and provide hope to inspire people through the not-so-good times.
What's your method at the time of writing a song??
If the concept is “deep” and requires more thought, I may do some research, or speak to some people to get a greater perspective of the concept – sort of similar to how actors engulf themselves in their characters to create the best performance. Other times, a song comes like freestyle and I don’t have to write it down at all (except for liner notes for people to read). Then, sometimes I may be sitting down in a room or in a meeting and just start to write the thoughts down until a verse or song appears on the paper. Inspiration comes from everywhere. Once it’s in my head, it’s hard to get out, haha.
Which is your music influences??
I’m influenced heavily by lyrical, “conscious”, or influential hip hop artists like Big Daddy Kane, Public Enemy, Eminem, Rakim, Pharoahe Monch, Black Star, the Roots, Common, Nas, Jay Z, Lupe Fiasco, Black Moon, and the list goes on. I’m also influenced heavily by world music. I really dig chill-out, 70s R&B/soul, trip hop, pure moods instrumentals, sounds of nature, classical, world jazz, and ethnic rhythms. My music is also influenced by abstract and surreal art, human culture, and philosophy. Some of the most wonderful ideas I’ve been blessed to come up with have developed from visiting an art museum, attending an opera, or reading some excerpt of poetry, scientific innovation, and of course the Bible.
What plans do you have for the future??
I’m currently doing events performing and promoting my current project, Beautiful World. On deck, I have a project entitled B-Sides and Remixes, Vol. 2, which is an EP I hope to get out around February of 2011, and then I’ll be working on my new album for late 2011 or 2012. I plan to do more performances and get on some overseas concerts/tours. I also would like to get involved in some social programs or events to positively impact different communities.
Which has been the funniest prank you have been or took part while on tour or after a show??
I’ve never played a prank on anyone (or had one played on me) on tour or after a show…sometimes there are some “tipsy” concert goers, who give me a good laugh while I’m performing though.
If you were stranded in the middle of nowhere after a show or while on tour. The help is 65 miles away from where you and your band (If any) are, ¿Who would you send to look for help?
Well, hopefully my cell phone would still have reception and I could call someone close by or service (police, tow truck, etc.) help. If not, I’ll use the GPS on my phone and start walking, lol .... And if while the rest wait, there's no food and the only way to feed yourself is by eating each other, ¿Who would you eat first?
LOL…well, (1) I’m a vegetarian, and (2) I’m a solo act most times, so I wouldn’t have to worry about eating any of my band members. But, if I got that hungry, I might have to walk and start knocking on random people’s doors to get some food or hope to find some farm and eat their veggies and fruit, lol.
Which country you would love to play?
Wow, there are so many I’d like to play: Spain, Brazil, the UK, South Africa, Jamaica…the list goes on.
With which bands you would love to share stage??
That’s a long list too, haha. Radiohead, Sade (the whole band and her), the Roots, Blue Stone, Portishead, DJ Krush, Double Edge, whoever is in Esthero’s band…again, the list goes on
Are you OK, with the direction the band is going actually?
With the direction, yes; with the current span of influence, never, because there’s always room for improvement. My mind and creativity always challenge me to go far beyond whatever comfort zone I create for myself with projects. So, every project allows my fans and supporters to see a new side of Giano’s personality and character. Because of my love for music and the arts, I always try to introduce new production, new instruments, and elements of world music and culture into the music I produce. Only God knows the limit!
Check out more of this artist by going to: myspace.com/pngproductionz
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Rap Reviews Gives Beautiful World 7/10 Vibes!
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Giano is a rapper/producer out of Hampton, Virginia, who has been making music with his partner Prop...Giano is a rapper/producer out of Hampton, Virginia, who has been making music with his partner Prophetik for over a decade. The two started out as a regular hip hop act before dedicating their lives to Christ in the late 90s. This makes for music that is a notch above many Christian rappers, who get into music as a way to spread their beliefs, meaning the emphasis is on the message over the music. While Giano isn't lacking in the message department, his musical chops are far and above most of his Christian rap peers.
Where a lot of Christian rappers emulate more mainstream or club-friendly rap, Giano makes Christian backpack rap. He's influenced by artists like Black Moon and the Wu-Tang, and has the appreciation for lyricism of a true hip hop head. He references Jay-Z and BDP, spitting lines like "My name is similar to D-O-to the G-M-A, and if it wasn't, I'd be on the GMA's."
His strongest song is "If Jesus," which uses the oft-repeated idea of imagining what would happen if Jesus appeared on earth today, wondering:
"Would He go about doing good deeds the hood needs?
[...]
Heal the water problems over the globe
Multiply food and clothing for poor folk
[...]
Would He live in an apartment cheap
Or warm His hands at the fire by the park and sleep?"
Giano is backed by solid beats, including four tracks he produced, and work by Prophetik, 4sight Sounds, JustWord, Tony Stone, and Sinuous. High points include the jazzy "Society Conscience," the cello-laced beat on "We Need," and Sinuous's snapping snares on "If Jesus." The title track mixes in some Spanish rapping, all celebrating the diversity that Giano feels makes this world so beautiful.
In some ways, Giano sounds like the Roots or a Christian Lupe Fiasco, spitting clever rhymes that criticize the evils of the world. However, Giano's religion is much more front and center than either Lupe or the Roots. While his hip hop bona fides aren't in questions, he uses his music and musical abilities as a vehicle to proselytize. He drops scripture in his verses, admonishes listeners to accept Christ as their savior, and raps about the second coming. Giano is a Christian rapper, not a rapper who is Christian. His music is made by the faithful for the faithful, and you have to be on board with his take on Christianity if you want to come along for the ride.
I'm not religious, which means I am not the target audience for "Beautiful World." I liked the moments on the album where Giano's religious views inform his rhymes rather than dominate them, like on "If Jesus." I found the rest of it like sitting through a sermon, something I'm not down for.
Still "Beautiful World" is one of the better Christian rap albums I've heard. Giano has skills, and his backpack approach to Christian hip hop feels authentic and fresh. Church-going hip hop heads are going to love this, even if nonbelievers like myself find it hard to swallow.
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Giano Movin' the Crowd!
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Reviewer: Duss Rodgers
This cat is definitely movin' the crowd with sick rhymes and no hype...
...Reviewer: Duss Rodgers
This cat is definitely movin' the crowd with sick rhymes and no hype...
It's not often in today's Hip Hop music industry that I find artists that have the lyrical skills needed to move me AND speak sense with their lyrics but GIANO has the package down pat.
With skills to spare GIANO drops lifestyles, reality, love, honor and God with authority. He has an uncanny way to make looking to the lord feel like a healthy dose of cool. I am truly impressed.
The production is on point and the musicality is varied so there's a little something for everyone happening on these joints. That's no surprise considering GIANO got a taste of the music bug at the ripe young age of 7 and moved on to put down his first recording endeavour at 11 years old entitled the "Basement Demo".
Honing his skills with freestyles, mixtapes and DJ Demos between 12 and 18 years of age, we now flash forward to today's innovative artist GIANO dropping his latest album "Beautiful World". The Hip Hop industry should be very grateful that this independent artist has had the guts and perseverence to continue working his craft and skills in the indie music industry game.
I mean this cats skills are so on point that even his album promo mix is enough to get your head boppin'. Unreal. I am reminded of world class rhymers like Rakim, Slick Rick and Naz.
Yes he really is that nice! Check it...
Link: http://www.catsask.com/index.php?c=giano
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Beautiful World - Flawless!!
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Some Gospel audiences may be unfamiliar with this seasoned artist, but in his native US, Giano frequ...Some Gospel audiences may be unfamiliar with this seasoned artist, but in his native US, Giano frequently shares the stage with premier Christian Hip Hop/Rap heavyweights, and is by no means an underdog! Comparisons to the likes of Shai Linne and Lupe Fiasco may add kudos, yet reveal the level of flair and talent he possesses, evident in this outstanding sophomore. Via impressive artistry (including articulate song-writing and insightful narration), Giano explores a catalogue of topics - from humanity, propaganda and faith to socio-political elements; successfully achieving the delicate balance of relevancy, while contributing spiritual substance. Reaching deep, witty and entertaining realms, the beauty of this album is that its universal appeal does in no way negate the messages of truth and God. Resisting to forcibly preach at the listener – but instead encouraging higher learning – adds a refreshing quality. With fluid delivery, there is intricate attention to detail, both lyrically and sonically. Sophisticated production comes courtesy of cats like Tony Stone, Prophetik and Giano himself; a hybrid of sounds (incorporating touches of unusual instruments) creating interesting backdrops for Giano’s skilful verses. These collective features result in a very special project, yet the process feels essentially organic as opposed to contrived, which contributes to its wow factor. In my opinion this captivating, stylish 15-track album is flawless!
-Review by Maya Simeon
Link: http://www.gospellink360.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87:giano-qbeautiful-worldq-&catid=36:cd-reviews&Itemid=64
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"Beautiful World" - Classic
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It seems that ever since the South has stepped up its influence on the hip hop/ rap genre, the major...It seems that ever since the South has stepped up its influence on the hip hop/ rap genre, the majority produce projects that have a high energy feel to it. Everything is hype, amped, crunk, or hyphy. So what happens when an artist takes a moment to slow some things down and incorporates a mellow, ‘grown’ tone to their album? In the case of Giano, the listener gets beautiful artistry that explores a Beautiful World.
With a sound that will appeal to fans of Promise, shai linne, or even Lupe Fiasco, Giano takes us through a verbal painting of Christ- centered proportions. Most intros ease the listener into the album, but “Introit” (which means “hymn or psalm to open a service”) is heavy on the SAT words and incorporates the rhyming of a seemingly unrhymeable name. If you’ve never heard of Giano, this is a quick way to get up to speed on the skill that he has been blessed with. A smooth sound transition bridges into “Office Space” as Giano speaks of the eternal incumbent and His monopoly on truth, beauty, and goodness. On “60 Bars” Giano brings the truth, covering the topics of being set apart, evangelism, and overall balance in how we present ourselves as reflections of Christ. Breaking out of the mindset of following the trends and fads of the famous is covered on “Society Conscience”. Giano asks everyone to “fade away” from society conforming and refocus on Yeshua. “We Need” is a gritty track that serves as an exhortation for the Body to realize that “less breath control… more self- control” is more than necessary. Just about every single person can catch some conviction from some line in this superbly written song.
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Continuing with the true boom bap/ “night time” music sound, “Looking Glass” is a mellow track that takes us on a ride with Giano as he observes the outside world in its fallible state. As with just about every track on this album, this song should be replayed a couple times to soak in all that is being dispersed in the flow. The jazzy voice of Elle Benoit matches perfectly with the fluid rhymes dropped on “Something New”, a song that is part beatitude and part story track. Boom bap comes in strong on “Searchin’” as Giano takes a moment to speak on avoiding the needless confusion of searching for the truth when He’s readily available. All listeners expect the title track to be a stand out and “Beautiful World” does nothing to disappoint.
“[Beautiful World] That we live in, inside us, surrounding our minds but be reminded that God has designed a [Beautiful World] So we gotta obey, while we praise to relate to see His beautiful face when He breaks the sky. [Beautiful World] That we live in, inside us, there’s peace for a time but the prophecies cry for the fire [Beautiful World] So we gotta get straight in probation, the patience of the saints is the faith when the saints arise!”
With a bilingual flow combo, Giano speaks on the splendor of a world built on the Chief Cornerstone. “Free Your Mind” warns of the media’s use of anti- Christ propaganda, attempting to weaken and trivialize who Christ truly is; this song pulls no punches in asking all to guard their eye gates. “If Jesus” takes a creative look at what the Risen would observe and affect in a present day setting. Jumping back into some more storytelling, “Street Theology” and “Sinner To God” are artful narratives of those in search of the warm truth in this cold land of lies. It continues to be a blessing to hear how Giano weaves words together in such a way that is fresh and presents something new with every replay.
As the album comes to a close, “Lamentations” is yet another riveting narrative that can really be used as a tool to minister to those with similar experience. Just by closing your eyes and listening, it is easy to create a “video” that helps the lyrics come to life. Closing this strong project, “Jesus Is” causes you to “lounge for a minute and consider this proposal”, which is the fact that no man shall see the Lord without Christ wholly as their Lord and Savior.
Its tough to not go as far as to call this a classic but the consensus should not leave this project far from that label. With production handled by Giano himself, Sinuous, Tony Stone, JustWord, Prophetik, and 4Sight Sounds this LP is his best work to date. Not leaning on any rhyme features, Giano spills his heart and brings a thoughtful, deep album to the masses. In the process of exposing the ugliness of this evil land, this album brings much glory to the beauty of the world in Christ.
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65 Artists You should Know About
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Giano >>> pngproductionz.com
His name might not ring a bell, but look this brother up: if you wan...Giano >>> pngproductionz.com
His name might not ring a bell, but look this brother up: if you want reflective rhymes inspired by classic hip-hop, his stuff is for you.
supersonic
