AJ CASE

AJ CASE INTERVIEW WIT SUN NEWS
Category: Music

Posted on Fri, Feb. 24, 2006
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TONIGHT
Rap makes case at Social
By Kristi Singer
For The Sun News

The music business is similar to gambling. You win some, you lose some, and hopefully in the end you walk away with more than you wagered.

And while local rap artist AJ Case has been dealt both good and bad hands on his quest to get to the top - one thing is certain: he's on his way up.

You can catch AJ Case live tonight at The Social, 515 Ninth Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach, headlining the Around Town The Tour with performances also by Venon, Smoke 2 Much and Sean McKenna.

Case will perform tracks from his 2005 debut, "N' the Grand Scheme of Things," as well as songs off his upcoming disc, due out this summer, "Lifted."

"This is my second album. Everyone says it's a sure bet," Case said of "Lifted" during a recent phone interview. "It's extremely personal to me. I wrote the album about my life. It's more spiritual than anything I thought I would write. Everybody's like 'you should write about money, cars, a bunch of girls' and I'm like, 'I'm not living that.'"

Case has been painting his life in lyrics since a young age. As early as 13 and 14 years old, he was writing songs and caught the attention of an N.C.-based publisher on the brink of starting his own publishing company, Wild Child Entertainment.

"You know how it is when you first start out. You have to pay your dues, and he was looking for writers," Case said. "I started writing songs for him, and that was my introduction to the music business."

Wild Child Entertainment purchased song lyrics from Case and a handful of other young songwriters. Case worked for Wild Child for about three years, saving his money to move to Myrtle Beach from Sumter.

"After Wild Child, I had pretty much had it with the music business," Case said.

But while in Myrtle Beach, he met another publisher, Barry Limberg.

"When I started working with him, that's when I started seeing the legit side of the music business," Case said. "The story gets better."

Limberg encouraged Case to start his own songwriting company, Pulse Entertainment.

"I got a team of songwriters I used to work with, and we wrote songs day and night," Case said.

Eventually, Pulse Entertainment was dismantled and Case took time off from the music business before starting Silver Sun Productions, four years ago. Focusing on his solo career, Case signed a management deal with Mirascope Entertainment and released his independent debut, "N' the Grand Scheme of Things."

"It was just supposed to be a street album," Case said.

"It was never supposed to be marketed and sold in the United States. It ended up selling ten thousand in Israel, ten thousand in Bulgaria, five thousand in Russia and six thousand in the Myrtle Beach area."

Silver Sun Productions has evolved from a simple production company into an underground label, employing nine independent artists, including the company's only singer-songwriter, Sean McKenna (also performing tonight at The Social).

"Even though he was a rapper and I was a singer-songwriter, he's been an inspiration. We've clicked musically," McKenna said of Case, whom he met two years ago.

Case appears on McKenna's song, "Left Behind," to "bring more of a hip-hop influence into my singer-songwriter acoustic world."

"Me, not ever really being a big fan of hip-hop and rap, seeing him [Case] perform for the first time opened my eyes to that world," McKenna said.

- THE SUN NEWS

interview with beatthescene.com
Current mood: curious
Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

1. For those who do not know much about you, tell them who you are and how u got started?
I'm AJ some might know me better as AJ Case. I got stated in the biz by writing song, I wrote for rock bands back in the day. A lot of people don't know that I started doing rap music really because I cant sing but I sick of writing music for other people. I wanted to do something of my own you know.

2. If you could change one thing about the music business what would it be and why?
The way everyone looks at artist like you have to be this way or that way or act like something else. If you only do a certain kind of music, they don't give you any room for change or to grow.

3. What are some of your guilty pleasure?
Myspace, I spend too much time on myspace especially when I should be working lol.

4. What's one question that you've never been asked in an interview that you wish you had been?
MMmmm about my love life that's the only thing that's never come up. I'm not saying I want it too either lol.

5. Have you ever googled yourself?
No but I will now!!!!

6. What do you think about censorship in music?
I think it's a good thing; I don't like saying bad words in front of kids. I do say them in my songs sometimes though. If I had kids I don't think I would want them to be able to buy a Cd with those kinds of things in the content at such a young age. So I'm for it, I really think it's a good thing.

7. What made you decided you wanted to be a musician?
I don't know I think it's just in me for some reason. I'm just hooked, I love making music it is about the only thing I'm good at.

8. Is music something you always want to do, do you have any other dreams?
No for me it was always music I tried to stop but I just can't work a 9-5. I tried but it's just not me. When I stopped I felt like I was just empty inside, so I guess I have a one track mind. When I'm making music, I'm happy.

9. What would you say to people who base their music career on looks?
Don't do it cause even if you get in on your looks it might put you out of the game down the line. It's your music that will be around long after you're gone.

10. If you had a movie about your life coming out, what would you call it?
In the Grand Scheme of ThingZ. That's my life.

11. If you could only play one last song before you die, what would it be and why?
Goodbye Bitch lol.. Joking!!! I would have to say, I hope you dance, I like that song it makes you see how timeless life really is.

12. One talent you wish you had?
I wish I could sing.

13. So here's your chance, to get a message out to your fans. What do you want to say to them?
Thank you for everything even when friends and family didn't even care about the music I was making but you did. To me that's like wow, there are no words that I could say that can tell you all how that makes me feel. So thank you so much! I'm sending love back.

14. What is the most ridiculous rumor you heard about yourself?
That I have orgies back stage after the shows. Yeah right, I wish I had it like that lol...

15. For someone who's never been on stage, explain how it feels to perform in front of many people?
It's a crazy and scary rush that you will love. I love it when you can throw some energy into the crowed and they just give it right back, that's when the party starts.

16. If you could choose any year to live in, including the past and future what year would you choose and why?
1970-1989 those are the years where music was at its best. I think there was so much going on but there was a message in the music. There's been something to fight for; I think that's what missing in our music today. There's nothing to fight for that thing that brings us closer together, just songs about how much money you had or girls wit big asses or cars.

17. Which do you like better producing or being on stage?
I pick being on stage. I like producing but you can see the fans from the stage.

18. Speaking of producing, tell me about your producing company!
It's called Silver Sun Productions. We started it to help artist that don't have a lot of money, so they can have a chance to get their albums out there.

19. Now give people a reason to go listen to your music!
Because it's about you, and seeing that the world is a smaller place then you think. We all go through the same stuff no matter how many faces you wear. So come vibe wit me. Holla AJ CASE



- BEAT THE SCENE

hip-hop musician breaks out with albums
By Steve Palisin - The Sun News
AJ Case said he had passed Cowboy's Nightlife in North Myrtle Beach a thousand times.

Finally stopping in for a drink and feeling welcome instantly, the hip-hop artist would later choose the country music nightclub, now called The Venue, for a party tonight to celebrate the release of his second album, "Lifted."

"They welcomed us," Case said of owner Frank Cilla and the staff. "He knew who I was. That really surprised me."

With Cilla's support for the concert, Case said he thought doing a hip-hop show in a place known for country music would mark a first in Myrtle Beach.

"We both want to be groundbreakers," Case said.

With the wind whirling into the phone as he sat outside at home last week in Little River, Case said living in the Myrtle Beach area fits him well.

"One of the things about Myrtle Beach I love is it's fast, but not too fast, and slow, but not too slow," the 32-year-old Sumter native said.

"You can go out and do things at all time of the night, and stay home and not feel trapped. I love the beach."

Case, who writes all his own material, calls himself a hip-hop performer, but one who feels comfortable playing country and rock as well.

"I like all types of music," he said. "I'm kind of one of those Catch-22s."

Earlier this month, Case performed in Mobile, Ala., with a weekend lineup that included Alice in Chains, Boys II Men, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Chaka Khan and LeAnn Rimes. "At Bay Fest," said Case, describing the honor, "I was the fan. That is one of those things where you don't believe you're there."

Learning he was the first South Carolinian to play Bay Fest, he thought, "Man, I did that by accident."

Case said he likes using a positive slant to reach youths through hip-hop.

"No matter how hard it gets," he said, "you never let the world beat you down. This world is here for your taking. You're the master of your world."

After teaming with his manager, Jeff Motsinger, to form his own music label, Silver Sun Productions, Case spent part of 2004 producing his first CD, "N' The Grand Scheme of Thingz," then promoted it on a European tour.

"We'll break the second album overseas," he said.

Case found appreciative audiences in places such as Bulgaria, Belarus and Russia.

"Even though they might not understand the words," Case said, "for some reason, they seem to connect with the music better. They really want to meet you."

Case said "N'" caught on abroad by surprise.

"I'm sitting here in Myrtle Beach," he said, "and there's some guy or girl in Moscow that's sitting over there listening to me. That gives you a sense no matter what you've been thinking, there's people out there who feel the same way you do. It kind of makes the world smaller, in a weird way."

Contact STEVE PALISIN at 843-444-1764 - THE SUN NEWS

To quote the Embers: "I Love Beach Music." Not the shag music of old, but rather Grand Strand dirty south hip-hop.

First let us say hats off to the House of Blues in North Myrtle Beach for putting on last Saturday (Feb. 2) night's, "Myrtle Beach Rocks-The Mic," a showcase of our local hip-hop scene. The show was a chance to let long time rappers from the area mix it up onstage with a bunch of the up-and-coming new jacks. Approximately 1500 people showed up for the first-ever local rap show of this caliber at the venue. For five dollars a ticket, anyone who digs rap music simply couldn't pass it up.

I'll give credit to anyone who can get up on that stage. It's intimidating and daunting, but it's also a great rush. To all the artists that played on the bill, it's time to get your first hip-hop report card. Class is now in session, so take notes and understand that this is constructive criticism, not a hard dis.

Starting the show were Kno and The Masterminds. In a style made famous by NWA and Wu-Tang Clan, Kno brought eight other crew members onstage. To quote Steve Harvey, "Everybody on the goddamn stage got a mike. We can't even understand what one of your asses is saying! How you gonna give everybody a goddamn mike?"

Kno's production was tight, beats were bumping and lyrics were great. You don't want to take away from your personal performance to let your friends hang out and yell every fourth word. Too many cooks spoil the soup, dog. I loved the energy put out. I even like the crew up onstage, it gives people more to see, but only give one, and maybe two other people mikes or it gets too jumbled. Overall we're giving Kno and The Masterminds a B-minus.

Up next was U.C. Stradegez who did a nice job as well. These two had the right idea but a poor sound check. They started out real hot and interacted well with the crowd, but the bass in the songs drowned out the lyrics. If I don't know the song already, I need to be able to hear the lyrics clearly to base my opinion on. Just remember, the deejay is there for you, not vice-versa. The beats were a great old gangsta flow rhythms, and the lyrical style reminded me a little bit of Canibus from back in the '90s. We're looking forward to seeing them again, but for this show, they get a C.

Next up was A.J. Case who brought the style that everybody in the house told me to expect. This dude can make it on the big stage. With a confident, not cocky style, he seemed at home. Busting out with "Lights On, Lights Off" and "After the Rain," Case took the night to a new level with crisp, clear lyrics. Along with DJ NIC and his crew, they seemed well rehearsed and comfortable. They lived up to the hype, but were cut short to let some extra rapper come on for a song. I would have liked to see more. Due to the short set, we give A.J. Case an A-minus.

Next came Sunni G, the biggest crowd favorite of the show. He and his boys took the stage like they owned it and held it down. They looked like Lil' Jon meets Das EFX. They broke it down hard and the crowd went absolutely nuts.

Amanda Smith came all the way from Memphis, Tenn. just to see Sunni G and her opinion was simply that, "he rocked it hard." I didn't get a setlist of his songs, but it wasn't necessary, his show was amped and busy, but with a high energy level that brought the house to its feet. Sunni G gets an A.

Last up was the promoter of the show Matt Reid, a.k.a. Joe Shmo from local group Peril-L. I felt kind of bad for Joe, because most of the crowd had already left. The best thing to do if you're the promoter is hit the stage like Russell Simmons, say thanks and hit the after party. Peril-L had a unique sound, not unlike Mrs. Mather's favorite son, but he just didn't get the response he deserved. I know that Reid puts on showcases a couple of times a month so I'm going to see him again soon. For now Peril-L has an incomplete until the next grades come out.

Overall, the night was a great success. People got to see a bevy of local talent for an affordable price. Don't let us down H.O.B. We want more...nay, we demand more hip-hop. We rely on you to give us a quality musical product month after month. Keep in mind that everybody on the beach doesn't necessarily like rock shows, jam bands and "American Idol" retreads. Many of us like grimy dirty beats you only find at a hip-hop show
- Weekly Surge MAG

carolina on Demand TV SHOW

AJ CASE
DJ N.I.C
JOE CAPPY

SONGS:
FLY AWAY (Acoustically)
LIFTED
THE KING IS BACK - carolina on Demand

with AJ Case and Sean McKenna at AJ's CD release party at The Venue in North Myrtle Beach.


episode23:"COPY & PASTE BELOW"

http://www.myrtlebeachtv.com/episode-23.html - MYRTLEBEACH TV

AJ CASE THANKS FANS
ON MYSPACE
http://www.myrtlebeachinc.com/AJCASE.html - MYRTLEBEACH TV