A Different Look at Rhode Island, Interview with Theo Martins

For those of you who do not know me, I am a true music lover. Boastfully speaking, I think I know talent when I hear it; some may agree or disagree. Feel free to post your comments at the end of this entry.

Moving right along, I met this young man who goes by the name of Theo on Twitter. He is a native of Rhode Island, who is a well-known DJ and an emerging Emcee. I thought I would go to his site and listen to a couple of tracks, thinking to myself, “everyone wants to be a rapper.” After reading his bio and listening to his album, “The Birth,” little did I know that I would be blown away from, (1), the production of his tracks, (2), the lyrical content and his versatile wordplay and (3), the swagger and confidence he possesses.

Some of his influences include multi-talented artists such as Black Thought, Erykah Badu, Q-Tip, Hi-Tek, and Daft Punk to name a few, along with life and the experiences that come along with living. With that said, Theo’s diversity in style, rhymes, and harmonies, combined with his passion for the art of music, puts him in a class by himself in the realm of emerging artists.

After stumbling upon Theo and his music, I decided to change it up a little and contact him for an interview. All of my interviews thus far have been with R&B artists, so this will be the first Emcee I’ve interviewed. So, take a moment and learn a little more about the artist behind the art, that I so enjoyed.


1. Theo, I want to thank you for interview. How’s life treating these days?

Life is great, God is great, I'm doing alright.


2. So, I started following you on Twitter and figured I’d check out your website. I see from reading your bio that you are from Rhode Island, Providence to be exact. Tell me a little bit about where you grew up, your school experience and how your interest in music emerged.

Was born on the south side of Providence. Moved over towards the north end to this complex named 'Arbor Glen'. Loved that place, still do actually. Music has always been a driving passion of mine, I started DJ-ing at 14, [I've] always been singing around the house. Things just cultivated within time, it has been a blessing.


3. First and foremost, you are a DJ, right? Who or what was the inspiration behind your desire to spin the “wheels of steel”? Tell me a little about your first DJ gig. Were you nervous? Have you taken part in any competitions?

Yes, I am a DJ. Honestly, the majority of what I have learned as far as production, flow, style, etc have all been from DJ-ing. I'd just sit and listen to the instrumentals and acapellas over and over, because I was so fascinated with how they came about that. Premier, Premier, Premier: he is thee man as a major part of my motivation and inspiration, when I was like 15 I used to go by the name 'Young Preemo' because I wanted to be him so bad. I was nervous when I first started, but I grew my confidence and such. I used to do competitions and stuff. I was very interested in battling, but I'm more of a party rocker than a battler.


4. I listened to your album, The Birth. You have some sick tracks on there!! From beginning to end, it’s a headbanger. When did you decide to bridge the gap between DJ-ing and Emcee-ing? Had you always had wordplay flair? Do you write your own material? Do you ghostwriter for others?

Wow, thank you I appreciate that. I decided in 2007 to actually pursue it. I've always sang and rapped, but I was ready in 07. I wasn't ready anytime before then. So from there I just progressed, that's really it. Yes, I write everything, all of my material is created by me. I do ghostwrite, that's never a problem.


5. With your background as a DJ, you know how detrimental a talented producer is. The Birth was filled with vicious beats and experimental harmonies, which was laced by none other. Who are some of the producers you have worked with on your album(s)? Who is/are your favorite producer(s)?

I kept the majority of my production all within a certain scale to give the producers some room to breathe. I worked with Young E, Profit, Kris Fame, Austin White & Judah. I have a lot of favorites: Premier, Kenna, Pete Rock, Neptunes, Kanye West, Danger Mouse, etc...


6. Theo, your versatile wordplay and how your voice rides the track reminds me of one of my all time favorites, Jigga, Jay-Z. Who are some of your favorite lyricists? If you had to choose a lyricist(s) that your style is similar to, who would it be and why? What other genres interest/influence you?

Thank you. Well I'm definitely a Jay-Z fan, but I also like Andre 3000, Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Q-Tip. I truly enjoy anything; sounds cliché, but its honest. I grew up listening to a lot of music, and as a kid the majority of it wasn't hip-hop, so it helped me to become more open minded with music in general. Truly, I like anything, I'm all ears.

7. “Theo til Infinity,” “Sweetest Language,” and “iDream” are just a few of my favorite tracks from The Birth. What are 3 of your favorites and why?

Well they change frequently but as of now:
“Theo til Infinity”: That record is like my entrance and my exit. From where I am coming from and where I am going. “Hi”: I really like my flow on that song. It’s a feel good record. “Sweetest Language”: It’s my ode to good music and it sounds great.


8. You said in your bio, “With the new generations of emerging artists looking uncertain, there are few blessed with substance and talent. Among those in prominent view, is Theo.” Tell me, what unique characteristics set you apart from those emerging artists you spoke about and why should folks pay attention to Theo; give Theo the “time of day.”

Well I make good music and strive for progression within my endeavors. I Emcee, DJ, produce, and sing; I mean, I can make your record and break your record. I'm a musician, plain and simple.


9. So, what’s in the crystal ball for you? Are you working on any big projects?

I am working with some pretty important people, which I am blessed to be among. 2009 is looking great for me and I'm just going with the flow. Things are looking up.


10. As far as your music career, where do you see it going in the next 5 years?

In 5 years, I will be at the forefront of art. Art in the form of expression with music, fashion, film. I'll be alright.


11. Your dream team collabo would be with whom?

Sunny Ade & John Lennon would be quite dope.


Show Theo some love and visit his links:
www.imjusttheo.com
www.imeem.com/imjusttheo
www.myspace.com/imjusttheo