Interview: NYC Rap Artist Admiral Discusses His Latest Music Video "Carry On"
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“The song in essence is a trip down memory lane. The scenery selected and the people who appeared in the video are people I shared many of my experiences growing up. It made perfect sense to have them set the scene.”
Congratulations on the release of your music video for "Carry On". Of all the dope songs on your "Decorated" album, why did you select "Carry On" to make a visual for and how did you come up with the treatment?
Thanks so much. “Carry On” is actually the 3rd visual off the album. We also shot visuals for “Echoes of The Back Blocks” and “One Man Military”.
It was actually one of the last songs I recorded for the project. The record itself was actually the foundation for the treatment of visual. The song in essence is a trip down memory lane. The scenery selected and the people who appeared in the video are people I shared many of my experiences growing up. It made perfect sense to have them set the scene. The roof top scene was more personal. It basically a scene set to allow me to talk to my lost love ones who I reference in the record.
Tell us about the "Carry On" song itself; how did you connect with the producer Music Mystro and what was your creative process for its development.
To be totally honest this record almost didn’t happen, Mystro and I discussed working record for some time as we’ve known each other for years. He isn't the type of producer who just throws you a random beat. I didn’t receive the beat until I was about to close out the project... Thank goodness.
The sample heard in the hook set the table for what I wanted to do with the record. I immediately thought of my parents and sister who passed on over a 3 year period... This became an opportunity for me to show them how much they continue to inspire me and my music.
When I told Mystro I was ready to record the song, he stopped me in my tracks and said he wanted to put some finishing touches on it. Couple days later I got it back and the rest was history.
Everything fit so seamlessly and the song has turned out to be the most successful record from the project. I love the project as a whole but this one will be remembered for years to come.
We all know that times change, but a lot of people, including myself, miss the New York City sound that artists like Wu Tang, Mobb Deep, Nas, and others popularized in the mid to late 90s. Why is it important for you to keep that authentic NYC sound alive?
I've always considered myself a throwback as an artist who does not conform to fads and trends. The greatest artists’ music will always withstand the test of time and I work to make memorable music.
Substance is must when it comes to my sound and I think there is a void I can help fill in that respect. I grew up on 90's Hip Hop which in my personal opinion the greatest era in Hip Hop from a musical standpoint particularly in NYC. This was a time that you really had to know how to rap to be a successful artist. Those type of artists really inspired me to really push my pen.
With the single/video for "Carry On" now released, what's next for you musically?
Prior to the COVID 19 outbreak I was working on my new album "Honor & Will". Its near completion and I’m hopeful to release before the end of Summer 2020.
What inspired you to create Glory Ave Entertainment and what are your goals with the brand?
When I began my career I was part of a group which later disbanded due to business complications. That experience taught me a lot about the game and planted the seed on how I wanted to move forward with my career. I knew that I wanted to be in a situation where I could create something in my own image larger than the music itself. I knew I wanted to make my own decisions and needed my independence to do so.
Glory Ave Ent was founded in 2010 as solely record label which later expanded by adding event production and artist development services as well. We are currently in the works of developing graphic design and film divisions with the goal of becoming a complete multimedia company in the near future.
Stream and Share “Carry On” on Spotify
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