ABQ-Live got to sit down and chat with Wake Self about his brand new music video, touring in Europe, and what it’s in store for this New Mexico born hip hop artist in 2016. Watch his brand new video below!
Interview by Josh Wilkinson
JW: I really enjoyed the New Mexico music video but you seemed to have topped yourself again with your latest video, “I Still love her featuring Ma dukes”. How would you compare the two?
Wake Self: First of all Thank you, I appreciate it. Both of these two videos are the hardest we’ve worked and most time me and the Concept Flux team have put into a video together so far. They are two entirely different styles of video, this one revolved more around green screen and motion graphics. I had a great time during the filming of both of them though. On this we had to to track down a bunch props and wardrobe for each scene, putting together all the right pieces is challenging but we enjoy that kind of stuff.
JW: What is the meaning behind your latest video? Should we expect an upcoming album soon?
Wake Self: I think it explains itself if you listen to the lyrics. It’s just me paying homage to the culture I love which is Hip Hop. It’s also me sending out gratitude to all the pioneers who came before, and to the people who really support Hip Hop and keep it alive. It’s for those individuals who go to shows, buy music, and spread the knowledge on their favorite artists. That’s what’s important, the music, the people who support and evolving the culture. I will have an album out soon not sure the exact release date of it, but you’ll hear about it somehow. If you’re reading this and want to know more i’m @wakeself on IG and twitter.
JW: What was your favorite memory from your most recent tour in Europe?
Wake Self: There is a lot of them, I really love Europe and all the people out there. Being able to see the friends I’ve made over the years again is always great! Shout out to my friends Tim, Ivo, Nae Nae, Daan, Cees, Izaak, Dizzy aka MC Timmy, Yoris, little Ross the cat, Sal, Complex, Sezen and all my other Euro homies who support us. We had two sold out shows this time, so that is something i’m juiced about. I’m kind of a weirdo though i get happy about stuff like the workers at the late night Frites shop remembering us, and this incredible vegan meal I ate at a restaurant in Arnhem. Also, shout out to my homies OostCoast, really dope Hip Hop group from Holland was fun hitting the studio with you fellas.
JW: I have watched you perform as a solo act and with several other hip hop acts. What do you like about each?
Wake Self: I love it all, as long as the energy is there. Anytime I get to rock a mic I couldn’t be happier. It’s always cool to be up on stage with your homies though, seeing everybody in the zone is a great feeling! Everybody has thier own little rapper moves, way they hold the mic and move around on stage. haha
JW: If you could put together an all-star band to perform with, with members from any era, who would they be?
Wake Self: Quest Love on the drums, Miles Davis on trumpet and John Coltrane on sax, Tom Morello on guitar, Dam funk on synth, Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers on bass, Erykah Badu, Micheal Jackson and Al Green on vocals. Boom!
JW: What are you plans for 2016? Since ABQ-LIVE last spoke with you what has Wake Self been up to?
Wake Self: I’m going to drop an album probably two, lots of videos and touring. I’m going to teach some classes and do more charity work. Figuring out more ways to help change and heal the world with the resources I have and how to get more to do more with. I’ve been working non stop on this music, and preparing for these opportunities that are coming at me. Practice every day, reading books, staying sober, watching broad city and adventure time, going to Chuck E Cheese with my nephews, taking music more seriously and myself less seriously, and I’m taking singing lessons and making beats now. I have a few surprises to announce when the time comes, make sure you check in with me on social media.
Watch a couple of Wake Self’s other music videos
