Interview: Ish Sweeney

Today we have a special guest on our first interview on the DopeEnough blog. We have New Jersey Native, Ish Sweeney, who is fresh off of his move to Georgia and also his first two singles from his upcoming mixtape "Long Forgotten 2".

First and foremost how was the move to Georgia and how's life different there than from life in New Jersey?

Well the move itself was a bit sudden. It happened right after I graduated from Teaneck High School and the day before my trip I sprained my ankle so it was a challenge but I made it. Life in Georgia is very spontaneous and joyful. I have a lot of places to go and be active when it comes to art. In Jersey there was sort of a compression and restriction I felt, so being here makes me feel a lot more open to new things.

2) How did you get into recording music?

Well I would like to say one of my sister's ex boyfriends sparked the thought in my mind. He rapped but what I did was attempt to make beats. This was around late 2009 mostly, so most of it was spent just experimenting. In the beginning of 2010 I then started trying out a few songs, writing , but more on a poetry note. I remember the first song I wrote was too 'Get Over It' by Drake and at the time it sounded pretty good. So i continued writing and writing, and had at least 20 songs written. By this time it was Fall of 2010 and I had finally bought a mic. It was a Samson C01U with a stand, and pop filter. The first song I recorded was too the beat of 'Light Up' by Drake, and the rest is history,

3) What artists influence you the most and your style of music? Who would you say is an idol to you and why?

Well lyric wise, my inspirations transcend from artists like Jay Electronica, Jay Z, and Drake. I try not to be too direct but at the same time I want everyone to know that I'm human and all I try to achieve is a connection. As far as my flow and delivery go, I try to make an impact with every word I say so the emphasis is made clear. Artists that influence me range from artists such as Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Now with artistic value, I am heavily inspired by artist like Kanye West , 2Pac,and Kid Cudi. An idol I would pick would have to be Jay-Z because out of all the names I have mentioned he has a long illustrious and successful career which seems almost impossible in the world of hip hop. For someone to keep there head on straight for 10 plus years is incredible to me and for him still being able to deliver quality music is what I praise him for constantly.

4) What is your ultimate direction for your career?

To get through to people that the world is bigger than they think, and that life is more than waking up in the morning and sleeping at night. My direction is show people that they are the ones who decide their own direction in life. I want people to open their minds more and do what they want to get them exactly where they would like to be.

5) How do you think the internet has helped you with your career?

I would like to think it does more than i think but as far as I think its been doing me fine. You get in what you put out so I can't be mad because honestly I am not as focused on building my internet reputation as I should be. I am just too caught up in making quality music rather then making it my main goal to tweet on a daily basis. I should but I don't, all I am focused on is a decent amount of promotion so my fans can listen , hoping more people notice me as time goes on.

6) What is your next mixtape and tell all the bloggers,fans and music lovers what to expect with this next mixtape.

My next mixtape is called Long Forgotten 2 (lucidULTIMATE). It is fixture of a dreamworld I want to control and live in , as the world I'm stuck in is what we all want to get away from. From the mixtape you can expect a more concentrated flow and rhyming pattern with hard hitting instrumentation from a select variety of producers. You will hear a craft in the the process of perfection as every song envisions thoughts, feelings, and stories I want everyone to hear and understand.

7) Your Message To The Fans and Viewers

Well for a while I've been wanting to say a lot of things. To people who listen and watch, I understand that we all aren't the same. Me, I'm young and I have quite plenty of things to say due to my experience with a vast amount of people. People you know aren't always going to be reliable and that's the sad thing. My message is simple yet not understood. Surround yourself by people who are just as serious about their passion as you are. I don't care what you do, it applies to everyone looking to make a dream come true.

Fans who listen, I would like to thank you, whether or not you know me personally. As much support as I get, I've come to realize that no matter what other people say about me they will truly have my back. Dealing with critics and negative people are never fun but at the end of it, it makes me more sure and confident about what I want the rest of my life to consist of.

Expect a lot of things from me in the future because no matter what happens or what I seem to be going through, I will always deliver great quality music from my heart.