Interview with Nina Capone

 Nina Capone is a versatile hip hop, R&B soul and Rock artist out of the Philadelphia area that has a sincere compassion for writing and performing all genre’s of music. Nina is known for her city wide community support and advocacy outreach.

Her musical mind is always open for the new winds. Hip hop is the language for Nina, but her musical Philosophy and the orientation bends much deeper than any stylistic limitation.

Nina is at home with all kinds of hip hop, R&B, or soulful expression. Hip hop, Rock, Jazz and Soul, hip hop to be some type of elementary checkpoint or filter.

But all that matters at the end of the day for Nina is to share her gift of “sound and expression” with those who enjoy it for therapeutic use or just for the pure enjoyment and entertainment of music.

Q: At what age did you decide to become a music artist?

Nina: Well being born the child of a local female vocalist and a regional promoter, granddaughter of a pianist I would have to say as soon as I was able to say the words.

Q: Most artist have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?

Nina: Yes. I was shy as a child and at times the only way I could express myself to my siblings, friends and parents with out claming up was to write it in the form of a poem or rap and just recite what I had written. Not only did I get their attention but I also got my point across and a standing ovation.

Q: In terms of the music, what major artist influenced your style and why?

Nina: Well years ago I was a big fan of MC Lyte and Queen Latifah cause of the respect they demanded with their  vivacious delivery tactics. Later and most recent I am inspired by the lyrical genius of Beanie Siegel  for being able to deliver a complete story and support that story with a follow up delivery filled with emotions and personality. Missy Elliott for her creative mind, versatility and presentation, and  Nelly for being able to transform, and recreate a complete genre of music and form his own style and sound.  I am also influenced by Jay Z, Russell Simmons, and Damon Dash because of their keen business senses and unordinary business ventures. Like Jay Z president of Def Jam, Russell Simmons owning a diamond company and Damon Dash for his movie involvement. I want to follow in the footsteps of some of these greats

 Q: With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?

Nina: Oh that’s easy, I have a look with an already developed theme, and I was able to build a complete fan base off of my skills and determination. I sing soul right from the heart, I am considered one of the female Hip hop elite, and I touch on any and every genre I can get to. I write and arrange all of my own music lyrics. I am street and college educated; I speak well and respect myself. I am an artist with minor development needed. I am a lady with a whole lot of personality.

Q: Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something your not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?

Nina: Being an attractive female I have been in that situation more times than I can remember. And I would have to say no! I will not compromise my self respect just to fit a stereotype I am a leader and if they have to change something than hey, I am not what they are looking for.

Q: Making music is one thing selling it is another. What type of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?

Nina: Well I use creative print of my name and face promotions mostly they are so inexpensive and real attention getters. I also do a lot of hosting of events just to stay in VIP circles and to keep plugging my name, who I am, what I do, and where I am from through out the event. I also play the Mix Tape and DVD circuit real heavy, and make friends and party with local and non local famous people as often as possible. By doing all these things I have the proper professionals researching me.

Q: In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much headache?

Nina: Well, as they say knowledge is power. Being an artist is being in business for your self. And just like with every business you must know all the ins and outs to be successful in it other wise you will be taken advantage of and in the “music business” one wrong move can bankrupt you. I ask a lot of questions, read, listen, and learn every chance I get.

Q: Let’s fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artist?

Nina: I would have to say always be prepared, knowledgeable and willing to learn. Be prepared by having all your music, press kits, photo’s and business cards available whenever you can because you never know when you’re in the right place or if it’s the right time. Always be knowledgeable of who you are and what you do the better your conversation the longer they will talk to you and the easier it is make a friend. And last but not least always be willing to take advice and ask questions cause everyone has ideas and just because you have been doing something one way does not mean it can’t and should not be tried another way.

Q: Most successful artist is involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause would you be involved in and why?

Nina: The first charity I would get involved in is the Cancer society. Because my I lost my grandmother from cancer and my grandfather was recently diagnosed, I want to help as much as I can to find a cure.

The second one would be homelessness prevention. I am an advocate in the entire Philadelphia area and have been for the past eight years. I plan to fund my own non-profit program in several communities throughout the city.

Q: So you say you are a versatile artist if you were given a budget and full creative control to do an album today what type of music would you put on it?

Nina: Well being and artist I would give it a theme and a story line and mix the sounds of hip hop, R&B and jazz. This will grab the attention of many listeners and assure me a diverse fan base, unlimited tour potential and record sales.

 Q: What industry producers did you work with if any? Were they what you expected and what did you get out of it?

Nina: I have had the opportunity to work with Sam Sneed, Chad West, Joe (the Butcher) Nicholo and Sean Bryant. I can honestly say that I was more than impressed by the professionalism, and expertise they each showed. They took their time and guided me in a direction to master my sound.

Q: What industry producers would you like to work with and why?

Nina: I look forward to working with Kanye West, and R. Kelly. To me these guys are only two of the greatest. I know that they will give me hit songs not only for the moment but those forever lasting songs.

Q: Do you have an industry mentor? How does he/she help you with your career?

Nina: Yes. I find myself leaning on several different artist that I know quite well and even ones that I don’t know by learning from their experiences and taking their knowledge and applying it to my own career. Like Rampage of the flip mode squad, he is like a big brother to me, Sam Sneed; you better recognize, he is always available whenever I need him and encourages me to keep on going. Roc-a-Fella’s Peedi Crack, he is a true friend indeed when we support each other 100%. Motown legends Peaches and Herb has a wonderful open door policy for me as well, and my older cousin Billy Paul who made me feel like it was my destiny to be in the business.

Q: Name three other artist that you would like to work with and why?

Nina: Beenie Siegel because I think we would make a hit record and it will do well he needs to collaborate and create with a female rap artist that can hang with his lyrical content.

 Jay Z of course so I can get as cocky with my delivery as he does with his, I just want show him that I can hang and he can sit his pen down and still be proud.

Beyon`ce because I love her content and would like to add a nice female rap verse to one of her hit songs.

 Brittney Spears on a nice pop rap collabo because I think she is a very talented pop artist.