Liz Suwandi Q & A

In 2008, Tech N9ne released his double album Killer. This would be the first time that I was introduced to the Lovely and Talented Liz Suwandi. Her vocals would be heard on the track Poisonous off of the first cd. From there, I was hooked on her hypnotic voice.

She possesses the kind of voice that can lure you into a web knowing that there might be a black widow patiently waiting for you. Since that first appearance, she has made several memorable appearances on Tech's albums as well as other Strange Music artists.

I was very intrigued to learn more about this mystery woman behind all these hits. I reached out to her and after a little persuading, she accepted my request.

This was conducted 3/2014

DPG = Me
LS = Liz

Enjoy!

DPG: Where exactly are you from?

LS: Well I was born in Southeast Asia , but my parents traveled around the world doing missionary work so I grew up in numerous countries. Most of our time was spent in Southeast Asia , Mexico, and Texas.

DPG: What ethnicity are you?

LS: My mother is German-Dutch , Scottish and English and my father is Javanese Indonesian.

DPG: When did you first discover that you could sing? 

LS: I don't ever remember not singing as my family was very musical and music was always a part of my life. My mother told me that my first major performance was the age of 2 & 1/2 singing a solo in a Christmas program dressed as an angel . She said I sang for an audience of 3000 people.

DPG: Do you play any instruments?

LS: I play guitar and piano 

DPG: Who were some of your influences in music growing up?

LS: I grew up pretty sheltered and I wasn't really allowed to listen to secular music so most of my early musical influences I was exposed to was the original music  being composed around me by the musicians that were living with my family and I.

DPG: I first heard you on Tech’s Killer album. You were featured on the track Poisonous. How did that collaboration come about?

LS: Tech just asked me to come to the studio and hear this beat that he was working which he originally wanted to call the song " Paint a Dark Picture ,"so I took the beat home . As I started writing to it I had a different idea for a theme. I wanted it to be the anti-thesis of a usual hip-hop song, meaning that a lot of songs talk about women in a misogynistic manner calling them groupies, leeches , etc. I wanted to flip it to a young female perspective and say, "Hey, maybe you guys are having these experiences with women because of your behavior, it's not all the women's fault, like you are the ones bringing in these young, naive girls , but then you turn around and call them hoes, groupies etc."  Like take responsibility for your own experience! 

LS: So I brought the song back to Tech , I told him I changed the title and concept , he understood it and wrote  exactly what I had hoped he would write to it , and there you go, the rest is history . A lot of people ask us if we are writing those songs based on our experience with each other and that is definitely not the case . I write a lot from an observation point of view when it comes to writing with Tech. We talk and vibe out and then I think a lot about his experience and I weave in thoughts or ideas into my writing that are topics I feel are congruent to his feelings and I draw from my own life experiences as well, then I put something together for him based on what I can feel is going on inside his head.That is basically my process whenever I write for anyone.Tech is very honest with his lyrics which is what makes him such a great artist. 

DPG: When did you first meet Tech N9ne?

LS: I met him at a club that Krizz Kaliko was DJing at.

DPG: Had you previously been a fan of Tech’s and Strange music?

LS: No , they gave me the Absolute Power cd and I loved it.

DPG: I saw that you were also featured on a track with Digital Underground back in 2008 titled Who’s bumpin. How did you link up with those guys?

LS: A friend of mine asked me to do a show with them cause they needed a female singer. So I did the show and then Shock asked me to write with him for his their new album and go on tour with them. So I did that for about a 1&1/2 years.

DPG: It would be a while before you were featured on another Tech album. In fact, it wasn’t until his epic All 6sand 7s. You were on the hypnotic Cult Leader song. How did you re-connect with Tech and Strange?

LS: Well I was signed to a label in LA for awhile so I wasn't really anywhere around for Tech to get a hold of me. I re-connected with Tech when I came back to visit my family in the Midwest. Tech and I were swapping life stories and I was telling him about my up bringing and he was telling me about how the world views his fanatical fans. He played the beat for me and I grabbed a pen and paper and 5 minutes later the hook for Cult Leader was born.

DPG: Were you actively trying to collaborate with more artists or even focusing on your music career between those albums (2008-2012)?
 LS: Well, I was signed to another label in LA.I worked with several producers and artists during that time period. 

DPG: It strikes me as odd that you haven’t released a solo project yet. Is there any particular reason why that hasn’t come to fruition?

LS: Well there have been several things that have happened which I don't really feel like getting into at the moment, but mostly I have been very particular about what I have been wanting for my solo project. It is in the works at the moment.

DPG: You’ve been on the last two Tech albums Welcome To Strangeand (WTSL) and Something Else as well. What’s your favorite track that you’ve recorded with Tech?

LS: They all kind of have a special place in my heart for one reason or another, but I would have to say that I really enjoyed writing and recording The Real Thing off of Welcome To Strangeland and Drowning off of Something Else.

DPG: I like all the tracks you’re featured on, but Drowning might be my favorite. How long does it take you to write down your lyrics for a song?  

LS: I usually write pretty quickly. It generally takes me only 30 minutes or so to write. The part that takes me time is rehearsing before I actually go into the studio to record. I have to make sure that I'm really satisfied with a melody before I go into record.

DPG: Did you write your lyrics to any of the songs before the actual verses were recorded?

LS: Yes all of them , I write alone at my house before I go into record.

DPG: Does the beat tell you what to write or do you strictly base it off the title of the song?

LS: It depends. Sometimes it's a feeling the beat gives me or maybe Tech will tell me an idea for a title and then I go off of that.

DPG: How would you describe your musical sound?

LS: Alternative and Indie.

DPG: Have you been approached to be featured on any other Strange Music tracks, but ended up getting left off for some reason?

LS: No

DPG: Who are some other artists in the music industry that you’d like to work with?

LS: I really love Mos Def. I also think it would be amazing to write a song with Dolly Parton, Chino from Deftones and Trent Reznor of NIN.

DPG: Do you have any favorite rappers outside of Strange Music?

LS: NAS was the first hip-hop artist I ever got into. Mos Def and close friends of mine that are super dope that stay on the DL.

DPG: You’ve been featured on a lot more Strange Music artist’s albums as well. You were on two songs with Ces Cru, Devil on my Mind with Mayday, Layin Down with Krizz Kaliko, and Rise with Wrekonize.

DPG: A lot of those songs are great, but I think your voice really brings it all together. I think it’s a testament to your talent. There are lots of times where a song is great, but the hook is awful. Do you feel your vocals round out the songs that you are featured on?

LS: Well I always try to do the best work I can do, so I sure hope so. LOL!

DPG: Did you enjoy filming the videos from Something Else? Do you have a favorite?

LS: I liked Love 2 Dislike Me because I really enjoyed working on a song with a different sound for Tech. I'm more of a rock chick  so I liked working on that. 

   

DPG: I remember a while back, Tech was talking about needing a first lady for Strange Music. I thought you’d be a shoe in. Has Tech or Travis ever approached you about this or possibly signing with the label and being that person? 

LS: Yes!

DPG: Obviously, you have to make a living to get by in life. What type of work do you do outside of music to make a living?

LS: I make animal balloons and face paint. LOL (this is actually true ). I  just do music right now, but I have done all kinds of things to get by. I worked as a make-up artist , bartender, sales rep for an Ad agency, vocal teacher , waitress, back-up singer, vocal production, songwriting consultant, and model.

DPG: Do you believe in ghostwriting? I mean that in terms of having someone else write a song that you’d sing or vice versa?

LS: I have tried that, but I don't like it . It  really doesn't work for me. I have to write what I sing.

DPG: On that note, have you ghostwritten any songs that are out there? 

LS: Yes

DPG: Is there anything else you’d like to say or promote?

LS: Keep an eye out for the solo project we are working on. It is called The Lotus Series, to be released in 4 parts. Volume I will be called Playing With Perception.

DPG: Well, I’d just like to say thank you for taking the time to speak with me. It was a pleasure. You’re very talented and I look forward to your upcoming work!

Follow Liz Suwandi on Twitter @ESuwandi    

Follow Liz Suwandi on Instagram @suwandirock  

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine

Wrekonize (Mayday!) Q & A

Every since Tech N9ne signed the group Mayday to Strange Music, I've been constantly searching out any and all music by the group and especially by Wrekonize. Little did I know that I had actually been introduced to his music long before. I was already familiar with the track Bizness as Usual by Wrek ft Ras Kass. I really enjoy this track and totally forgot about it. 

Being that I'm a huge fan of Tech N9ne, I really value his opinion on artists. If he was willing to sign Mayday to his label, it must say a whole lot in his confidence in their ability. Boy, was he right. The group as a whole are amazing, but Wrekonize really sets the bar high with his skills on the mic. 

I would absolutely consider him to be an elite MC. Whether it's his subject matter, story telling ability, rhythmic patterns, or just overall talent he definitely ranks right up there with the best in the game. Oh yeah, he can sing pretty darn well too.

After poking at him for a bit, I was granted a very detailed response to my questions. 

This was conducted 6/2014

DPG = ME
WR = Wrekonize 

DP:  Wrekonize, as I’ve mentioned to you in the past, I first heard you on the track Bizness as Usual with Ras Kass

DP:  How did you first link up with Ras Kass?

WR: I was in Los Angeles working on my first album (which ended up getting shelved). My manager had a connect for Ras and he had just been released from prison. We hit him up to see about working together and he was down. He came to the studio and we started to build from there.

DP: When did you first realize that you were good at writing rhymes?

WR: I started very young. Both my parents were in bands and my dad has always been writing songs since I was a youngster so I had a great frame of reference. Even before I got into hip hop music I was writing verses and singing them as young as 9-10 years old.

DP: Who were some of your inspirations in rap music or any music for that matter while you were growing up?

WR: Huge Pink Floyd fan. I love the way their music is so cinematic and takes you to another planet. In hip hop I started with the likes of Biggie, Snoop, and Wu-Tang. One of my favorite emcees of all time is Pharaohe Monch. I was also heavily influenced by Aesop Rock in my earliest years of emceeing. Besides that, I love Funk music. James Brown is a deity to me.

DP: You were born in the UK and came out to Miami when you were young. Did you have a hard time back then or did you just kind of blend in with everybody down there?

WR: I came at such a young age that I don’t think it was much of an issue. I did have an accent but I ended up losing it in my early school years.

DP: So I know that you were part of the MTV battle raps back in 03. You won and were supposed to get a contract with Jay-Z’s label. I’m not sure if this is a sore subject or beating a dead horse, but can you share anything on how that whole situation went down?

WR: It was supposed to be a single deal. The major misconception is that I was supposed to be offered a record deal. It was just for a single which they never pursued or contacted me about. They had a lot of artists signed at the time that they never released . My management at the time figured it was best for us to just keep it moving and not chase someone for something that didn’t have a passion in producing with me. So I went back to Miami and signed a deal with an Indie label to produce my first album.

DP: I think I remember you mentioning on one of your songs that your album was shelved. Did you record a whole album for the label? 

WR: Yes. It was called “The Runaround.”

DP: Do you think things worked out how they did for a reason?

WR: Definitely! I wasn't anywhere close to the songwriter that I am today or when i first joined ¡MAYDAY!. I think I needed time to mature ad sharpen my swords. I also ended up in a group that brings out the best in me and a label that fosters our creative license without compromise.

DP: I’ve been a Tech N9ne fan since the Gang Related Soundtrack back in 1997 and have followed him and Strange Music ever since their conception. Once I saw that he signed Mayday to the label, I wanted to hear some of your music. I thought you guys must be dope if Tech is willing to sign you.

DP:  Did you guys feel pressure signing with the number one independent artist and label?

WR: Maybe a tad just seeing as that there was a concern his fan base not digging us because on paper we were a very different artist. Even though our roots are infused in hip hop, you know how appearances can be. A bunch of bearded instrument playing dudes roll into a hip hop show and before you play the crowd is already skeptical. Luckily, once we started playing, most of the doubts evaporated.

DP: How long have you been a fan of Tech N9ne?

WR: The first time I heard Tech was on The Anthem record by Sway and Tech. I loved his style and it stood out so much to me. Being in the East, we didn’t hear a lot of Tech after that. Little things here and there, but he wasn't really making waves in our region so it wasn't until years later I got back in tune with his work.

DP: You made a few appearances on the Welcome to Strangeland album. They were actually very good ones. For sure my favorite song was The Noose. That song is amazing and means a lot to mean since I was in the Marine Corps myself. Very rarely does a song touch me in that way. It made me really think about all service members that have actually been killed or have taken their own lives.

DP: How did you come up with the concept for that song?

WR: I was sitting in the studio by myself one day and don’t know exactly where the sentiment came from, but I’ve been fascinated with suicide for some years now. It’s a perplexing act to me. I wanted to write the song from the perspective of someone who was planning on taking their life to prevent someone else from taking theirs. When we showed the record to Tech he immediately gravitated towards it and penned in the Soldier theme. We performed that all year with Tech on his tour. Great vibes and I’m super proud to have been part of that song and how many people were touched by it. It even got Tech invited to perform overseas for the troops.

DP: I remember Tech saying that you played that for him and he wanted to get on it. Were you guys originally planning on releasing it at a later time?

WR: More often than not, we make an abundance of music. Even when we don’t have a deadline or project in the works., we’re in the studio. That helps us have options to choose from when projects arise.  We may have used that record for a Mayday project, but the stars aligned for something different and more than likely way better for all of us.

DP: Tech also said that your beats brought something different out of him. Then you guys produced his Klusterfuk  EP. What did it mean to you guys for Tech to have so much confidence in your abilities?

WR: AMAZING! When someone with his skill level, tenure, and scope puts confidence in you and takes pride in you as one of their artists, it’s an amazing feeling. Definitely some of my proudest moments to date.

DP: Your debut album on Strange Music was Take Me to Your Leader. I have to say that I was really impressed with the quality of the music. From the beats to the lyrics, you guys produced some dope stuff. Are you happy with how the album turned out?

WR: Definitely. It’s still one of my favorite projects to date.

DP: I’m not sure how many copies of the album have sold, but did you guys have a goal that you were trying to reach?

WR: We just passed 20k on that. It’s our highest selling album to date. We didn’t have a certain goal seeing as it was our first release on Strange. After that album now we have benchmarks to try and outdo.

DP: I think it’s a rarity nowadays for an album to have more than a handful of good tracks. In my opinion, the album was great from start to finish.

WR: Thank you! Highest compliment to be paid to an album. Rare thing these days.

DP: I think the order of tracks on an album are very important to keeping the listener interested. The song Badlands with Tech hits you hard right from the beginning. Did you guys put any thought into the order of the tracks?

WR: Most definitely. We have meetings and vote. We listen to a million different sequences. We look at bpm, key of the song, subject matter, and verse formats. It’s highly analyzed and finalized by vote.

DP: Do you have a favorite song from the album?

WR: Probably Death March or June. But the minute I name one another 3 pop into my head. It’s a big album. Hard to narrow it down.

DP: What’s the process of deciding if both you and Bernz will be on a song? How about the order of your verses?

WR: It’s mostly about vibe.  Sometimes  Bern or myself will write a whole song out and bring it in and the other doesn’t want to force another verse on. Sometimes things are just done. Bern has always championed not being so robotic about format. He likes to keep people guessing and I dig that.

DP: You and Bernz seem to have a real chemistry in the studio. When did you first meet him and the other band members?

WR: I was a fan of Bernz first in the Miami scene. He was in a group called Evolver. When we first met we didn’t get along. He is your classic big brother and I think we definitely had some competitive tension when I started coming around. Plex I was also a fan of and met through the scene just going to shows and shaking hands. Gianni I’ve known for almost the longest. We used to go to the same studio back in the day. He also used to compete in beat battles which I tried my hand at for a small period of time. I’d probably say I’ve known Nonms the longest. Him and I used to attend the same hip hop jams years ago. I was doing emcee battles and he was doing b-boy comps.

DP: As dope of an MC as you are, you also can do some very good singing. Is that something that came later in your career or is it something that you’ve always tried to dabble in?

WR: I used to sing a lot as a kid and then as I started to get into hip hop I abandoned it. Damn hip hop! Back in the 90’s singing in hip hop wasn’t as accepted as it is today. Then as I started to get comfortable with recording I would dabble with it. But it was Plex and Bernz who really pushed me into it hard when I joined ¡MAYDAY! . They are the ones who pushed me into singing live at shows.

DP: I feel that your music and that of Mayday continues to only get better. Do you feel the pressure of constantly having to raise the bar with you music?

WR: I try not to think about it too much. We just go in and have fun with it. As long as I enjoy it, then everything else is icing. Of course, I want to please our fans, but thinking about that during the process can be damaging to the end result.

DP: Skipping around here, the Believers album was even better in my opinion. I didn’t think it was possible. Shortcuts and Deadends is such a great song. Who came up with that concept?

WR: One of our favorites as well. We were working  with a producer by the name of Infamous. He was an award winning DJ from Miami years ago and has transformed over the years into a successful producer. He’s worked with Lil Wayne and Gym Class Heroes to name a couple.  Gianni had actually named the beat “Shortcuts & Dead Ends” and we liked that so much we kept the title. Infamous was the one who drove us into telling personal stories and the format of the verses.

DP: I hate to be repetitive, but that album is so amazing from start to finish. Does it feel great when you get to listen to the final product?

WR: Oh yeah. It’s like holding your newborn child. Everything involved in the process of producing, writing, and recording  all transferred into pure energy.

DP: You’ve also had the opportunity to release you solo album The War Within. How did you come up with the title for your album?

WR: I saw a movie called Insidious and it had a huge effect on me. I used the plot of astral projection and subconscious to title and theme the album.

DP:  How did you decide what artists to feature on your album?

WR: The idea for Pos from De La Soul hit me as soon as I heard the beat. A lot of them happen like that. Either that or one of our managers DJ EFN kicks me ideas. He’s been a well known mixtape DJ and is extremely talented in that department.

DP: You had the legendary Bun B of UGK on there as well. How did that collabo come about?

WR: We heard that track in Atlanta when I was working with Will Power and EFN immediately said “Bun B”. We all agreed on spot.

DP: There are lots of great songs on there, but a few of my favorites are Anxiety Attacks, Modern Man, and Rise with Liz Suwandi! The quality of your lyrics and storytelling ability are extremely good. This leads me to my next question.

DP: Do you strive to make personal music so that your fans can connect with you?

WR: I think it’s just what feels the most enjoyable to me and the bonus is that fans connect with that style of songwriting. People know when something is fake and the best way to avoid that pitfall is to be as real as possible in the music. Genuine personality goes a long way in a world of smoke and mirrors.

DP: It’s the same with Tech and a few other artists that I listen to. I really connect with the music because I feel like I already know you through your lyrics and can relate to what you’re saying. 

DP: You completed your mixtape trilogy with the Rooftops mixtape. I really enjoyed the song Leo Getz with Rittz? What’s the sample that is used in that song?

WR: I’m actually not sure. That was a joint I got off a beat tape. I recognized the sample because it was also used on a Cannibal Ox album.

DP: The song Green Funyons really shows your versatility with music. I never would have imagined someone rapping over that beat. What made you try that beat?

WR: I love Booker T & The MG’s. It came on shuffle one day in my car and I started to freestyle over it. Just felt so great for a unique cadence. Plus the instrumentation felt like it lent itself to a story.

DP: You just released an old group project IlliteRats from 2001. I’m still a bit disappointed I wasn't quick enough to swoop up a hard copy myself. What was your motivation behind sharing this unreleased music?

WR: I’ve always felt that people will appreciate your story and music more if they are able to see the progression. I have been perfecting my craft for a decade plus now. I feel people hearing my older stuff only solidifies the fact that I’m here and I’m not going anywhere

DP: Are there any producers/ artists past or present that you’d like to work with?

WR: El-P. Hoping that happens next year. I would have loved to work with Amy Winehouse.

DP: Is there anything else you’d like to say or promote?

WR: The MURSDAY album just dropped and as I type this it’s the number one hip hop album on itunes. Please support this great album! Hope you enjoy it.

DP: Well, I’d like to say thank you very much for taking the time to speak with me. It’s an honor to speak with someone as talented as you. I think you’re very talented on the mic. Not only are your lyrics dope, but you have great rhythmic patterns in your songs and you have a personality on the mic!

DP: I’ll keep purchasing and supporting your dope music!

WR: Thanks homie! Once again apologies on the delay. Thanks for your patience. 

Follow Wrekonize on Twitter: @Wrekonize

Follow Wrekonize on Facebook: Facebook.com/WrekonizeMusic

Check Wrekonize on Instagram: Instagram: Wrekonzie

Check out his website: WrekonizeTheMusic.com

Please leave comments on my blog or on Twitter @dpgmarine
Check out my other blog posts and subscribe if you'd like.

More Q & A sessions to come!
Thanks for reading!

dpgmarine