Published by Brother Shadrach Filled under:Blog 4 Comments
Eye-Que (exclusive interview)
In between a part time job, collegiate studies, band rehearsals, live shows, and recording sessions, the ever-busy Northern California-based MC, Eye-Que, found time to speak with Brother Shadrach of Pearland Music in an exclusive interview on June 16, 2010.
Eye-Que?? You gotta hit me with the meaning!?
My name is Quentin L.A. Fields, but my stage name is Eye-Que. I went through many names coming up. In elementary I called myself Q Dawg, then Big Master Q, and even just plain Q. Finally, my boys in High School named me I.Q. because I always was on the Honor Roll. I decided to switch it up and changed the spelling and that’s how yall got the Eye-Que you see before you today.
For those who don’t know yet, briefly tell us who you are and what you’re about.
I kinda explained the origin of my name, so a little about me huh? Well, I was born in Panorama City which is about 30 min North of L.A. 20 min if you drive like me lol. Naw, but um…I consider Palmdale, CA my hometown because that’s where I lived for the longest period of time. Before moving to the “Dale” in late 98′ I lived in numerous cities and states. From Cali to Detroit, to Peoria, to Pittsburgh, to Long Beach, all through the Valley. Just a whole bunch of spots yah know?
Every time we see you, you’ve got a backpack on! What’s up with that?
Hahaha, yea I’m a backpacker. It started when I was young. I always use to like rocking backpacks with cartoons on it. It was kind of like the fad growing up yah know? As I got older I noticed that a backpack was handy. I carried everything in there. Check it, I use to sell candy at school and at the mall and stuff. The backpack was my assistant in my hustle. Once I started selling cd’s, I really had to keep my backpack on me at all times. Besides using it to carry things though, it symbolizes education, a student because I’m always learning something new. Not just in school, but in life. It’s just something that I do. I noticed quite a few people trying to rock a backpack lately, but I know why I do it and when I started doing it, so it doesn’t get to me.
So, what’s in the backpack?
Millions of dollars, I like to keep my money close at all times. I don’t trust the bank.
Album sales must be up huh?! Top 5 Hip Hop artists… Ready… GO!
Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, Dylan, and Dylan, because he spits hot fire! Hahha. Seroiusly though, that’s too hard to answer big dawg. I really liked Nas and Em growing up though. I gotta get back at you on my top 5.
Just stick with Dylan, you can’t go wrong. Speaking of da band, what’s your newest project? When does it drop and how can we cop it?
The newest project from me is called Before The LP with Live Assist, it officially drops July 4th. It’s an ep I put together with my band (Live Assist). I just finished mixing it. I pressed up 500 special edition pre-released copies.You can purchase the ep at upcoming shows. The digital release will be on July 4th of 2010 on http://eye-que.bandcamp.com.
Fasho. What influenced you to start working with a band?
Man, I just was bored one day and was like I should start a band that should get me some girls. Just playing. Naw really, I’ve been fascinated with bands for a minute now. I’ve been a fan of The Roots, No Doubt, Korn, Linkin Park, James Brown, etc. and I always wondered what it would be like to mess with a band.
Do you plan on continuing with a live band for the rest of your career?
I would love to have the band backing me throughout my career. I feel like our sound is needed and appreciated. I plan on making quite a few albums, both with the band and with instrumentals from producers. I love music man, and if I can have both why not feel me?Shout out to the whole Live Assist crew and all the people supporting and helping me develop as an artist.
Along with Live Assist we’ve also noticed your involvement with Chico-based Moonshine Music Cooperative. What role do you play in the group? What can we be looking out for from those artists associated?
Well Shad, I play the roll of an artist as well as the brains behind the operation. Without me there is no Moonshine haha. Naw, I’m a kind of like the one in the cooperative that throws in ideas randomly. We are a team and we give assignments to one another and make sure they are completely quickly. You can expect to hear a new Moonshine project coming at the end of 2010 maybe the beginning of 2011. Also Tybox, a Moonshine Artist, is releasing his second album Idol Hands soon. His music video will premiere on the internet on June 19th. Inclined is working on his first solo project and Willdy Diamond is working on a mixtape. Can’t forget about my man, Dash. He’s working on his debut album which is set to be released in the fall of 2010. We are dropping a whole bunch of music. Stay connected with us via Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Youtube. Find me and you’ll find them.
We know you’re in NorCal now, but you mentioned you spent most of your younger years in Southern California. So, when’s the next time you’re coming back to Los Angeles man!?
I just got back from L.A. and rocking a show at the Key Club with The Resonators. I’m not sure when the next visit will be. I have some shows coming up in San Fran later this year, in Chico of course, and I might be heading back to So Cal. My booking agent is working out the show details as we speak.
The infamous 4th grade career question: What are some of your short term and long term goals?
Short term goals consist of making lots of new material and completing all of the legal business with Moonshine by the middle of summer. Long term goals are a little more time consuming. I plan on finishing the album with my band Live Assist. Finishing a solo project of my own. Snagging a couple of Grammy’s, working with hip-hop legends, and starting a few ventures for myself.
If you could change anything in the game, what would it be?
I think the requirement for a dance song. I think each dance track should at least have a music video with two ice cream trucks, an ugly duckling, three chipmunks, and a white tee with some air brushing on it. It’s a must man.
Thanks again for taking time out of your busy days to speak with us. We really appreciate it! Anything you like to end with?
Thanks for having me. I appreciate you reaching out. Turn negatives into positives. If you working hard I’ll see you at the top, if not I’ll wave to you from the sky. Love
Eye-Que exclusive Interview with Brother Shadrach of Pearland Music Company on June 16th 2010. Be sure to check out Eye-Que’s song “I’m A Monsta” below and follow the links to hear more of his music!
I heard this guy at the Key Club this year and he ripped it. He was probably the dopest act there fa sure. I heard the ep and it was good too. Feeling the interview.
I heard this guy at the Key Club this year and he ripped it. He was probably the dopest act there fa sure. I heard the ep and it was good too. Feeling the interview.
-JNice
This guy is ill. I feel the movement. Hip-Hop w/ a band is necessary right now. Big ups. Peace
Such a well written post.. Thnkx for sharing this post!
Keep on with the great work.