Country Rap to Southern Soul

As part of our ongoing “Rap’s New Generation” series, today we sat down with the upcoming underground artist GMane from Muscle Shoals to talk about his recent music, his upcoming projects, his career advice and his overall experiences being in the music industry and he did not disappoint…

Thanks for taking the time to talk with us, GMane! Let’s go back to the beginning of your career. How did you decide to become an artist?

GMane: My pops played piano, drums and guitar and was also a radio and club dj. I loved every kind of music so I was dj'ing at 9 years old. After "Rappers Delight" I was just a rap fan and by age 13, after hearing Chuck D and Ice T, I decided I wanted to rap. The rest is history.

Master your craft. Learn the business. Have faith. Put in the work.

– GMane

What about concerts? Do you play live?

I play live every now and then, mostly festivals and car show type stuff. I've toured overseas so I'm really looking forward to getting back over there to that bag.

Best punchline you ever wrote?

"Everything you touch gon fail like Celie told Mister…"

– GMane

What are you currently working on? Did you release something in the past?

I was recently placed in an exhibit for hip hop at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. I've been doing some work for hire and just really really pushing my catalog that you can find exclusive at gmane.bandcamp.com. You can find me on Spotify, Apple Music, etc. as well as videos at YouTube.com/AlabamaHustleTV
I've also recently got into the Southern Soul genre. I usually sing the hooks and stuff on my rap songs and folks suggested I do some blues, so I'm trying it out.

Last but not least: Would you sign a record contract with a major label?

It really depends on the terms. I've done some different deals in the past, I just made sure it was to my benefit. A pro of signing would be getting that extra push needed to get thru certain doors in the industry that an indie may not be able to get thru. A con of signing a deal, you'll probably end up broke.

Any last words?

Shout out to Quad City Flo Town, the Shoals Area and the whole Alabama.

Where can people follow you to stay up-to-date?

GMane: http://instagram.com/gmanemusic

Thank you for your time. We wish you much success in your further career.

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