What have you been up to lately?

Working hard, recording, writing.

 

How did you spend your New Year’s?

Low key w/ family n friends. That’s best way unless there’s a check involved lol

 

You’ve come a long way since performing at Open Mic’s in New York City’s underground music scene at clubs like Groove and Café Waah. What comes to mind when you look back at where you started to where you are now?

I have thank you. When I look back I know all the experiences made and make me who I am. I wouldn’t trade that. I’ve come a long way for sure but this is just the beginning.

 

You were once signed to Timbaland’s now-defunct Beat Club label. What is your relationship with him like now?

Its all love when I see Tim. No hard feelings, these things happen in the industry. Anybody doing anything worth anything has some kind of story to tell. God knows I sure have mine.

 

We know you have been working with many Nelly as well as artists from different other states. How did your relationship with Derrty Entertainment come about?

My relationship with Derrty basically came about through a mutual friend in Harlem. I was passing promo discs out in traffic in Manhattan after the Beatclub deal believe it or not. One of those discs was forwarded. The rest was history.

 

At this point in your career, “Here I am” with Rick Ross is arguably your biggest collaboration to date. How is it like working with Rick Ross and is there future collaborations in the works?

Ross is always great to work with. He sends the music says do what you do and we make classics together. I write the hooks, put them down and he takes it from there.

 

How does it feel when people tell you that “Rich off cocaine” is a classic?

It makes me feel great honestly in the sense that the people are really really accepting and relating to it. On the other hand, it didn’t get the commercial success it could have without actually saying rich off cocaine..

 

Has the fact that those two songs have gotten the most attention let you see firsthand the value of coming into the game with some features? 

Absolutely great to come in with some features under your belt. It will definitely cut through a lot of tall grass to help you through.

 

Towards the end of 2009, you released your second mixtape “Category 5” hosted by DJ Green Lantern and Scram Jones. Are you happy with the feedback you’ve been getting so far? 

I am very happy with the feedback Category 5 has been getting. It’s something different, something new and the people embrace it. I called it Category 5 because it’s extreme. Good or bad.

 

In the beginning stages of recording for Category 5, what producers did you work with or didn’t get a chance to and would like to work with on an upcoming project?

C5 was really done on the fly. What I was feeling at the moment. I never gave it much thought about features or big name producers because I wanted it to focus on the voice and message.

 

When you put “Category 5” up for free download, does it bother you at all that you’re giving out the music for free or do you look at that as something that you have to do at this point in your career? 

Not at all. I look at it as a necessary evil (for lack of better term) with labels not spending and nobody to push you but you, to not take advantage of the free street team at your fingers would only do myself a disservice. Furthermore it also allows immediate feedback from fans. I will always give songs away.

 

You recently did a remix to the Alicia Keys song “Trying To sleep with a broken heart”. What was your inspiration to redo the song?

My inspiration to remix “Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart” was basically just me being a huge fan of her. Usually when I take someone’s track I do a whole other song, concept and all. This time, decided our voices went really well and said “it’s a remix”! Haha

 

You have a buzz slowly building and anticipation for you to deliver a classic debut album is high. How do you plan on keeping the momentum going in 2010?

To keep the momentum in 2010 I will certainly continue to give away free music and videos for the internet as well. Plan on seeing a lot more of me period.

 

What is the status of your debut album “Shotgun Love” and can you give us an estimation of a time period on when that album will (grace the shelves/available for download)?

Shotgun Love is hoping for a March release. I on the other hand, if I don’t feel it’s safe to go I won’t. It deserves the classic album treatment that it is. It’s ready though at any moments call.

 

Have you chosen a single yet and can you tell us who is on the album?

Yes my single is “Not Like My Girl” feat Rick Ross, produced by The Runners. I love this record hope you will too! So far, same thought process behind C5, I don’t want to seem as though I’m relying on features and names to be successful. I’m totally confidant my album will stand on its own, boldly.

 

As of right now, who in the industry would you say you listen to on a regular and would probably like to work with in the near future?

I listen a lot to myself, Wayne, James Taylor. My ipod is all over the place lol. I would love to work with Pink or Prince.

 

In retrospect, being a songwriter, would you consider writing songs for any of them if the opportunity presented itself?

Absolutely! I Love to write for anybody interesting!

 

If you had no features on the album, how would you tell people they needed to have this project? 

If I had no features, which as I say I don’t, I would say my selling point is that I actually write all of my material, I’ve lived and continue to live through. I put all of myself in my music which the game is lacking, along with originality. People would rather stunt than try being real and making good music. I pride myself on being the first Avery Storm (me) and not trying to be the next so and so.

 

Do you feel like the magazine-type websites or blogs are more valuable today to a new artist?

With the way print publications are folding. The blogs/ sites are absolutely and naturally becoming more prevalent.

 

How do you feel about the current state of music in general?

In my opinion the current state of music (certain genres) is suffering because it seems nobody knows how to be themselves or use their real voices anymore. Like I said earlier everybody wants to be the next so and so instead of being the first THEM.

 

 

 

What do you have in the works that we should be looking out for? 

As of now, I’m really focusing on Shotgun Love, I will keep pushing C5, expect to see a lot more of me, virally as well as upcoming shows, events, etc. C5 can be downloaded for free at www.IamAveryStorm.com
I’ve also been working with many producers on the writing side of things.

 

How would the fans go about contacting you?

The fans can always contact me on www.twitter.com/AveryStorm  (@AveryStorm).
www.Facebook.com/www.IamAveryStorm.com.
www.Youtube.com/AveryTV
www.Myspace.com/AveryStorm
Ustream.tv/channel/averytvlive
I ALWAYS reply so hit me up!!

 

Thank you for providing 24hourhiphop.com with this exclusive interview. Do you have any last words for your present and future fans?

Thank you guys so much for having me at 24hourhiphop.com I appreciate you tremendously. For my fans and future fans I appreciate you, your words of inspiration, and most of all your support. I will never let you down. I’m an artist first who loves his believers. Thank you!!