Interview With Hip Hop/R&B Artist And Actor ‘Martel Smooth’

How did you come up with your artist name? 

Ok so when I was younger I remember people always asking me “Why are you so smooth? My reply was “I don’t know” So when thinking about my name I wanted it to be unique but authentic to not only who I am as an artist but who I am as a person. I said people always asked me why I am so smooth so okay “Shorty Smooth, then Young Smooth. Then I said I can use my middle name that way I can still have the real me in the name. Here we are now with Martel Smooth.

How long have you been in the music industry? 

I really don’t consider myself to be in the music industry. I’m in and of the culture. I do my own thing man and whoever likes it likes it. Whoever supports it supports it. I believe I’m the last of a fleeting breed. I do this 150% because I love it, I enjoy it and nowadays it’s rare to find people who put this much work in just because they love it and love to do it. It’s no big homie investing money into me, it’s no co signs, no clout chasing, I’m not doing this for a bag of money, i’m not doing this to be famous, just because I love it! Now do I want to make money? Sure, do I want as many supporters as possible? sure. This is why I created my own record label and signed myself. Champagne Music is the imprint, I own the company and the trademark so I’m very business minded. Isell merch at www.smoothshow.net/shop. See I have been on the scene for a while, there’s many movies and music videos that you guys have watched that I was in but you guys wouldn’t know because you can barely see me or it was only for a few seconds. I must say looking back on the journey, when I was in Chris Brown’s Loyal music video, I thought I was on lol. I mean one of the biggest artists of our era. See the thing is at that point I had been on hundreds of movie sets and I would do scenes and they would always get cut out so when Loyal came out and I actually was able to see myself on the big screen I was extremely excited. Even in the video if you look closely my head was down because at that point I was so used to my scenes getting cut out of films and music videos that I was like “My scene is going to get cut out anyway so I might as well play with my phone in this scene. I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to soak up hands-on experience within the entertainment industry. I call those days of my life my interning days, being a fly on the wall and soaking up knowledge.

How did you get started in the music business in the first place?

Okay, so I don’t like name dropping and stuff because I don’t want anyone to think I’m trying to come up off that but I have to tell my truth right. The odd thing is I had been writing music and recording since about 9 or 10 years old but it was for fun. By the age of 14, I was doing it just for me and my friends and our neighborhood. By 17 I found out I had a child on the way and I said to myself it’s time to figure out what you want to do with your life. I picked music and film and never looked back. Now my nephew on my father’s side came to Michigan to visit us back when I was like in 11th or 12th grade. He had played the kid on the big wheel in the classic film “Menace To Society”. We were chilling in my room and I said I want to be an actor. He told me, “You might as well be a rapper because all the rappers are taking most of the acting jobs.” Then a light bulb went off. See back at that time all the rappers were taking most of the acting jobs. So it was a mixture of both because I had a child on the way and chose it as my path and that conversation with my nephew.

How would you describe your latest single? 

I would describe my latest single as one of my favorite songs to date. I have 50 something songs on all streaming platforms and thousands of songs that the world has never heard, then I have hundreds of free mixtape songs on my website. My latest single is entitled Martel Smooth – Legend. I liked the song so much that I created two different music videos for it and I have never made two music videos for 1 song before. This is me telling the world to put some respect on my name. I have some cool experiences of people I worked with or met. I have put in 10,000 hours into my craft with hands-on experience. I also have studied this for a very long time. So my confidence is coming from a real place because I have put in the work and I’m currently still putting in the work. I’m good at what I do, put some respect on my name, I’m a Legend. I’ve always felt like I was the best but the world didn’t know it yet. See i don’t look to be better than anyone else. It’s me vs. me because I am simply trying to out do what I did previously. I want to be the best version of myself. I’m always looking to improve myself, you’re never too good for improvement. I’m always looking to learn, grow and evolve.

When can fans expect the visuals for the single?

The visuals are already out for this single. Martel Smooth – Legend {Official Music Video) Available on YouTube! I actually have 2 different versions of the music video.

Who are your inspirations in the music industry?

I am inspired by everyone, like I literally pull inspiration from everywhere. I fell in love with music because I was in my bunk bed while going to sleep. My brother was at the bottom bunk and i was at the top bunk. He was playing Digital Underground’s “I Get Around” That is the moment I fell in love with music as a young child. I also recall earliest memories watching Michael Jackson’s MoonWalker and mimicking all his dance moves and I would watch that all day. So it started as Michael Jackson and Tupac. Then it grew the older I got. I would go back and study people before my time. Adding Marvin Gaye, T.I., The Dream, Bobby Brown, Aaliyah, Jay Z, Nas, LL Cool J, Dangelo, Maxwell, Method Man. If I kept going I would have to name everyone, there’s too many to add. Sorry, but to keep it real musically speaking R Kelly is a musical influence. If I had to sum it up… Tupac, Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, D’angelo, Jay-Z, Nas, Kanye West, and I know R Kelly is like taboo to talk about right now but “MUSICALLY SPEAKING “ R Kelly is one of my favorite musicians of all time. Sorry if that answer was too long. However I pull from life and other artists. To be completely honest I’m a creative so I pull inspiration from any and everywhere.

How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?  

Now sometimes it just comes to me. I wait until I’m inspired to create then I create. I listen to the beat/music and I sit at a desk and write, I still write in notebooks. Sometimes I write the lyrics in my head while listening to the beat/music. It never really takes me too long to make a song. Now I may spend a few weeks or a month just listening to a beat while trying to see what direction I want to go in. However once I lock into the recording session. You know the hardest quality to have is to “keep it simple” I live by that rule. I try not to overthink or else that’s when you run into writing problems. I do more feeling than thinking in my creative process.

What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?

I’m putting the finishing touches on my next project. It will be my best to date. The concept is a coming of age project. It’s understanding that you are at the point of no return and you can’t go backwards.

Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?

Not at the moment but I am open to it. Even if not a tour I may do a few performances.

What did you buy with your first check off music?

Honestly I’m still working towards that first big check. When I do though it will be property/land.

What are must haves when your in the studio working?

Champagne, 1 shot of Vodka, Green Ball Point Pen, And Green Notebook. Macbook Pro Or iMac and iPhone.

What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?

The best advice I can think of is that everyone’s journey is different. Therefore try everything out that you can. Don’t block your blessings because your journey looks different than someone else’s . It’s supposed to be that way, it’s just like a fingerprint. None of us have the same fingerprint, so I embrace my journey the same way as that. Be YOU everyone else is taken.

Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?

Absolutely but it has to be organic but I am open to collaboration.

What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?

I have not worked with any major artists yet.

Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?  

I would love to work with J Cole, Sade,Kanye and Dr Dre.

Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats  or for the lyrical flow and content?

I do believe that it is because of both the beats and the lyrical flow. Not only that but if you actually listen to what I’m saying to the beat is actually dope. Sometimes it’s autobiographical, sometimes it’s something I’ve seen. Sometimes it’s just pure humor/comedy. Sometimes it’s serious and sometimes it’s just fun. Sometime it’s sad. I like to give people different vibes. As a person we have different emotions , my job is to give you music for every emotion. I like you to see more than one side to my artistry.

What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)

I need to work on everything but if I had to pick delivery, stage presence and voice patterns. Also with us being in a TikTok day and age I would like to brush up on my dancing. Don’t get it twisted I’m not trying to be Chris brown or usher or nothing like that but I like to move with the times. In this day and age with TikTok I feel like you have to find a way to adjust and add some sort of dancing to your package.

What’s your all-time favourite song? 

Too many to name but If I had to pick one off the top of my head it would be Stevie Wonder- Another Star.

What was the last album you listened to?

The last album I listened to was Andre 3000 The Love Below. It’s One of my favorite albums to listen to.

Your favourite artist of all time and why?

2PAC Because to me he embodied everything. I also love how his talent in music matched his talent in acting in film and television as well.

Whose your favourite five artists right now? 

Right now other than myself it would be Drake and J Cole. Those would be my favorite at the moment. I can give my top 5 of all time. Remover this is my top 5, not the worlds top 5. 2pac, Mike Jackson, Aaliyah, Jay Z and R Kelly would be my top 5 off all time. My 6th-10 would be Kanye West ,DMX, Marvin Gaye and D’angelo. I know I switched the question up . Hope you don’t mind.

In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist  in your genre today and why?

The most successful and influential would have to be Drake and Jay -Z in my opinion. They both have managed to have the best runs in Hip Hop thus far in my opinion. Both are still going , that’s what’s dope about it to. Idk I like people who show longevity. I thinks it’s a good example that you don’t have to stop if you don’t want to. Just continue to grow and evolve.

Who have been some of your favourite artists that you’ve been able to work with?

None yet.

How do you feel about the current state of music? 

I feel as if the current state of music is repetitive and I’m bored with it.

Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?

I used to care about this but not anymore but if I had to pick one it would be The Grammy’s.

What is your main goal as far as music?

My main goal is to leave a long lasting effect on this game. To gain as many supporters as I possibly can while making a living off of it. Honestly to leave my mark and bring back the type of music that I enjoy. I also would also like to make a healthy living off of this but even if I never made a dime I would still do it for free to the highest ability. Look I don’t force my music on anyone, I’m not going to beg for support. Whoever likes it I ask you support it share it, make social media vids to it, post it, stream it, watch it or buy some Merch. I get that everything is not for everyone so if you don’t like me or what I do all I ask is pay me no mind. It costs you nothing. Don’t come on my page, don’t go to my YouTube and don’t stream my music, it’s that simple. This is for the people who do like what I do.

Who would you say your music relates to the most?

Honestly I can’t answer that question. I don’t like to compare myself to others.

What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)

I do believe what makes me different is my point of view is very different, my style is different, the way I carry myself and my look and my sound. I also think what separates me is that I do many different things meaning I’m multidimensional and I have so much diversity.

When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?

The thing I like to do most is absolutely nothing. Watching Youtube and relaxing.

If you could work with any producer who would it be?

Timbaland And Kanye West. Timbaland is my all time favorite producer.

What’s the biggest highlight of your career thus far?

In Well back in February I found out that January 2021 my song entitled “2020” Hit the radio station in the Philippines. The song peaked on radio at Number 16 on the top 100 “world” charts. So that was pretty dope and I’m forever grateful. 🇵🇭

What is your dream venue to perform at?

Ford Field and Madison Square Garden.

What’s the name of the last book you read and by whom?

Off The Wall Marketing Ideas By Nancy Michaels and Debbi J. Karpowicz.

What’s your favourite sports team and why?

Right now it has to be Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets as of right now. Also Kyrie Irving is one of my favorite players. They are the most exciting to watch! I know you didn’t ask but I’ma Ja Morrant fan as well. Of course Lebron James and Melo too.

Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?

Denzell Washington and my favorite film by him is “Fallen.”

Name someone famous who inspires you and why?

I’m inspired by many people for many different reasons From Steve Jobs To Tk Kirkland.

What can we expect from you in the future?

You can expect much more acting from me and playing with singing a lot more in the future.When I say singing I don’t mean full fledge singer. I will be doing a lot more melody driven music. I like to mix the raps with the melody’s. I think that’s just where the game is at right now. You just have to know how to do it in YOUR own way you know. My music , I’m giving you gumbo, it’s mixed with everything because I pull from everywhere. Honestly expect me to continue to change, grow and evolve and continue to push the envelope of the art/culture.

Where can the fans check out for your music?

On all music platforms type “Martel Smooth” It’s about 60 different songs on there. So don’t judge me based off one song, dive into the artist before you decide if it’s for you or not.

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