Interview with ALAZAR, a German rap artist

ALAZAR, who’s name is actually Henok, is a great example of a young ambitious artist at the beginning of his career. His music spreads a chilled and cool vibe, exactly like his appearance. Find out how it all started and check out his new song “HIGH”!

https://ampl.ink/gexRp

Lara: Hi ALAZAR! How did you get the idea of becoming an artist?

ALAZAR: I would rather say that I was growing into the business. It all started with a strong interest in music and singing. After a while, I thought that I would like to show this to someone and hope for external feedback and if it’s appealing going further. I started with cover music and got very positive feedback, so it went step by step. Then I came to the point of becoming an artist and developed my own music, in which I could incorporate my creativity. So in the end, you can say, that the idea came to my mind when I was lying on my bed on a random day.

Lara: How did you start your career? What methods did you use?

ALAZAR: As I said before, I started with covering tracks. There is basically no right or wrong, just do it. You have to fade out everything else, especially from time to time other’s opinions, because there are also people that really like what you are doing. And concerning the methods, nowadays almost everything is spread with social media, Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook. And these were the same platforms that I’ve also used and still use to spread my music. The next step would be including streaming websites. But there are a lot of different approaches on how to start the career.

Lara: What difficulties do you see?

ALAZAR: Well, there are a lot, because you often don’t really know what’s the right way to begin. This can lead to desperation and not getting to a solution for the next step. In my case, at the point where I am no one is putting obstacles in my way on purpose, at least I think so. But you can not go by thinking that everyone likes your work and you really have to identify your style, to target your audience that you want to address. By no means it’s easy, a lot of it has to do with reflecting, how can you go on? How can you reach more people? In the end, nobody knows how to make it, for example, to get access to the big labels and get these people on your side. You’re basically on your own in this big pool filled with sharks.

Lara: How time-consuming is your hobby?

ALAZAR: Very much (laughs), I also study, that means I really have to follow good time management. But if I get the time, it will often require a whole day. I can’t tell you a specific amount, but when I start something, I want to have it done and ready to release. So I guess one song requires a whole day of work, but it all depends on how many songs I write. Another obstacle is that I study in Münster and the studio, in which I record the music, is in Mainz. And I also get invited by others to come over and make music with them. That is all time, that I’m constantly investing in my hobby, but for me, by now it is more than just a hobby. There is really a pigtail, that is time-consuming when It comes to the production and the promotion afterward. But to be honest, I don’t really look at the time, because I love what I’m doing, but to sum it up, I would say, that it takes my whole free time.

Lara: What distinguishes you from other artists?

ALAZAR: I hope that’s my voice (laughs). There are so many unbelievably talented artists, in Germany but also worldwide and it’s basically a big shark tank, in which you throw yourself into and try to stand out. We do it in a trio, with my best friend who I’ve known since High School and my producer who I’ve met along the way. He is responsible for the producing, mixing and mastering of the music. So, he is the one who creates my background beats while my best buddy takes care of the social media appearance, that means artwork, videos, and photos. I have my say in everything and nothing goes without my approval, but I wouldn’t be able to do any of it without them. In my opinion, this constellation as a trio is something that distinguishes me from others. You also have to be very clear about your strengths and weaknesses, and I would say about myself that I have a confident appearance and self-presentation, so it’s not all about a good voice and a talent to sing. What really counts is the message in your songs, what kind of songs do you want to create? What kind of feeling do you want to arouse in your audience? We call this vibe and there are a lot of different things coming together that distinguish an artist from another. It includes also the hard work, you really have to push yourself and be consistent, and then it’s about connecting with people, who can push you in the business, and networking. Besides my voice, I would say this is also a strength of mine.

Lara: Which kind of social media channels do you use to promote your music?

ALAZAR: As I already mentioned previously, I use Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, Twitter. But the main channel is nowadays Instagram. (Check out his page @alazar.xo!)

Lara: Which costs occur at the beginning?

ALAZAR: Right at the beginning, there were very low costs, because you can try first on your own and keep the standard low. I started by downloading instrumentals to sing the cover songs to for a few euros only. What you really need is the equipment to record your music. Luckily I got it as a present. You’ll need a microphone, interface, laptop, including software, so at the beginning, you definitely have to invest. I’ve got many friends and people, who supported me and still do, that’s why I could keep my costs relatively low. But I can imagine, if you do it all on your own, you’ll have to consider high costs. With every song release, costs occur because of the placement on the streaming platforms.

Lara: Do you get supported with the promotion?

ALAZAR: We as a team do the online promotion all by ourselves. To handle the arising costs I’ve got a part-time job at university and also get supported by my parents. The best and cheapest way to promote your music is having a good network and a lot of people, who are willing to share your songs via Instagram for example. So I’m so grateful for every shared post and song, it really means a lot to me, when people like my music and share it.

Lara: Have you had any live performances so far?

ALAZAR: With my own music no, but I’ve made some experiences with cover music, for example, my graduation at school or at a fashion store party in Mainz.

Lara: Do you get inspired by other artists or do you try to create your own style?

ALAZAR: Of course, I get inspired by other artists, there are so many great artists, I really look up to. Not only the music but also their appearance and presentation in public, their lyrics, and messages. And eventually, your own style will be the result of this inspiration. I don’t think I will ever be done finding my own style, because it’s constantly developing, and I constantly want it to develop and try out different and new things. I am influenced by so many different genres and I try to connect them together to create something unique, something that goes along with my very own, personal style. I would never copy another artist’s work! There is a huge discrepancy between copying and being inspired, but I definitely have a look at other artist’s work and approaches in the industry and I respect and appreciate every single one of them.

Lara: Your future plans?

ALAZAR: My dream is to turn my hobby into a real career and basically do every day what I love, that would me make the happiest person on earth. My aim is to be my own boss and work whenever and wherever I want to. But these are the big plans. In the near future, I wish to develop myself and release music constantly. I’ve got many ideas and songs in reserve, that I want to publish this year. You are always hoping for a song that is going through the roof and leads to a breakthrough.

Lara: That was really interesting, thank you so much for the interview!

ALAZAR: You are very welcome!