Bryan Lyrics, a Baltimore native, first began his musical career at 14 years old. Being influenced early on by the musical stylings of Nas, Bone Thugs -N- Harmony, The Neptunes and Kanye West, Mr. Lyrics’ music is considered conscious/back pack. Due to his inability to find the unique sound and quality beats that were required for his distinctive style, a production team (Beet Boyz Musik) was birthed. Along with his partner, J.Grizz, Mr.Lyrics now produces the majority of his own projects and many others.
BeetBoyzMusik.com
FB: @BryanLyrics
IG: @BryanLyrics
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
I always loved music and I have always been into it. I started falling in love with hip-hop particularly when I listened to the Bone Thugs -N- Harmony album, Creepin’ On Ah Come Up. Of course, Bone Thugs, Nas, Canibus, and Big Pun were my biggest influences. Basically great MC’s.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I don’t really compare myself, but I’ve been hearing a lot of J.Cole lately. What separates me from today’s era is that I’m more of a storyteller than anything else.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
EVERYTHING! Everything influences what I write. I mean, as for difficulties, I’ve been through everything from being cheated on to divorce and having kids. Then a new marriage, more kids, money issues, getting put out, repo, you name it. Just life.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
I have a crazy process. I write like 3 songs at a time. There is never any order, just by feeling alone.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed?
I plan on putting myself on every platform that I can reach. No platform too big, no platform too small. Also, me and my brother, J.Grizz (the other half of BeetBoyz Musik) make the most unique beats you will probably hear. With that, my storytelling and lyrical abilities will definitely stand out from the crowd.
6.) Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
I think at this point in life, I’d rather be independent. Knowing that I can do and say whatever I want without hands in the pot is important to me. But if the right offer was on the table where I can still have creative control, maybe I would consider it. As for the music industry, the traditional model is definitely dead. The music is watered down and lacking creativity. The marketing is ridiculous. Promotion is non-existent. Albums just drop out of the sky. Also, I think its insane that if someone streams 1 song a billion times, it can make your whole album platinum and we literally only heard 1 song.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves?
Basically, a Twitter beef can turn into a platinum album and wearing a hat can change the way your fans think about you. The benefit is you save a lot of money on marketing. You also can connect with your fans a lot easier.
8.) Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
Yes, as long as they have someone who is social media savvy. Jay-Z does it. LOL
9.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
Good question. Yes, I do consider it selling out. When it comes to me and my music, I have to just do it my way and take whatever I get from it. If I’m a millionaire or barely making it, I have to make music that feels good to me.
10.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
I see myself strictly making music as a career. Between selling beats, selling my songs and possibly ghostwriting. I’m not sure exactly how much money I will have, but I definitely will be living the dream.