Outasight Interview: SXSW 2010

Posted on Mar 14th 2010 9:07PM by Chris Opfer
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Hip-hop vocalist Outasight is often referred to as "fresh," "new" or "unique" by those who review his work, but for the Yonkers-born MC who grew up listening to his mom's records and his dad's guitar, a groove-driven take on hip-hop is simply a product of varied musical interests. With a new contract and an album in the works, 2010 is shaping up to be a big year for the self-described "musical chameleon." The artist formerly known as Richard Andrew made a name for himself with a homemade video for 'Good Evening (Dream Big),' which gained rotation after winning an MTVU contest last year. That helped Outasight earn a spot in shows with rap luminaries Ghostface Killah and Dead Prez, and a major label contract with Warner Bros. Records/Asylum Recordings, and now, as he prepares for the release of his CD, 'From Here to Eternity,' this summer and a second-consecutive trip to SXSW, the rapper and singer talked to Spinner.

How did you come up with the name Outasight?

Originally, my rap name was 'Outsight,' which was like "insightful, but outside the box." [Laughs] I was trying to be clever. Then I left New York for awhile to go back to college. When I came back to Manhattan, I hadn't seen anyone in awhile, and my friend was like "Yo, you ain't Outsight, you Outasight." I liked it. I like the soulful '70s connotation that comes with it.

Were you always into hip hop growing up?

I saw the Tribe Called Quest 'Scenario' video when I was like eight. It was so awesome, and I was sold from the get. My mom got me some records -- the Tribe album -- and I was gone. But I listen to punk rock too, so I'm kind of a musical chameleon.

How'd you get started performing?

Years ago, I probably started doing shows, and rapping as Outasight about five years ago. I had been singing and doing other stuff before. We used to do shows at a spot called Sputnik. That's where I started to hone my craft. I came up with a lot of the New York artists, and I just started pounding the pavement.

Is it tough to build a following?

When we're doing these shows, if you just get one or two people listening, that keeps you going. It's just been slowly building.

Tell me about the 'Good Evening' video.

In 2008, I put out a mixtape; I had this song called 'Good Evening.' Me and my friend (Andre Hibbert) made a video for it that was totally low budget: black and white and the whole nine. We got the video into a contest on MTVU called 'The Freshmen' and won that week, so the video started to get some play.

And now you're with Warner Bros.?

Yeah. I'm definitely excited about that. I have an EP dropping at the end of March that's got a bunch of songs from my mixtape, and I should have the LP done by May. I'm working on that now.

Do they have a lot of input as to what goes on the album?

Definitely more input. Now you're in the big leagues. But at the same time, they signed me for what I do, so the cool thing is no one tells me what has to go on the record.

What's your experience with SXSW?

Last year I was there, but it was a little more low key. Austin is such a great place for music. (SXSW) is the Mardi Gras of music. For an artist coming up, it's a good experience.

Who are your influences, musically?

Stevie Wonder, Kanye, Mos Def, the Beatles. I'm really into melody-driven stuff. Stevie and Paul McCartney are some of the best melody guys.

So you'd take the Beatles over the Rolling Stones?

Yeah, but look, I was listening to 'Exile on Main Street' last week. That's classic stuff.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

First off, granola bars. I like the Kashi granola bars. Sometimes you don't have a lot of time to eat. Also, Throat Coat tea bags. You're gonna have to keep your throat on blast. And an iPod for down time, if you ever get any.

What's your biggest vice?

Buffalo wings. (Shouts) Damn you, buffalo wings!

Chris Opfer is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.