UDC: Name? Who you are. Background Information?

BB: My name is Bavu Blakes. I’m an emcee, vocal producer and smart guy in the southwest based in Texas. Mainly between Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Denton, that kind of area. I could be considered one of the most visible independent artist in the state of Texas.

UDC: Explain what your artist name means to you.

BB: Bavu Blakes is my real name. So it means, I’m talking about what’s real to me. This is to make honest original authentic music.

UDC: How do you think the mix tape circuit has evolved over the last five years?

BB: There are artists that are generating buzz, getting deals, exposure and fan base as a result of it. Especially down here, the last three groups to get a deal were Chamillionaire, Slim Thug and Swisha house; they run the mix tape game. It is a great way to keep constant product and add to your catalogue. It is also an excellent way to keep your fans engaged, interested and tuned in to what you are doing.
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UDC: How do you feel the internet has affected your genre of music and the music industry as a whole?

BB: I think it is a blessing for the little man as far as being able to reach consumers, potential fans and developing fans. It gives you a more direct route, a hands-on approach, allowing you to sit in your chair and promote albums on iTunes. There has been a lot of video coverage and distribution for me on the web to a point it surprises me how many people are aware of what I'm doing. They appreciate it and even purchase it. The internet can allow you to market beyond your realm and the reach of a flyer. It gives you a bit of a fair share of marketing yourself compared to major labels.

UDC: How hard do you think that it is for a southern artist to gain exposure when you don’t sound like your from the south?

BB: If you push ice cream, bubble gum, this kind of cd, that kind of cd, a book or a drug it all comes down to working hard.

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That is why on my album the word create is small and the word hustle is in huge block letters because it is far more important on how much energy you put into push. You have to take the music out there. The Sources, the Vibes and the MurderDogs caught on and endorse what I was doing. I would have never known if I didn't step out with the best foot forward.

UDC: Describe yourself five years from now?

BB: Stable, happy and working in music in some capacity. Hopefully I will have done three or four world tours and a fourth album, that would be nice. Honestly I do not know what I'll be doing in five years but I will be working in music and continuing to work in journalism. Continue to work with other artists like D-madness, a multi-talented artist and producer. I also work with NickNack of Crowd Control Records, who actually put me into the business. Also Hydroponics Sound System on Alternate Take Records. So hopefully out of the whole movement that I'm a part of overall we will see some success. That it just success in life, music and all that.

UDC: Do you have any words of encouragement for artist looking for a deal?

BB: Read books and study everything that worked and didn't work. The business and even the creative process evolved. Performing from studio to stage. By knowing that side of performing, the business side will be easy. Make sure you believe in yourself.

UDC: What is your next project?

BB: We just put out a vinyl EP called “Southern Borders Soul” released by the Hydroponic Sound System and Alternate Take Records. I have an album that I’m working on called “Too Selfish” and I do not know when it is coming out. Scion is pressing half million mixed CD's called “Coming out of the Basement. My "Play the Role" remix by Symbolic One is on that CD and I believe that is coming out in January. The Hydroponic Sound System’s EP, grids, loops, and intersections were picked for overseas CD and video distribution and we are looking to do a dual mix tape.

UDC: Are there any words that you would like to express to your audience?

BB: It is bangin' like never before and I'm growing as an artist. Anybody who is a fan of mine it is greatly appreciated and any DJs that have played my music it is appreciated. I appreciate Undevco for this interview. Any attention I can get as an artist it is greatly appreciated. It is testament to hard work when people do want to be your fan when you are just some dude that is trying to make it.

BAVU BLAKES
www.bavublakes.com
www.myspace.com/bavu
bah_voo@yahoo.com
512.740.1094

Interviewed By Lejend@undevco.com
Photography By Ean Pegram