Shaw Calhoune
Shaw Calhoune
Interview
Hey Shaw, thank you for joining us! Give us a brief history of where you're from and how you got your start in Hip Hop.
Shaw Calhoune from Silver Spring, MD
How did "Fly Langston'' come together for this project, and have the goals changed from when you started it, to now?
The goal of any project is to improve to a higher level as well as prove consistency.
How is this project different from something like "The Rudy Tape" or "My Regards"?
Fly Langston was an attempt to make community forward energy. The term "Fly Langston" comes from a lyric from a previous project, and that phrase or name provoked some thought. One literal thing I was aware of was attempting to use offensive language less than previous projects.
Where did you track it, and what equipment did you use?
This was recorded at The Kaleidoscope. As far as equipment, you would have to ask the extremely helpful gentlemen there, Ben Roth and Jon Smith
Did you always know what type of music you wanted to create, or has it changed over time?
I always wanted to be a rapper. There is not really another instrument or form of entertainment I could see myself doing for people.
Tell us about your writing process...I think a lot of rock, country and pop writers only think of writing in Hip Hop as similar to what they see in movies.... break it down for us, please.
The writing process is very similar to any genre. After deciding the energy that is wanted to get across, finding instrumentals and writing lyrics almost falls into place. Of course it takes full effort to execute.
Is "co-writing" a thing when it comes to lyrics and rhymes, or does everybody tend to stick to themselves? What about beats and samples, is it collaborative at all?
Creativetly, we all connect and brainstorm, but after that everyone goes to their job. I work with the A-team, so everyone can be fully trusted in doing their part.
I'm listening to "A House Sparrow's Feather" right now and I love the jazzy vibe, kind of reminds me of Slide 5 from the 90's. Tell us where you recorded it, how you tracked it, and what sources you used for the tracks?
That song was recorded with the full project. To record projects, I set a block of days aside and took a trip up to Lancaster. Fly was recorded over two full days. Four Limbs released a special beat, Barry Marz shared nothing but positive energy, and DJ skruff tied it all together with his scratching.
I’ll give you permission to brag a bit – what’s your favorite part of the song (theory, lyrics, melody – anything)?
I like my second verse a lot. "The new cool will be real and authentic, with open arms we will embrace the eccentric" That line really embodies what me and NoNos (Big Eleanor Records) intentions are.
If you had the opportunity to place this track into any TV show, or movie, what would it be and why?
I think it would fit the Little Giants. Maybe the montage where they are all improving their skills. Throwing around toilet paper and all of that.
What musical guilty pleasure do each of you have? ;) (Mine is the Spice Girls, sorry, not sorry.)
Old 90s cartoon theme songs.
What's been the best gig you've been a part of and why?
Recently, I have performed some pretty unconventional events for a current underground hiphop artist. The Patients Waiting event was nothing but positive energy, and those Skatewagon events are changing everyone's view on a local skate scene.
If a group comes to your town, where should they grab a bite to eat?
I want to say when in Lancaster, go to Blazin J's.
If you could be a mentor to a teenage Hip Hop artist, what would you work with them on - how could you help them?
It is all about showing up and putting the work in. Leading by example is always a good way to teach and encourage.
Who do each of you think is the greatest representative for your genre? Not the best musician, per se, but the best representative of it?
Currently, I want to say Roc Marciano. I have to show love to Currensy as well.
Where can we find you on the interwebs, what are your socials?
Shaw Calhoune on all internet things.
If you could Produce a record with Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin or Whitney Houston, who would you choose - and why? ;)
Nina Simone. Can't really give a reason over the others, just who I am picking right this second.