Atlanta Hip Hop

We spoke to a very unique and talented musician today, BenTone. Born in South Carolina but now an Atlanta native, we speak in detail about the life in both cities, and go into detail on why BenTone decided to make a move for education, a now permanent one.

Also being able to play three instruments, BenTone is a triple threat – a mean vocalist, excellent music player and exceptional songwriter.

“Used to Havin’ my Way” is the first single off his “I Just Wanna” Win” album which is currently available on iTunes. Check out the details on the project and single below.

Enjoy this good read.

Interview: We’re right here with Atlanta artist Byron Benton. Now you grew up in South Carolina before moving to Atlanta.  What was life like in South Carolina?

BenTone: South Carolina is great. It will always be a part of me. I love the people and I love the nature of South Carolina. It has a wonderful feel to it; the trees and everything are beautiful. I go back every time I get a chance too.

Interview: Great. Why did you move to Atlanta?

BenTone: I moved to Atlanta because I went to college here. I went to school here and I then decided to stay. The other motive to stay in Atlanta was due to its massive music scene. I love the people of Atlanta. It’s a very diverse city.

Interview: Cool. How would you compare South Carolina to Atlanta?

BenTone: I’m from a small city in South Carolina and of course Atlanta is a big city. I think Atlanta is more diverse and has more opportunities. The city I’m from in South Carolina is quiet and doesn’t have a large population. There are more things to do in Atlanta.

Interview: No doubt. What are the main differences in the music scene?

BenTone: The music scene is obviously much bigger here in Atlanta. It seems like everybody I meet here makes music. Many people move here just to pursue music. The film scene is really picking up here too. I act as well and do print modeling.

Interview: Cool. What was your major in College?

BenTone: My major was business and marketing. Now that I have a product to market, I can’t wait to use what I learned on myself.

Interview: Cool. Why music over education?

BenTone: I didn’t necessarily choose music over my education. I did finish school. It was difficult to do both at the same time. I’m very passionate about music. It’s time for me to do something that I feel strongly about.

Interview: When did you start producing music as well?

BenTone: I began producing in 2006. I started because I grew tired of looking for beats for my own music. I can produce my own albums and it becomes more cost effective. My partner helped me produce my current album.

Interview: Which do you find more difficult, production or vocal work?

BenTone: It depends. I think that producing is more important because people pay attention to the music more than they do to the lyrics. Good music can carry a song on its own. I think the vocals are easier for me because I’ve been writing lyrics since I was a kid. I practice producing music all the time and I’m getting better and better at it.

Interview: Which do you like better?

BenTone: I like it all. I love the art of creating music. I think that my strongest point is my songwriting. I want to write the best of songs. I write rap and R&B music. I would love to have the number one album one day. I would also like to write material for an artist with a hit record. I would love to do that at the same time.

Interview: Quite the goal. How many instruments do you play?

BenTone: I play three instruments. I play the bass guitar and keyboard. I also play around on the guitar. I definitely play the bass and keyboard better than the guitar. I don’t want to make myself seem like I’m the best at playing either instrument but I can play well enough to write songs. The bass guitar is my favorite instrument. I like it most because it roars like a lion. It’s a very powerful instrument.

Interview: Tell us more about your label.

BenTone: It’s called Melodic Vision. I plan on producing my own music and writing my own music. I love to perform my own music as well. I want to market my own music to get it across to the people. Once again, I plan on writing for other artists as well. We have some big things planned. My first album is called “I Just Wanna’ Win” and it’s on iTunes right now. I’ve already begun work on my next album. I feel like I have some hits right now and if the people don’t agree, I will just keep creating more music.

Interview: Very nice. Tell them about the album’s first single.

BenTone: My first single was called “Used to Havin’ my Way.” I think the song is a hit and I plan to market it like one. I created the bassline and played the keyboard on the record. I also programmed the drums and wrote all of the lyrics. A friend of mine sang the lyrics for me. Another friend of mine helped me produce the song. I just filmed a music video for it and you can see it on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBJIiQIdJ_k.

Interview: Perfect. Do you have any last words before I let you go?

BenTone: I have big things planned. I plan on taking my music to the next level. I would like to thank everybody who ever took a second out of their day to listen to my music. I would like to give an extra special thanks to those who support my music. Follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BenTone724.

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