Finebeats

 

  Ok so we felt it was about time that we explored the real diversity of Hip Hop and  furthermore wanted to find out exactly where we should be looking for the hottest talent in the UK,  and well ….. look no further !

This week Finebeats hooked up with Scotlands own Steg-G. From childhood ambition to fresh sounding production and much love from G-Unit whilst rocking 10,000 plus people, proving that the UK’s talent is spread far and wide.

This is what Steg had to say when we spoke with him .

Finebeats : Do you feel there is an unfair dominance with the London artists in the UK,
with many artists being overlooked due to location ?

 Steg G : Yeah I do man,  artists do seem to get overlooked or maybe seen as toys or a joke to some media people just because they are not from the capital, this is particularly true with artists like us who use strong regional accents in their music, but you gotta expect it, because you got most of the UK’s media all based within the same few blocks in London and feeding off each other for the next scoop and its very insular, they are often too scared to take a risk on something different, so we just gotta work harder and come up with something they cant ignore and gotta take serious.

Finebeats : Do you feel Scotland has a lot to offer the Hip Hop industry if promoted
correctly ?

Steg G : Yes just like any form of music Hip Hop needs to diversify and people from different countries and cultures getting involved just adds to the rich tapestry that will help to keep Hip Hop relevant for another 30 years.  Scotland has got a lot of talent, but no backing from the industry so we got a pretty cool independent scene going up here.

Finebeats : What is it you look for in an artist when choosing artists to work with ?

Steg G : Well I usually find that when I get to meet and work with people who’s music im a fan off we have a lot in common, 

Finebeats : Do you think there is a shift in power emerging from US to UK, with many UK
artists entering the mainstream ?

Steg G : Nah not really, its just that more UK artists needed to create that pop appeal type of music to get any support from the labels and maybe they have lost a lot of the reason

Finebeats: Do you think that the UK has the potential to create a Hip Hop great to the
same heights of (for example) Jay-Z ?

Steg G : Well Dizzee Rascal and some of the grime emcee’s are definetly crossing over to the mainstream and making a name from themselves on a global level, but speaking to friends in New York about this whole UK / US thing recently and I got to agree with them, that the US has enough of its own quality music that they dont have the need or want to check for some overseas stuff with different dialect and slang

Finebeats : For someone who has never heard any of your work, how would you describe it to them ?

Steg G : Quality Hip Hop music with a Glasgow kiss and a cheeky wee swagger.

Finebeats : What would you say is the main message you try to promote through your music ?

Steg G : I suppose the message is that you can do it. I do a lot of community work and workshops and things here in Glasgow and I always try to inspire people with my own actions and achievements and encourage them to believe in their own abilities, my music is pretty positive and I get annoyed when some times certain aspects of the media try to paint us all with the Gangster rap label, just because of the gritty and real subject matter of the songs.

Finebeats : Who have been your main influences in music, and have they had any part in
the development of your style ?

Steg G : I grew up with music all around me, my dad was a bus driver and guitar tutor so I can remember seeing the blues scales and chords all over my house and guitars everywhere. Its funny how I don’t really play guitar, I can play a little, but when I first heard Hip Hop music I knew that this new sound was mine and I could run with it, but looking back I would say that my main influence in music was my dad, not cause he pushed me into it cause he didn’t, but cause he was so passionate and creative.

Finebeats : If you could choose one thing that sets you apart from others within the
Industry, what would it be ?

Steg G : Well how many other Scottish folk are there out there working with the best in the industry? My nationality and culture does make me pretty unique in the world of Hip Hop.

Finebeats : When did you first discover your talent for production ?

Steg G : I was always trying to make music as a kid, I tried to from bands with friends from about the age of 10, but my little friends probably weren’t as into it as me so it quickly folded but I always kept that mentality and aim going.

Finebeats : Was it something you were natural at or is it a product of persistence
and practice ?

Steg G : Its probably a bit of both, you got to have some natural talent to start with, but talent still needs to be worked at and developed because if you don’t keep developing your talent and skills like they say use it or lose it

Finebeats : If you could change one thing within the Hip Hop industry what would it be ?

Steg G : I would try to make the industry more open minded to new things.  Too many people try to maintain this old school Boom bap Hip Hop sound, trying to copy DJ premier, and claiming its authentic and saying that anything that is remotely different to be wack. but the music has to change and develop  in order to be relevant.

Finebeats : You have worked with a number of Talented artists in recent times, who would you say was your favourite to work with ?

Steg G : Well all the artists I work with they all bring something different to the table and I always learn so much from working with them and different people that I could never really pick a favourite.

Finebeats : What is your most memorable moment within the UK Hip Hop Industry to date ?

Steg G : I remember the first time I heard my music on the radio. It was a played by Tim Westwood on his Radio One show. He had a couple of A & R’s in the studio for a listen to some up and coming talent, he played us against LA the Darkman and Darkman won but Westwood was rooting for us. That let me know that I could do this Hip hop thing and if Westwood was feeling it well it was happening!

Finebeats : What would be your career highlight to date ?

Steg G : I would say when we were playing on 3 consecutive nights on 50 cents European Tour, that was pretty cool. We were rocking 10,000+ crowds every night and converting them to our sound as we went and selling a truckload of CD’s . The whole G unit showed us love on the road and wed got to see and do some pretty wild things so that was definatly a highlight.

Finebeats : What upcoming projects can we look forward to ?

Steg G : I got a new Steg G & the Freestyle Master album coming out early next year, were about three quarter of the way through that and so far that sounding quite different from our last record. I also got some production work with Craig G in the can too and some remixes, so im keeping busy.

Finebeats : Is there anything or anyone else exciting from power cut productions that
we should be keeping our eye on ?

Steg G : Just keep checking us out man for the latest, We got a new LP from Riddlah from Dark Rumors coming out via the label soon, and we have something with Wardie Burns an up and coming emcee from Edinburgh coming too, we just move quick and things can happen and change just like that. so keep up date with everything at www.powecutproductions.com

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