Daddy-T, is Hip Hop/Rap, Reggae / Dancehall, R&B artist from Bridgeport CT, United States who emerged during the late 80’s. Daddy T was born Mark Reynolds and was also previously known as the Dutty Foreigner.
In the late 1980s he joined the hip-hop forces of such names as D.J. Snow, the Canadian patois-speaking reggae rapper and owner of the Klassique Klymaxx sound system, most famous for his 90s hit single, “Informer.” Daddy T also teamed up with Snow’s younger brother, D.J. Richie Groove. In this period Daddy T opened for a variety of artists, including: Bounty Killer, Lady Saw, Mega Banton, Sister Charmane, Mr.Lexx, the Monster Shack Crew, and more.
Daddy T’s latest single, Bring It (Remaster) featuring Bernard Jackson is now available for purchase on Amazon as well as other digital stores. In an exclusive interview we got some ideas on Daddy T’s thoughts about the music business.
How long have you been in the music game and how did you get started in the first place?
Daddy T: Well I have been doing music from i was 15,and release my first Cd in 2003
Who were your first musical influences that you can remember?
Daddy T: I would have to say Shabba Ranks, reggae dancehall artist who won a Grammy
Which artists are you currently listening to? And is there anyone of these that you’d like to collaborate with?
Daddy T: Well I like the way Eve from Ruff Ryders Rap. Love to do a callabo with her any day.
Have you suffered any ‘resistance’ or skepticism from within the industry and fellow artists, and if so how have you handled that?
Daddy T: No, none at all
Do you consider video an important part in promoting and marketing your music? Where can we find your latest video?
Daddy T: I have videos on Youtube and lots more video channel, I am now working on a Video for my single Bring it Ft Bernard Jackson
Studio recordings or performing live in front of an audience, which of these do you prefer most and why?
Daddy T: For me i love both, but if I have to choose I would say live performance.
Tell us something about the beats and music production on your releases. Do you write and compose them or do you work with other writers and Producers?
Daddy T: I work with other producers, but also make my own beats and write my own lyrics.
On which of your songs do you think you delivered your personal best performance so far, from an emotional and technical point of view?
Daddy T: I would have to say Bring it, the delivery and unique style of both artistS.
Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in a genre overflowing with new faces and ideas?
Daddy T: I am a reggae artist, i do hip hop, Produce other artists and write my own songs.
If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other drives you to stay in this tough business. Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?
Daddy T: It’s the joy and the love I have for the music. It’s not all about money.
Which aspect of being an independent artist and the music making process excites you most and which aspect discourages you most?
Daddy T: Well with the major you get funds, from record company and your label. Being an indie artist you have to spend to promote and have to work with a very small budget.
Tell us something about your songwriting process. What usually comes first the lyrics or the beats?
Daddy T: I like to write to the beat and I also freestyle just to get the vibes going but I can do it both ways. I can write and the producer makes the beat afterwards.
How involved are you in any or all of the recording, producing, mastering, and marketing processes of your music. Do you outsource any of these processes?
Daddy T: I record my own tracks but I think its best recording with the pro. I market my own songs and work with another marketing company as well.
The best piece of advice in this business you actually followed so far, and one you didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?
Daddy T: Best advice, is to do music for the love of it, not just for money and try to give it your best that means, stay committed.
At this point, as an independent artist, which is the one factor you desire most, and feel will undeniably benefit the your future (for example increased music distribution, better quality production, more media exposure, bigger live gigs etc…)?
Daddy T: All of the above, i mean better distribution and record sales, that will mean more live shows & concerts, and then we will grow bigger fan base, and have a wider crowd.
Do you consider Internet and all the social media websites, as fundamental to your career, and indie music in general, or do you think it has only produced a mass of mediocre “copy-and-paste” artists, who flood the web, making it difficult for real talent to emerge?
Daddy T: The internet is like the next life for artist, websites like Reverbnation, Facebook & Twitter provides a good start for each and every indie artist who wants to try and make it.
Could you tell us something about your latest music releases and where fans can find them?
Daddy T: The Reggae Single Bring it Ft Bernard Jackson was Produced by Wagon Music Works it’s a remastered track from 2010 that got just a little bit of promotion, you can find both versions at amazon.com.
Which song (or songs) in your catalog best describes the sound and style you ultimately want to consolidate and why?
Daddy T: The Back Biter Single is a hardcore Hip Hop song, which shows the performing side of me in the reggae world, my sound and style is much like Sean Paul or Shaggy. it’s a blend.
What do you think is the biggest barrier you have to face and overcome as an indie artist, in your quest to achieve your goals and wider spread success?
Daddy T: Me or my label signing with a major company would help a lot, the funds can do a lot on promotion, Distribution is not a problem you have Cdbaby or Mondotunes for that.
What is the ONE thing you are NOT willing or prepared to do EVER, in your quest to achieve a successful musical career?
Daddy T: I will not go on American idol, a Rapper or Reggae Artist will not win. For me it’s only for people with good singing voices.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
Artist Website
Amazon
Reverbnation
Facebook
Twitter