Jamie kicks off the ‘One to Watch’ series with the one like MC Fatez. Some may know him from his time alongside Harry Shotta and Skibadee. Here’s how it goes down..
For those that don’t know of MC Fatez, break it down for us – where did the music game start for you? Were you a raver back in the 90’s? A kid growing up on tape packs?
“My love for music has been there since I was a kid, when I think about it there was always music in our house and my Ma was always dancing with us and encouraging us to be expressive. As I got older I discovered drum & bass, garage and grime through tape packs and pirate radio. I then became addicted to writing lyrics and used my lyrics as a way to express myself and connect with people.”
When did it hit you that you wanted to be an MC?
“Probably the moment when I started recording songs in a studio. They started flying around on MSN, radio and getting all over the uk. It’s such a great feeling when your music connects to others and once I got that buzz it became my main goal to do what I’m doing now.”
A lot of MCs are obviously influenced by a variety of hip hop MCs, is this the case with you?
“Yeah definitely, from UK and the USA. Guys like Wiley, Ghetts, Skepta and Giggs are killing it so you have to applaud and be influenced by their movements as well as Drake and a few others in America. Our scene in this country is so healthy right now across a lot of genres and it’s great to see. Obviously growing up in the 90’s hip hop in America had it on lock but I think it’s our time now.”
Who would you say has been a big influence in your career so far?
“There’s a few to be fair. Harry Shotta has always been a big influence and I learned a lot about the game from him, you have to appreciate what he’s managed to achieve and the barriers as an MC he continues to break down in drum and bass. Another MC would be Skibadee, again he’s broken down barriers, achieved legendary status and continues to shut down sets like every set matters! On top of that he has always been helpful, respectful and encouraging towards me. Lastly is Erb N Dub who has taught me a lot about music and helped me grow as an artist. He’s currently producing my album too which I can’t wait to finish and put out this year.”
What’s been your biggest achievement in the scene as of now?
“My biggest achievement so far is probably the work rate I put in and music I put out that made Shotta & Phantasy take notice and involve me in the Harry Shotta Show. From there we went on to tour everywhere and I got to perform on pretty much every rave I grew up dreaming of performing on in front of thousands of ravers! Now I’m ready to up the levels some more, achieve success and bring some great vibes to raves on my own.”
You have already embraced video culture in terms of putting videos out alongside your own lyrics, what’s next in terms of social media?
“I think for me it’s more of the same. Social media is a great tool to help push your music and my brand so I plan to produce more videos, more music, more clothing and share a few moments with fans of my everyday life too plus behind the scenes bits in the build up to releasing my debut album.”
Do you have a certain technique when putting pen to paper? How do you zone out?
“Yeah the vibes got to be right for me to zone out and write. My favourite place is in the studio though with no distractions, just me and the beat.”
What’s next on the cards in terms of live performances and breaking further into the scene?
“More work! Networking and pushing my music and myself as an MC out there. I’ve been building a good rep from each rave I perform at and my fan base is becoming bigger and more supportive with every show so hopefully by the end of this year I’ll be able to establish myself as both an MC and a host across a number of raves.”
Do you feel limited in terms of progression? What’s your thoughts on DJs having more of an advantage over MCs when it comes to breaking through? How about producers?
“Yeah it’s hard. You’ve really got to want it, stay focused and work hard. There’s time when there’s frustration but I don’t blame DJs or producers for it being harder for MCs I think it’s just ingrained a little bit from past impressions of MCs.
I think that’s changing now though, the levels are very high now, especially following the breakthrough of Azza, Grima and Dreps.
Not forgetting the success of an MC led group SaSaSaS. Hopefully myself and a few others will follow next.”
Any shouts or big ups?
“I just want to big up all the ravers! Drum and bass has the best scene in the world and it continues to grow which is amazing to see and be a part of. Big up all the artists, bloggers, websites, promoters that are all playing their part to make everything grow and be bigger and better as well.”
Fatez debut album ‘THA BOY’ out later this year