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It's always nice to find a new group that you love to listen to. It's even that much better when they come to you! If you've been following WFSL (beatwizemusic.blogspot.com) for a while, you've heard this name come up a few times. Two Crown King is a two-man rapping & singing duo from London, Ontario, Canada. After going back and forth with emails for the past few weeks, me and the band got to speak to each other about their development, inspirations, and much more! They seem to be a down-to-Earth, fun-loving crew who love music and literally live for it. A great Q&A if I do say so myself. Check it out!
Beatwize: Hey guys, it's good to finally have you on the blog. To start off, tell our readers a little about yourselves.
Two Crown King: We met at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario while studying Music Industry Arts. Sean originally hails from the most radio active city in Canada. Dick is from Baden-Baden, Germany which, apparently in english means "heaven on earth". Ok, not really, but man it's a nice place.
Beatwize: Cool stuff. You guys seem to be working very hard on your debut. How's that going?Two Crown King: The album is coming along well. We're working very closely with our producer Dan Weston. This is our first time working with him and we could not be happier. The record is being recorded guerilla style in our basement, completely independently. This gives us the freedom to create when the time is right without financial pressure or time constraints. The album is still untitled and we are actively accepting suggestions.
Beatwize: For sure, your sound is definitely something new, or at least very rare. How did this whole idea of rapper and soul-singer along with a rock-ish theme come about? Were there any other artists that gave you inspiration in the process?
Two Crown King: Sean started fronting bands at 13, playing in blues bars and other dives. Dick started writing songs in high school after his friends (who did way too many drugs) couldn't remember the good times they were having. This actually led to his love for storytelling. After meeting in college we ended up sharing stages together. Eventually, we made the decision to write together full time. Both of us pull from a wide range of influences such as; Brother Ali, Raphael Saadiq, the Band, Phish, Atmosphere, Rise Against, Amy Winehouse and Talking Heads. Our biggest influence on the album would have to be Dan Weston though. He has such a great focus when he creates. For him it has to be real, organic and drenched in soul.
Beatwize: It’s everyone’s dream to do what they love for a living. What made you want to pursue music professionally?Sean: Ha! You think it was a choice? I've tried to leave this horrible mistress many times, but she won't let me.
Dick: It wasn't so much a choice as it was a last resort. After I realized the Redskins would never draft me, I immediately decided that I needed to learn another skill. Sean already knew how to sing and I'm not good looking enough to just stand there.
Beatwize: Being from Canada can sometimes be a hurdle to get into the industry. Why do you think it's so tough to get recognition, even in our own country?
Dick: I disagree. It's easier now, more than ever. New media outlets such as social networking sites and music blogs allow new acts to reach thousands of new listeners over night. The hurdle isn't necessarily being from Canada as much as it is being an independent group looking for major exposure.
Sean: Times have definitely changed. I remember spending hours back in the day cold calling labels, mailing out press kits and driving for hours to play some in some hole just for the opportunity to reach a few new ears. Thank god for modern conveniences.
Beatwize: I guess that’s true, Canadian hip-hop really has been booming lately. So, what fellow Canadian artists are you currently feeling?
Dick: Shad, Okay City, Hey! Ocean, Billy Talent, Alexisonfire.
Sean: There are a lot these days. K-Os for sure. Sweet Thing. I miss Big Sugar, and my all time favorite...the Band.
Beatwize: Looks pretty similar to my list! Any artists you guys dream of working with in the future?
Sean: Norman Cook, David Byrne, Brother Ali, Atmosphere.
Dick: Hannah Montana
Beatwize: Haha, I’m sure, Adam. Will we be seeing any collaborations on the album at all?Two Crown King: We're working on one but we don't wanna jinx it. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!
Beatwize: So have you guys been locked up in the studio working on that album or are you guys doing shows? If so, where at?
Two Crown King: Actually, we have yet to play a show as Two Crown King. We're excited for some upcoming dates and have recently put together some of the dirtiest musicians to back us up. Believe it, the live show will be bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S, right Gwen?
Beatwize: Let me know when you're reaching Toronto! Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sean: Five Junos deep, completely covered in gold wearing and velvet capes.
Dick: Hannah Montana
Beatwize: Lmao, glad to see you guys agree on things! Anything else you'd like to say?
Two Crown King: In case our last threat fell upon deaf ears: Billy Mitchell, beware. It's time to bring the tough kids to justice!
Beatwize: Thanks and good luck!
Two Crown King: Semper fi.
Check out they're music in the following places:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TwoCrownKing
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/twocrownking
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/TwoCrownKing
