Lavelle is a passionately prolific Writer, Producer, and Recording & Mixing Engineer (among other things) who currently resides in the city of Los Angeles. Originally from Rialto, California, he began his musical journey as a Producer thanks to his cousin’s introduction of FL Studio. Upon graduating high school, he then went on to study Recording Arts and Entertainment Business at Full Sail University and received his B.A. and M.A. respectively. Within that time, Lavelle fell in love with engineering and thought it would be his primary love. But soon, he discovered his undeniable knack for both writing and rapping.We recently politick with Lavelle about his career and current projects.
Thanks for stopping by to politick with us. I was reading that you are from California. Can you discuss your background and how you fell in love with music?
Thank you for having me!
I’m originally from Rialto, California. It’s a little city in the I.E then I moved to Burbank, California when I started 5th grade. I have always loved music since I was a kid but my expression was dancing. I’ve been dancing since I can remember and I didn’t start taking an interest in rapping and singing until I hit middle school. I was in the middle school choir so I have some pretty impressive street cred.
Can you talk about your name? What do you think about the fact of being a graduate in production from Full Sail benefits you as a emcee?
Sadly, I don’t have a cool story behind my name. It was the name I was born with, but I can say my dad wanted me to change my name as an artist even though he gave me this one. Kind of ironic, I know. Having graduated from Full Sail means a lot to me for the simple fact that it separates me from a lot of artists out there today. I have a Bachelors in Recording Arts and a Masters in Entertainment Business. Long story short, I’m able to do anything the average artist can’t do. Record, produce, mix, master, and I have a pretty clear understanding of what goes on behind getting a song out into the marketplace and all the little nuts and bolts.
I hear some have compared you to Blackalicious? What do you think about this?
Honestly, I didn’t think I knew who Blackalicious was when I heard the name. Then I did a little research and found “Alphabet Aerobics” then I instantly knew who they were talking about. I feel like a lot of artists don’t like being compared I personally don’t mind, I embrace it. So far I’ve been compared to artists that I admire so it means I’m doing something right. Blackalicious is just another person I want to learn more about and hopefully work with in the near future.
Speaking of a cult following of fans, who is your most dedicated and loyal fan? (Excluding family members)
That’s a tough question. I have a ton of support from my friends. I think if I HAD to choose just one I would choose my friend Andrea she constantly bugs me about my music since the start. She’ll ask what I’m working on and if she can hear new things. She’s one of those people that if I needed her to help me with a project she’d definitely be there.
Can you discuss your current projects and plans for 2016?
2016 has definitely been an interesting year with so many opportunities. This year I’m really focused on getting my face out there. I’m working on a ton of music videos, planning more shows, and working with new artists all the time.
Q6 – Can you describe some tools or techniques that you use to stay motivated on your goals?
This is going to sound really counterproductive and I would not suggest this for everyone. The best way I keep myself motivated is by taking breaks. Before you judge me, let me explain. I wear so many hats on the label that I’m on, Franchise X Entertainment, that it get’s mentally draining and if I keep working constantly it makes me not want to do anything. When I’m able to escape for a little bit whether it be hanging out with family or friends or just watching random youtube videos, I need that escape so I don’t go atomic and explode. I also watch a lot of motivational stuff just as a reminder to keep going no matter how difficult it gets.
If someone never heard your music before, what is the first song that you would want them to hear?
These questions are rough! I’ve been calling myself Ambiguous because the definition behind the word is basically “no clear meaning”. I do so many different things with my music it’s hard to pin me down with just one song. If I absolutely had to pick one song I would want people to hear it would be MamaSay it is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever done. I think the common theme behind my music is I like packing a lot of lyrics in a song and MamaSay is a good example of that. It’s also just a fun bouncing song which I like doing.
We were informed you are out on a school tour, what has been the reaction from teenagers?
Honestly, I was extremely nervous to do this school tour. A lot was because I used to be a Highschool kid, so I know how brutal they can be. So far the kids have been really receptive to me. The funny thing is the school I was most nervous for showed me the most love out of all of them. Shout out to Washington High in L.A!
Thanks for coming thru. Anymore words for the readers, where can we check out more of your music? buy your music?
Thanks again for having me. The last thing I wanna say before I shamelessly plug myself is, keep going. I had to learn this multiple times but the only person standing in your way is YOU! When you hear “you can do anything you set your mind to” it’s not just some sappy line, it’s honest and I’m a product of that.
Well if you’re looking for me I’m @heyitslavelle. Any social media you’re on I’m probably on with that handle. I also have a single that’s been out for a little while called “Infected Ft. Melanie Rains”, you can find that on iTunes and Youtube, the video is pretty cool if I do say so myself. Other than that MamaSay is on soundcloud under @heyitslavelle, I told you everything’s the same. Thank you again for checking me out!
Follow Lavelle on social media:
Instagram – @HeyItsLavelle
Twitter – @HeyItsLavelle
Facebook – @HeyItsLavelle
Youtube – @HeyItsLavelle
Soundcloud – @HeyItsLavelle