NOLOVEINTHEPAINT: First things first. Where are you from?
The Shade: From the East Side Of ATL. Currently in Florida right now.
Break down your name, The Shade.
The Shade, meaning playing the cut, ducked off, the dark lane.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music since I was 15. I was a producer first then transitioned into both being an Artist/Producer.
Musically, what are your biggest influences and who are your favorite musicians?
Musically my biggest influences are niggas like Pharrell , Kanye West, Andre 3000, etc. Right now, my favorite musicians consist of Young Thug, Travis Scott, Migos , Metro Boomin , and Southside.
How would you describe your style?
My style would be considered “dark”. I't’s not R&B , but it’s not technically rap shit either. I would describe it as a melodic, edgy, trap sound.
How do you separate yourself from other artists?
I don’t usually focus on other artists, I respect everyone’s lane. But If I had to say anything it’d be my work ethic. The amount of time I put into my shit is wild. Imagine producing, writing ( which I really don’t physically write shit, I’m usually off the head) & recording complete songs 100’s of times monthly. It’s harder than it sounds.
Have any hobbies?
Music is my life , so I don’t have any real hobbies. I wake up everyday & do what I feel like I was put here for. To paint a picture for people through my music & reach them through what I’m putting out. The Authenticity spreads for itself.
Do you hit the club often?
I’m not a club person. I fuck with the club though. I’m definitely there usually coolin' it & linking with people. DJ’s, Promoters, etc. It’s apart of the culture, it’s something that I think a lot of people get lost in from a priority standpoint. But it’s a staple in the culture. Who doesn't go out and shit.
Any record deals? Independent?
Right now I’m independent. I’m not looking to sign. It’s so much you can do for yourself as an independent artist if the following is right & people genuinely fuck with you. People have a misunderstanding that signing deals is a good move. Moving around today 9 times out of 10 if you have leverage you can create a good situation for yourself. But just signing these weak ass 360 deals. Na.
You have one person to collaborate with, who would it be?
Easy, Thug. People really sleep on my boy. Whether people like it or not, this nigga is easily one of the biggest talents this shit has ever seen, especially in this era of music. This mans range is fucking wild, he can turn anything into an instant classic. People can’t see past the lame shit people try to marginalize bra with, but if you really listen you’ll understand this man is top 5 best rappers/ artists of this generation. I know you said one , but before I die I would have to work with 3K. That’s my overall favorite artist & one of the biggest influences musically.
Tell us about 8.18… What should we expect?
8.18 was actually the release date of my first EP “Leak”. It’s already out but "Leak" was kind of my coming out to people. My first complete project for people to kind of get an idea of where I’m coming from. The music since then has grown more dope shit, but I felt like that was a good way to introduce myself. It took almost a year, but the project is just now catching people’s ear & attention.
NOLOVEINTHEPAINT: Feel free to drop any jewels to the readers about hard work, dedication or anything that comes to your mind now regarding the constant hustle and love for the music.
If there’s any jewels I can drop for somebody to read, it would be to stay genuine. Stay real with your shit, don’t play outside your lane, make sure you keep people in tune with who you are. There is so many people making music about shit they don’t do, never have done, etc. Authentic shit wins every time. The Truth & Work hard as fuck. There's always somebody that’s trying to push they’re shit. Out work everybody. I’m still learning that.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1XYL6kQwKDYMqmdv3RLVos
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theshadesound
IG: @theshxde https://www.instagram.com/theshxde/
Twitter: @theshxde https://twitter.com/theshxde