Interview #1 - KLICK-KLACK (Elkhart, Indiana)

Klick-Klack: "Whats good Germany?! Let me start this by saying its an honor to have my music, my thoughts, and words appreciated in another country. Hopefully with this interview you can understand me beyond just the music."

You go by the name of Klick-Klack. Why did u pick this name, what meaning has it for you?

The name started as a joke from my cousin , I used to get really irate over everything, and just “pop off”. So without thinking he said im going to call you “Mr. Klick Klack cause your always popping off without thinking”. I took it an ran with it, though eventually I dropped Mr. It means a lot to me, I fought with myself for a long time about a name, I wanted it catchy and clever, but not to a point where it came across as phony. I now put everything into my music, often switchin fast to slow , slow to fast, almost resembling the “Klick-Klack” of a gun. I do however want to make clear , the name is in no way affiliated to a gun, or me using a gun, its delivery style only, im not a thug, just love making music.

You are from Elkhart, Indiana. How was it growin up in Indiana?

Indiana is basically in the middle of the map here in th U.S. Theres a lot of cornfields, and hick towns. I loved growing up here, I wasn’t cut from the cloth of a big city guy. My mom and dad always worked hard to make sure I had what I needed, and when they could the things I wanted. I bounced around from a couple of schools, tryin to fit in mostly. I don’t know somewhere along the lines I found niche at a school called Jimtown, I was really into sports and there I was able to succeed in football and basketball. All in all elkharts a little place but its where I call home!

Tell me a lil bit about ur influences in the rap game… who did u growin up listenin to?

Well this question is relatively simple for me, I grew up on 2 pac, it was all 2 pac all the time. I felt everything he had to say, the passion behind his music is often lost on todays music. Never has there been since him one person to create a movement , he made rap music relevant in all cultures. When he died I remember actually tearing up, when it came across the news that he had been shot , myself like many others thought hed be fine, hed pull through and rap about it again. When they said he had passed away it seemed like the world had stopped and made people realize rap music was headed in a direction it couldn’t be brought back from. Rap and turned into gang music , people takin sides, shooting people , and for a second I almost stopped listening all together. I actually ended up doing my senior project in high school on him, people still think im crazy for that. Now its Eminem, Royce da 5’9, Jay Z, Tech N9ne, Komain, myself  and anyone who uses lyrics to describe their life, one thing I cannot stand is the music today. People conform to personas to sell their music, that didn’t happen growing up, and today if it wasn’t for the people I mentioned, my passion for rap music would have died years ago.

A lot of people might not heard about u or ur music. Describe your style of music for the people out there.

Well my music is based solely on my life, my battles, my family and my sacrifice. Its in your face, with a touch of government ridicule mixed in. I try and give my views on everything, wether or not people like it, is ultimately up to them. I will continue to make the music I enjoy, the kind that helps me , and hopefully along the way I gain enough momentum to attract a much larger audience.

How many albums or mixtapes have u dropped already?

3 - The dedication , A mile from Hell, and Angels and Demons

The dedication was all early stuff before I really took pride into it, but I felt people needed to hear what I had to say. Although if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t have released it , I just feel today it wasn’t a very thought out project. A Mile From Hell album is my Picasso so to speak, although its still relatively early lyrically to how I write today, there is a lot of passion on that album, very dark, and very anti government. It also features Ca$his from Shady records and Dj Green Lantern, I sold roughly 500 albums in about 8 shows. For local music around here that’s pretty impressive. The angels and demons albums was a bit lighter as far as lyrical content, I thought it highlighted some dark issues, but shed light into my softer side. I gave it away, I just felt that I wanted it in the hands of people, wether or not they wanted to hear another word from me they were getting it. Response was well received though , people seemed to like it as much as the others.

Right now u are workin on a Collabo Album with Indiana-Rapper Komain called “Stir Crazy”. What can People expect and when will it drop?

This album is by far the best ive ever been a part of, and not just because im on it, possibly one of the best in Indiana ever. You can expect a lot of passion, heart felt, raw , and fast lyrics. We have dumped so much into this album its almost impossible perfecting it. (If that makes sense) Its like this, we have tried so hard to make the music we want while putting in what people want to hear, and still remain edgy. Not everyone is going to get it, Not everyone is going to like it, but pure hip hop heads will love this album. Komain took a little break when I was just getting into this music thing but ive always been a huge fan of his. His spits with so much passion it makes me elevate my game to new heights. I wasn’t really into rapping fast , it was pure lyrics and delivery. I never strayed from it, it was almost like I had gotten complacent with this rap shit. But with doing the album w/Ko it expanded my horizons, got me out of my comfort zone, and when stir crazy drops you will see the result. Komain has became a good friend of mine in the process, I always wanted respect from others.. Demanding it so to speak, he taught me to do music for me, surround yourself with good people and the rest will come. For that I am forever grateful. The album will be ready before Christmas , no specific date has been chosen…. JUST BE READY!!!!!

Komain realeased both of his last albums as a free download. Will that “Stir Crazy” album be a free download too?

Yes we just want people to have it, and be able to experience the ride. Its special to us and hope it reaches as many people as possible!

Explain me your intensions for putting out a free album. I mean u put a lot of work and time into it. Why give it out for free?

This kinda goes back to the question before, No one really buys music anymore. Around here people do not respect local music, other artist do but not regular people. So ultimately you want as many people to hear it, with hopes it falls into the hands of someone important, and what better way to do that then make it free!!!

What are ur plans for the future, any upcoming projects u can talk already about?

Well at first thought after the Stir Crazy album I had seriously contemplated that being it. I had dumped so much into this album, from lyrics to mixing and mastering, that I didn’t think I had it in me anymore. I lost that passion for makin music, almost because the album had gotten so much flak from the start. People hadn’t really heard of me , but they knew Komain. He had just put out the album with Ghost, so I don’t know If people thought I was tryin to ride someone else to get recognition or what, but I just got tired of hearing all the bullshit to be candid. THEN one night I just started thinking about all the things I had yet to say , and decided to put out at least 3 more projects before I put the cap on the pen.

Please complete these three sentences…

The Rap-Business without Klick Klack is… Dull , boring and without a voice of rationale.

I represent Indiana to the fullest, cause… its all I know, its home, and God Damn I  love this place!

People should listen to “Stir Crazy”, cause… it’s a fucking classsic!

Thanks for the Interview Klick Klack, any last words?

Go to the face book page and like the music! I hope with this interview you have learned enough about me to peak the interest in your subconscious to take a little bit out of your time to appreciate all that I put into it!!!! With that being said Much Love Germany KLICK-KLACK