Discrepancies – Product of Entertainment

By starrymag | July 10, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) We feel like there are tons of bands incorporating rap with rock, but we pride ourselves on blending hip-hop and rock to create something a little more authentic with substance. If people have trouble understanding what that means exactly, I’d like to leave you with a quote “Rap is something you do, Hip-Hop is something you live. – KRS ONE. What they do is rap-rock, what we do is Real Rap-Rock.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) The first rap song I remember hearing was “My Mind Playin Tricks on Me” by Geto Boys.

This track stood out to me because not only was it kind of dark, but they were rapping about mental health issues at a time everyone else seemed to be bragging about fortune and fame.

The first song I remembered playing back-to-back was “Brenda’s Got a Baby” by Tupac Shakur. Another dark one with a story that left me wishing the world was a better place.

Lastly, I’ll say when 8mile came out it left me feeling like I could make it out of the trenches and become an inspiration myself.

In short… Scarface, Tupac, Eminem, Lupe Fiasco, Tech N9ne…

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Recovery.”

A) We released a song called “Not Alone” a few years back. Someone was planning on ending their life and on a whim was invited to go to our concert. They connected with that song and decided to give life another chance. That person ended up finishing their schooling and gained their dream career. I think about how I was in the same mental state and pulled myself out of it not too long ago. “Recovery” is a story about giving yourself another chance and helping others do the same.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) People find peace in knowing they are not alone in their struggles. I think it’s inspiring to know you can make it out of the darkness.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I can absolutely write without the music, but I prefer not to. It feels more collaborative if I try and channel the emotions of my bandmates. I feel like the music is already telling a story. I just have to put it into words.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) Before we go into the studio we try and have tracks somewhat ready to go. We all have some sort of home studio setup so we can easily send tracks back and forth and come up with ideas. I’m mainly the lyric guy, but I will stretch and shorten verses as needed.

 

Q) Your EP Product of Entertainment is out now. What tracks are fans really responding to?

A) Right now, “Hands Up” seems to be leading the bunch, but people are responding well to “Testify” as well.

 

Q) Which songs off the EP are some personal favorites for you?

A) Every single one. but…. I’m bias. [laughs]

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with listeners who explore Product of Entertainment?

A) Mostly I just want people to feel inspired. That’s pretty much always the goal for me. Also, I try to get people to look at things from all angles. Try to see things from others’ points of view for better understanding.

 

Q) You all have been out on tour this Spring. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) To name a few off the top of my head I will say Brooklyn was incredible, New Hampshire, Baltimore and Nashville were all a blast as well. Annnd….I’m always surprised at how many fans we have in Omaha. I was nervous to hit some of the east coast cities, but we always have a blast out that way. I think the tour we did with Nonpoint really helped us out in those markets.

Q) Which song(s) off the EP have you been really enjoying performing live?

A) Right now, everyone is really enjoying “Testify.” We get pretty stoked to play that one.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) It would be a dream come true to collaborate with Mike Shinoda one day.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’ve been listening to a lot of J. Cole lately. Not a band, but that’s my go to when I want to get inspired or just chill.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) To keep it simple I just want to say thank you. Also, I’m terrible with names so please forgive me if I forget yours and try to keep in mind I’m meeting so many new people all the time. I’m usually lacking the proper amount of sleep. [laughs] But believe me when I tell you, I have nothing but love for you and I appreciate your support.

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Vocalist Antonio Metcalf