Skotch Davis: Hearing Him Clearly [INTERVIEW]

Born into music, Joshua Davis-Henry, better known as Skotch Davis to his fans, always had hip hop in his blood. His father was a musician who worked with artists like Maceo Parker and Nas. His mother was also surrounded by the culture and music as a club promoter for acts like Goodie Mob, The Lost Boyz and Jay-Z, just to name a few. Having been raised in the neighborhood of Harlem into a lifestyle that glorifies music, it’s no wonder Davis has begun to pave a road for himself in the music industry. He has recently released his latest project Are You Hearing Me Clearly?, a 10-track mixtape hosted by DJ Fresh Direct. Making strides to take his career to its next phase, this project sets the tone for what we can expect from Skotch Davis in the coming new year.

Getting rid of some of the static, Birthplace Magazine recently spoke with Skotch Davis on a variety of topics to make sure we are hearing him clearly.

BPM: Who is Skotch Davis, the artist and the man behind the artist?

SD: I mean… Skotch is a melting pot of many things. So many, it’s kinda hard to narrow down into a sentence. For time sake, let’s just say he is a righteous soul that works hard to present as much of the truth as possible. The man behind the artist is a whole other subject… [laughs]

BPM: What was your childhood like considering you grew up in a house full of musicians?

SD: Probably the most amazing and insightful experiences a man could ask for. I am more than grateful that I was raised in such a setting. It’s the quintessential element of what Skotch Davis is all about: Family and music.

BPM: What genres of music were you exposed to at an early age? First memory you have of hip hop?

SD: What genre wasn’t I exposed to?! My father is a proverbial sponge when it comes to music. So it’s only right I soaked up all the wonders of music. My first memory of hip hop was a rap group my uncle and father were working on called The Little Rapscals. They opened for LL Cool J when I was young. That was awesome! LL Came out of a radio!

BPM: And what was your initial reaction after your exposure to hip hop culture?

SD: I loved it, but I was so immersed in music as a whole, I never really saw the barriers or classifications. I just loved music. For obvious reasons though, hip hop became my vehicle to speak my opinion and views. It was and is the music of my generation and many to come, as well as many before. It’s the cornerstone of my culture.

BPM: Career-wise and the lifestyle you’ve chosen.. Why hip hop?

SD: I didn’t choose it, it kinda chose me. As I grew into the man I wanted to be, I kinda had no choice but to adapt to some of the nuances and obstacles that accompany the “hip hop lifestyle.” I am trying to break some of those standards musically and culturally though. It’s time we try some new approaches.

BPM: What do you want to contribute to the genre and culture?

SD: I just want to break musical barriers and stereotypes while improving the quality of living and the standard of living in the culture.

BPM: What is your creative process like when you’re creating, writing and recording?

SD: It varies. Sometimes I like to live with a concept or beat to ensure I really convey my idea properly. Other times I like to just record on the spot to capture the initial emotion that the track gave me. Sometimes I write, sometimes I don’t. It’s all about how the vibe.

BPM: What are some projects you are currently working on?

SD: I just dropped Are You Hearing Me Clearly on my birthday which was Black Friday, November 25. It was a warm up to my OMG (On My Grizzly) project, due out at the top of 2012. I also have a self-produced project titled On The Rocks. I produced all the tracks with my partner DJ Fresh Direct.

BPM: What kind of growth do you want to showcase on your next project?

SD: I want to make it a point to showcase my production more. My lyrical prowess will only be turnt up as I try to always out do myself. Tell myself I can do better than the last bar. The collaborations are fun. Some no brainers and other surprises.

BPM: Your thoughts on music collaborations with artists outside your genre?

SD: It is essential to the growth of music and is pinnacle in reference to my own motivation to break barriers.

BPM: In your opinion, who is the most influential artist that is out right now? And of all time? Why?

SD: Hip hop? It’s Jay -Z. All time in hip hop? That’s tough to say. Its tough to say in music in general as well. I think it’s hard to see an artist influence until they stop making music and the other artist or consumers that were growing with the artist get a little older. See how lasting the effects of their gift really was. If I HAD to choose one figure, I’m going with Michael Jackson.

BPM: Top five, dead or alive?

SD: Rappers… Hmm.. I have a top three.. Jay, Big & Nas.. Every number below that is interchangeable and subject to my mood.

BPM: Mainstream vs. Underground, your thoughts? I’m an underground music enthusiast and I personally believe an artist can be successful without the “mainstream” or major label backing. What are your thoughts?

SD: Whatever floats one’s boat. I don’t feel any way about either. It’s all music. The funny part is that the people not making the music worry more about the classification of it than the artist themselves. We just do what we feel and makes us move. Literally and figuratively. Great artists transcend such restraints.

BPM: Recently saw your performances during the RBMA festival and I must say, your performance is very high-energy and attention grabbing (and that was actually my first time seeing you perform live). What do you personally love about live shows?

SD: My chance to engage an audience and change their mind one person at a time. When you record, you don’t know how people will recieve that recording. But live? You have the chance to change their perspective while looking them in the eye. Its amazing!

BPM: What are your goals for the rest of the year and for 2012? What can we expect from you?

SD: Me times three, if not more. I’m shooting for the stars! More bars, production & skidddddotch!

BPM: What would be your one piece of advice to other artists on the come up?

SD: One surefire way to lose the race is stop running. KEEP GOING!

BPM: If hip hop were a person, what would you say to him/her?

SD: I got you. I got us. *Drake voice* [laughs]

While some could only imagine living a life that’s clear on it’s purpose, it’s safe to say that Skotch Davis is set on making his mark in hip-hop. If you’re not hearing him clearly yet, it’s definitely time to clean the wax out of your ears and get in tune with his music.