By Shauna Harris
Lo' Maine is an artist that is bringing a diverse presence to the music industry. FreeAmbition interviewed Lo' Maine, to find out what he's working on, and where he's headed.
FreeAmbition: What are your talents?
Lo’ Maine: I think I’m best known for being diverse. I’ve always said that in order to succeed you must have many talents. So I consider myself a "jack of all trades, but a master of ONE". I am a song writer, rapper, producer, engineer, and founder/CEO of 4Play Muzik. Most of all, I’m a business man
FreeAmbition: Where are you from?
Lo’ Maine: I was born and raised in New York. Jamaica, Queens to be exact. Same streets as 50 Cent, Nicki Minaj, Johnny Kash, etc. My race is half Puerto Rican and Half Chinese. My dad is Chinese and my mom is the fiesty Puerto Rican. lol
FreeAmbition: How long has music been a part of your life?
Lo’ Maine: Wow. I’ve been into music since I was a kid, but I didn’t take things serious till about 15 years old. My mom used to be a singer and my dad was a DJ. My uncle, Slam, was in a group called Newcleus back in the 80's. They had a hit song called "Jam On it". That song made break dancing popular in New York back then. So music is in our genes. When I have kids I’m sure they will be musicians and entrepreneurs just like me!
FreeAmbition: How are you perfecting your craft?
Lo’ Maine: Well, i write everyday of my life. its my escape from this crazy world. When im working on a new instrumental, i aim for something different every time. I stay focused. For example, if im working on a Miley Cirus song I will play her music OVER AND OVER again to get a feel of HER style. You would think im her biggest fan! As far as perfection... I am my own worst critic! Even if i have a #1 hit on the billboard charts there will always be something that needs to be corrected on the song. That's just how I am.
FreeAmbition: Where do you see yourself in a year?
Lo’ Maine: At the top of my game! I want to be a household name that everyone remembers. Not only that, but I want to be able to change things. I want to be a positive influence on boys and girls growing up. Give back to the community. You have to understand that the majority of listeners are going to be young teenagers. What you say, what you do, has an effect on them somehow. So you have to be able to reach out and provide positive advice.
FreeAmbition: Are you currently promoted?
Lo’ Maine: I work with alot of different promoters at different times. It just depends on what is going on at the time. I do have my favorites though. Sola Lambert, one of the most hard working people i know, throws the craziest parties. Cassius D.Kalb (known for writing "Just The Way You Are" for Bruno Mars) has the best "NEED TO BE THERE" industry parties. J.R., an all around hard worker, promotes for Royal Peacock, Frequency, Esso, and Icon. So whenever i have a show or have a major event, I turn to one of these guys for guaranteed success.
FreeAmbition: Who inspired you?
Lo’ Maine: my greatest inspiration is God of course. He guides me through alot. When i feel like everything is going wrong He always shows me the light at the end of the tunnel. My mom as well. She is my backbone. I see her working hard everyday of her life to make ends meet. As far as influential people in the industry... it would have to be EVERYONE. simply because I respect everyone trying to make it and working hard to get to the top. There are people in a worse position than i am, yet strive to succeed. Their determination is what inspires me to continue.
FreeAmbition: How can people follow you?
Lo’ Maine: The usual social websites!
Twitter.com/maineONLINE
Facebook.com/4PlayMuzik
Youtube.com/4Playmuzik
