Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself.
What’s up my name is Iontez, I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I came up with my name because it was different and unique from other rapper names who all sound the same with the “Lil” names. The name is pronounced (ion-tez) but you can call me Tez for short.
What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?
I’ve always been into the rap/hip-hop genre of music since I was a little kid. I started recording music when I was 10 with my producer who lives in Sweden (Shoutout to Moonz). I just found music to be an enjoyable thing to do even though it does get frustrated sometimes it is truly my passion. Starting last year is when I started taking my music seriously, been publishing my tracks on all platforms, made a studio in my room, and been profiting off of my music. Its actually amazing to be able to make some money off of what I like doing.
Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?
I just recently released a single called “Chaos”, you can find it on all platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, etc. I listen to a lot of UK drill and NY drill which you can tell I incorporated into the song by the beat I used. My producer who lives in Europe put me onto that genre of rap.
What makes your music unique? And how would you describe it?
What makes my music unique is that I’m very versatile with my songs. Some of my songs will be slow and melodic that’s very sad in tone to songs that are very fast and aggressive in tone. I can really do everything; I currently got a “Rock” type song in the works.
Do you play any instruments? And why do you love it?
I don’t play any instruments, but I am thinking about taking Piano lessons. I just think the Piano is easy to learn.
Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?
My biggest musical influences are young rappers like YNW Bslime, SauxePaxk TB, Smooky Margielaa, TayK47, etc. Young rappers are my biggest influence because they give me confidence in myself because I myself am very young, I’m 13. Some other influences are Polo G, Lil Tjay, Sin Squad, Kurt Cobain, Duwap Kaine, Playboi Carti, there’s a lot more but the list would go on.
Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?
Honestly the best moment so far is getting Distrokid so I can publish my music on all platforms and earn money from my music. I’ve always wanted to see my songs on other places besides the usual SoundCloud and YouTube. Just being able to make one cent off of this is amazing to me.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?
I’m currently in school finishing up my last year of Middle School. I’ve honestly been more focused on music than school and been falling behind in all my classes with multiple 0’s. I’ll most likely get back on track on school I just got a little bit to catch up on.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
If you want to make it don’t give up. It might take one day to blow up or 5 years to blow up but whatever you do don’t get stressed out and give up. Giving up is not apart of grinding, you won’t get anywhere in life if you give up. Also if you get stressed out on a song just take a break, if you don’t you will overthink and just be frustrated.
If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I appreciate the love & support I’m getting from you all. I don’t really got “fans” yet but I got hella supporters and I really appreciate them.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects?
I’m currently working on a EP that will have 5 songs. I will probably release 2 singles before I release the EP. I’m also thinking on creating a little rap group with me and my homies.
https://soundcloud.com/iontez
Follow Iontez: Instagram