Addis-i – Give A Little Love

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TIC: Let’s start with the name – Addis-i. What is the meaning of it and did you choose that name or was it given to you?

ADDIS-i: Greetings to all and to all the happiest of times to you. The name means new flower, new beginning, new creation. And for some unknown reason there is always something new in my life.

The name Addis is from the capitol of the African country Ethiopia. I choose the name at the age of 19 after I became a member of a band with a mission from God. We became a part of a musical union. While filling out the application there was a line that required a stage name and mine became Addis i.

TIC: You’ve toured a lot and opened for artists who are signed with major record labels. First, what was touring like – did you enjoy it, not enjoy it?

Addis-i: Hmmmm, Yes I’ve been on stage with many major acts. It all started back in the U.S Virgin Islands. There was a time it became very tiring, but once you walk out on that stage, the fans, the music and all that comes which tends to give you all the energy you will ever need to make it through that night.

TIC: Would you do it again?

Addis-i: Oooh yes I will. Music is much a part of wind, water, earth and the fire and all five of them flow through my wains.

TIC: Opening for major artists, what were your expectations from those shows and what did it give you?

Addis-i: Good question, for some of us we feel that being on stage with a major act we will instantly became famous, and it never happens that way. I’ve always thought the major acts will sometimes consider us for other options and that never happens. We do create illusions that just by being on a stage with someone of major status they will consider you, but it never happens. Lots of time we never even see the major act. We were mostly there for a sound check, so when they do appear all is well - stage sound and audience.

I have learned along the way fame and recognition comes from hard work and dedication to yourself and that which you believe in. And with that I have moved forward in my musical career.

TIC: One thing that I like about your music is that your lyrics talk about society, brotherly love, peace, etc. Your music is broad and talks about the reality of life. Why these kinds of messages when you create music?

Addis-i: I am inspired to write music sometimes from the simplest things – the rain falling, someone sharing a word of wisdom, a flower, life experience, taking a walk on the beach or just jamming with friends – it comes to me.

I was born into a very big family that covers a very broad spectrum of life. From my extented as well as my immediate family, I grew up around Godly inspired people, pastors, musicians, politicians, doctors, nurses, military of all stature. So from having to live and grow up around this type of environment, it became natural it became a part of me, a first hand experience. I lived it, so i sing it.

TIC: What is your inspiration when you write?

Addis-i: The Ever Living is my inspiration. Things are revealed to me in thoughts dreams and visions even down to the very music. I would have a thought, a dream or a vision, I would consult in Jah, I wait for the answer until there’s a response. When there is a response, I create.

TIC: Now you are focused on creating and promoting your own music. Are you finding levels of success with that?

Addis-i: Yes, I have never been so successful. The people that I have met, the places my music has been and still is today I could never have done if I was to wait for someone to do this for me. Today one can turn a computer an become what ever they want to be, go wherever they want to go, say what ever they need to say. It is also called the information highway. Along the way I have given many people inspiration to also do so as well, but only after they have seen what I have done. So please get on board, just get on and ride.

TIC: Is your music selling?

Addis-i: Yes it has and still is through digital distributions. I have never kept track. Ive sold many and given away lots of cds to my fans. I would rather give away a cd to a fan and be heard than try to sell and not. I love my fans. they make us what we are.

TIC: Has the Internet been helpful to you as someone who is looking for more exposure to international music lovers?

Addis-i: Yes it has and is still doing so.

TIC: You have released two cds now. What is next?

Addis-i: I am now in the process of completing the third.

TIC: Is it hard to balance everything – work, gigs, studio time, creation time?

Addis-i: Naaa, it all seems to work it self out. Music is the food of love cross my heart and soul.

TIC: What is your ideal reality as an artist – your overall goal? What do you want to see happen with your music career?

Addis-i: Ideal Reality: My ideal reality of an ARTIST is one that loves their fans and goes out of the way to make and keep them happy.

Overall Goal: I do hope that I can help more musicians and artists alike to believe in what you feel is right inside yourself and make it happen and to write a song that would make the whole world sing.

TIC: Any advice to other artists who may come from the islands looking for a successful music career?

Addis-i: Believe in yourself, your dream and your mission.

TIC: Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

Addis: JAH bless all and to all a many blessing.

Links:

Website: AddisandFriends.com

AddisMuzik on YouTube