Exposed Vocals just scored an exclusive interview with Haph Breed!

Brief description about the new single “Joy”: First Haph Breed showed you how to take the fight all the way to the 12th round on his debut album “Goin’ The Distance”. Now he’s back to show you the love side with his sophomore album entitled “Ira & Evan: The Legacy Continues”. This beautiful creative project was named after his mother Ira who passed away on 12/8/04, and his youngest brother Evan who passed away on 4/21/16 at the young age of 27. Haph Breed wanted dearly to help carry the legacy of his late mother and brother by producing this wonderful album about life, love, and family. This is an album for all ages and it is dedicated to all the families of the world. “Joy” is a dedication to Haph Breed’s wife. Watch the video below.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

I grew up in Lynwood, Ca. By the time I was 15 I had move to L.A. and lived there up until I turned 20. Then I move to Long Beach which is where I reside now. I grew up in a very musical household. There was always records being played 24/7 by my mother and father. My mother was always singing in the house and the radio was always on in my father’s car. My father was also a promoter for a gospel group that performed at shows that featured legendary gospel artist such as Shirley Caesar, Mighty Clouds Of Joy and James Cleveland to name a few. So naturally being expose to so much music I would gain an interest at wanting to become an artist. My initial musical influence was Miles Davis. But it was a new genre of music from my generation that I gravitated towards that would ultimately ignite me into to becoming an artist. That genre is called hip hop.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Awe that was a joke at first. When I was a teenager, I was apart of rap group and they would jokingly call me half breed because of my mixed heritage. I was going by another name at that time but it just made sense that this should be my artist name. So I came up with a concept for the name. Haph Breed is half metamorphosis and half homo sapien, meaning I’m part human and part transformation of the mind.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

I think it is a give and take. Artist should give free music to the music lovers out there. I do have my singles on soundcloud, and I do share my videos on you tube to the public. But the artist have to live also. It is hard work, time consuming, and if you are independent you have to buy your own equipment and their are expenses to get the projects completed. So its only right that you do support the artist that you like so that they can continue to create more projects that you’ll like. So I give you 4 free singles on soundcloud, and you can watch great videos for the singles for free, and if you like the music why not buy the album? Even if I have the opportunity to listen the complete songs for free from the artist I love, I still purchase the album because I understand that artists has to live and I respect their craft.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Make sure your promo game looks as good as your music sounds. People will see you before they hear you especially online. So if you don’t look good and imagery looks poor, more than likely they wont click play to listen to you. Which lessens your chances of receiving any gigs or airplay.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Of course. Even your favorite artist does. But that’s what the hypeman is for. If I forget a line he will get me back on track.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

I haven’t done any shows recently. I have been spending most of my time working on several different projects in the studio.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

I usually gather songwriting inspiration from personal experiences, whether it is negative or positive. Songwriting has always been a form of self therapy for me. I like to constructively and creatively get it out of my system. During my songwriting process i usually start with a track first and let the mood of the production guide me. The concept of what I’m writing about has to come from what the mood of the track is.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

I mainly use Instagram, facebook, soundcloud and you tube. My website is currently under construction. But there are other outlets to use in the meantime like smart url’s. I like Instagram a lot because it a different way to get people to know you as an artist and listen to your music. And it challenges you to be visually creative as well.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

“Pinball Number Count” by “The Pointer Sisters”, “Heavy Action” (Monday Night Football Theme), “Scooby Doo Theme”.