That's why I respect Trey "Trace" Marmie.
Trace, a 15-year-old rapper from Chandler, Arizona, is doing so much at such a young age (I feel old.) And it is quality. Seriously. I have listened to thousands of horrible tracks from kids claiming they are "bout to blow up, man." None come close to Trace. Not even in the same ballpark.
So I invited Trace to stop by dentedfretboard.com and answer a few questions.To keep up with Trace, you can follow him on Twitter @Trace480 and like him on Facebook.
Drop that beat...
Dented Fretboard: Now, I'm sure you get asked this a lot, and I mean A LOT. But you're 15, and you've already played shows with critically acclaimed rap artists (Asher Roth, Aer, Timeflies). How do you do it? Is there a method in convincing people to give you a shot regardless of your age?
Trace: A lot of people ask about the shows I get, and how I get them. There's no certain formula, except for having a fan base, even if it isn't the biggest, that will come out and support you at live events. Luckily, I know some of the best promoters around this area, and I fulfill my commitment every time plus I get the crowd interaction going, so shows are not usually scarce. Most people are surprised about my age, once they figure out, and usually, most are impressed.
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| Trace with Asher Roth |
Dented Fretboard: Tell me about your entry for the Don't Funk Up Our Beats contest. Where did the beat come from? What kind of feedback have you gotten from it?
Trace: The Don't Funk Up Our Beats 5 Contest Entry video I recently put out was something to get more momentum going. The beat came from their website, and thousands of people enter every year. I decided to roll with it this year in hopes of increasing my abilities, and reaching out to new potential fans. So far, the feedback has been crazy good for the most part. With over 2500+ views in three days, I am satisfied. I am still pushing it, trying to get it to the maximum amount of viewers. From March 11-27, you can vote for it, in hopes I will be the winner that results in a prize.
Dented Fretboard: The rap industry, more so than any other genre, is full of aspiring lyricists. Thanks to Youtube (among others), anyone can be heard. What makes your music different from the rest?
Trace: I think something that lets me stand apart from many other artists is my ability to change it up. I can make a record that will have you feeling positive, and the next minute a record to tell you about a life story/change I've been through. For example, on my next project, I am really hoping to show all aspects of my life with no filter. I want people to see the happy side of me, the down side of myself, and everything else in between.
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| His debut album, "Weight of the World," can be downloaded HERE. |
Dented Fretboard: On April 26, you'll be opening for Jake Miller. I am taking a wild guess, but I think it's safe to say that you're probably the only one in your age group who has opportunities like that. How do you stay humble? I know I couldn't.
Trace: It's easy for me to stay humble, because I will never be satisfied. I do have to recognize small wins, and be happy with those so I know I am going in the right direction, but I always want more. Every time I make a record, I want it to top my last, and every time I perform I want to leave even more people with a positive memory than my last concert. I can't make a song, and then be so happy with it I'm cocky and feel fulfilled. Every time I make a track that I know I want people to hear, I immediately am thinking what is next.
Trace: One artist I dream of sharing the stage with is Kid Cudi. All around he has been the most influential artist on me for years. It's a long shot, cause Cudder is the man, but hopefully one day that will become true.
