1. For those who don't know who D-Sane is, introduce yourself, and let us know where you’re from?

I’m the CEO and in-house producer for my label Street Level Records, which is based in the 206 a.k.a. Seattle where I was born and raised.

2. How did the group F.T.S come together and who are the members? What age were you when you got in the game and how old are you now?

I've been making beats/producing for about 11 years now and have always been pretty well known around Seattle. I originally met a couple of the cats from F.T.S. back in 1993-94, just casually before I knew they were rapping. We all had mutual friends, but they (F.T.S.) were always hanging with the younger crowd, so there wasn't much exposure to each other then. At the time, I was working with other people anyways. In early 1995 I had a falling out with the cats I was dealing with, so I wasn't working with anybody for a while and was looking for new artists. In late 1995 a mutual friend came to me and said I should hear these guys, I was like "What? They rap?" So, I met with them and they were cool, they just needed some direction and some artist development. They seemed hungry and dedicated to do some things so I agreed to work with them. Originally it was me, Smoke and J-Dub. BD was incarcerated and joined the group as soon as he touched down in 1996. Then, as we started making cuts, other people started jumping on the bandwagon. All of a sudden there is 6 of us…J-Dub, BD, Drama, Villain, Madd Dogg and me (Smoke had left the group temporarily). Then we dropped the first CD in mid 1998 and a few more people took notice of us and joined the team. Next thing you know, we're 9 deep with the additions of Byrdie, Brazy-J and YG Red (Smoke returned also). Villain left the group soon after the release of the first album in 1998.

I was 16-17 when I started making songs in 1990 just messing around…we didn’t have a track machine or anything then. It was all 1 take on the tape recorder! I’ve been through all of the bullshit…fake managers who sell you dreams of making you rich, but then ask to borrow \$5 so they can get a value meal. Wanna-be record labels that ain’t about shit, don’t have no money or connections…but want you to sign a 5 year deal. I ALMOST made that mistake in 1993, that’s when I decided that I would just do it myself and take the independent route. I was going through some serious life struggles at the time though, so getting my label going wasn’t very realistic. But, I continued to make music regardless. Then in 1998, after getting my money straight and working with FTS for a couple years, I decided it was time to go for it and get my feet wet in the game. I was 24-25 then, I’m 28 now.

3. What made you want to get into the game? Did peeps help you out in your dream or did you learn everything yourself?

I have always had a unique love for music ever since I was about 7 or 8. I got into the school band in 4th grade and stuck with it till high school. Then in 1989, my sophomore year of high school, I got some turntables and started buying tons of vinyl. Originally, I wanted to be a DJ, but in 1990 I was introduced to my first drum machine and I fell in love. I started liking the idea of making my own music, instead of playing other peoples. So, a dream was born!

I pretty much learned everything on my own. I have had no piano lessons or any sort of production or recording training. I started out on the 4-track machine in 1991 and have been making songs ever since. Although I did attend college for audio engineering and music business, I already knew 95% of what was being taught as far as making the music was concerned. I really only went for the business classes. And was even approached by the head of the music program about being an instructor for a Hip-Hop Drum Programming class that they were starting. I turned it down though because I was too busy getting Street Level off the ground by putting out our first album in 1998.

4. How many albums does Street Level Records got out and what other projects have Street Level been featured on? On the albums you have out, how have the sells been like?

We currently have 5 projects out. We haven’t been featured on any projects yet, but we have quite a few compilation features lined up and they should begin to drop soon.

Sales wise, we pretty much have the Puget Sound area on lock. We have more projects out locally than any other label and generate more sales than any other, from what I have been told by the Sam Goody managers anyways. Sam Goody is one of the only retail chains that will do consignments, so we really don’t have too many outlets for our music anyways. There are a couple artists that have sold more units than us because of national distribution, but we out sell them here in the area.

5. For people who haven't heard your music, what can they expect from it?

They can expect tight beats, talented lyricists and solid production.

6. Since you have come out, what’s the love been like? Has there been a lot of hating or has most of the industry shown you love and support?

We have had a tremendous amount of love and support from everybody. There will ALWAYS be people who hate our music or success, but as long as they’re not the majority, we will continue to do well in this business.

7. Who have influenced you rap wise or even production wise in the rap game?

I have never really had a rap influence, although I have always studied every ones styles. Production-wise, Dr. Dre had a HUGE influence on me. He has an ear for talent, is an incredible producer and has always handled his business right…I respect that. I’ve always liked JT The Bigga Figga, Khayree and even Timbaland’s production skills too.

8. What artists are out now that you are really feeling and would like to work with?

Young Droop, Cool Nutz, Jay Z, DMX, E-40, Brotha Lynch, Mac Mall and Method Man to name a few.

9. How do you feel about the music scene in Northwest right now? You think its progressing or just the same old shit?

It is definitely progressing. We’re on the verge of a literal hip-hop explosion here in the Northwest. It’s been a long time coming too. There are so many groups coming out right now and there is beginning to be a lot of support from all angles. We still have a few obstacles to overcome around here though. We have the same problems a lot of other cities have as far as lack of radio support and venues to play at. Although, Street Level is beginning to receive a lot of support from our major station, KUBE 93, which has been encouraging for us.

10. What CD’s are currently in heavy rotation for you besides your own work?

Young Droop - “Moment of Impakt”, Cool Nutz - “Verbal Porn” and C-Bo & Brotha Lynch - “Blocc Movement.”

11. What albums or projects can we expect from Street Level in the future, anything you working on right now we should know about?

Right now we are putting the finishing touches on Sarkastik’s “No Gimmiks, No Image, Straight Lyriks” album. That should be dropping around January or February. After that, I’m dropping a compilation CD called “The Streets Are Talkin’.” It will feature unreleased FTS material, solo songs from FTS members as well as some songs from other Northwest artists. In the meantime, we are going to be starting a project that I feel will put Street Level Records in the national spotlight for sure. Byrdie, Syko & Sarkastik are doing a group project called Lyricide. It should drop in the summer of 2002.

Besides all that, I’m staying busy doing production for Skuntdunanna’s new album, Popsykle’s and Sik Face’s (from Self Tightld) solo albums and some cutz for a group called Dividenz. I may also branch out a little and do some R&B….we’ll see.

12. How do you feel about the internet and bootlegging? It seems a lot of albums are just being downloaded nowadays and not even bought?

This is a touchy subject. Even I have plundered the internet for tons of mp3’s, but I agree that it needs to be regulated sooner or later. It will probably end up undermining the music business in some way. As of right now though, I don’t feel that it is a major threat. Statistically, people are still buying CD’s as much as ever. I think most of the people downloading the music would never buy it anyway.

The internet also has it’s advantages though. People who may never hear your music can be exposed to it. Promotionally, the internet is a powerful tool. We’ve gained fans from as far away as Germany, Sweden, France, Japan and Australia because of our Mp3.com pages. We have also networked with many other up and coming indie labels like ourselves and have begun working together to help each other.

13. Any tips that you would give to up and coming artists or producers that are trying to enter the game?

#1. Watch the trends and try to stay ahead of the game. The music business is ALWAYS 6 months ahead of what you hear. People who follow trends will not enjoy longevity in this game. You must be a trendsetter and stay dedicated.

#2. This game is not all that it’s made out to be, especially on music videos and other images. In the beginning you’ll think you’re going to “blow-up” or “get paid” from your 1st album, but it don’t happen. It most likely won’t happen on your 2nd either!

#3. Have a basic understanding of what the music business is all about. There are so many different ways that you could get screwed out of money it’s insane. And best believe, there is always someone out there who will try to take advantage of you if you’re naive.

#4. Understand what the words promotion and marketing mean. Then learn how to do it! Albums don’t sell themselves.

#5. Get a GOOD attorney!

14. How good off financially are you, is rap paying all the bills or are you working side jobs till it does? A lot of artists tend to think they going to be big and make it rich what you think about this?

I wish! We are all still doing our 9 to 5 gigs to pay the bills. Everything we make profit-wise goes right back into the bank and is used for future projects, promotions and business related costs.

We have put out several albums and this is a lot harder than any of us EVER imagined. It’s hard to make money in this game! We thought this was going to be so easy. We thought all we had to do was make a record and we could “slang it out the trunk.” YEAH RIGHT! That is a fantasy. Not that it’s impossible to make money selling out the trunk, but it’s not going to get you to the level that you want to be on. Also, street sales are usually unverifiable, which means that if you go to a distributor and say “I sold 5,000 copies out the trunk” and can’t verify it…it doesn’t mean shit. They want to see documented sales. Which is where our success with Sam Goody will come into play for us. You’re NOT going to get rich over night!

15. So what does D-Sane like to do in his spare time besides make music?

Spare time? What’s that? Ha ha! Seriously though, I’m working so much and so hard right now that I rarely have time for anything that’s not business related. But, when I do have some free time, I like to go to the movies or hit the clubs.

16. Aight any last words or comments for your fans?

I just want to thank everyone for the love and support that we get. It’s motivational and means more than anyone could imagine. This shit gets so hard sometimes. And just when I’m about to give up and say “fuck this shit, I’m through”, I’ll get a positive message from a fan. That’s the stuff that keeps me going, it gives purpose to what we’re doing. Much love ya’ll!

And thank you for the interview!