Closing the Deal
An Interview with Viper:
“The Mayor of Reggae”
1. Where were you born? Born Davon Dixon, my parents are from Jamaica, but I was born in Baltimore, MD and raised in Brooklyn, NY.
2. How did you get started in the music business? I started doing little neighborhood block parties when I was 15 years old. I used to get paid for featuring on dub plates.
3. Name some of your musical influences? Hmmm, I’d have to say Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Luther Vandross, and Freddie Jackson. I am not only an artist but a writer too. I can vibe any type of music.
4. Is it hard for a Reggae artist to stay current in the music industry? Not really, it’s hard when you don’t want to grow. If you adapt with time you can stay relevant. You have to feed yourself in order to eat.
5. You truly have an amazing gift! What do you do to reinvent your self? I challenge myself and listen to competition. I am not scared of risk. You have to stay on top of your game.
6. The music industry is so grimy. One can definitely lose focus. How do you separate yourself from the dirty tricks or tactics of the game? As grimy as the game is, I got love for the music. So, my knowledge falls into place. I keep educating myself. You’re not going to last if you don’t have love for the music-period!
7. You are one of the coolest and most down to earth people. You are so easy to get along with. Everyone loves “V-I-P-E-R!” What keeps you grounded?
My God and family keep me grounded. The ones I love are my family, friends, and fans. Whether it’s one or one million.
8. To be an independent artist, you have major accomplishments. You have worked with many greats such as Sean Kingston, Wayne Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Pitbull, Akon’s Ray Lavender, Lloyd, Vet Boi™, Dallas Austin, Sammie, G-Unit, Kevin Cossom, Bobby Valentino, Mengo Flow, Darlene McCoy, Addis, Lioness, Smilez and SouthStar, etc. What is your secret in closing deals or getting the deal done?
I don’t turn my back on any artist. Whether they have had a hit record or not, I don’t judge. If they are up and coming, I have faith in their talent. One of my gifts is to recognize their talent even when they don’t see their own. I got faith in my music, but I also got faith in theirs. I consider it a gift and blessing to see before it comes to fruition.
9. What suggestions do you give upcoming artists? Stay focused, trust your own opinions. Listen to your own visions. Take good advice from good people surrounding you.
Thank you
V-I-P-E-RRRRR
You have just begun…
V-I-P-E-RRRRR
You have just begun…
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