Interview: Gutta

AHHS wants to thank Gutta for his patience and taking time out of his crazy schedule to talk to Austin Hip-Hop Scene. Read on to learn which venue Gutta considers a home court advantage when he kills the other MCs on the mic...

AHHS: Can you give your fans a quick bio of yourself?

Gutta: I AM GUTTA... lol. I was born and raised in Austin, 2-4 stand up! I spent the majority of my life here; I went to both middle and high school here, Dobie and Lanier. I didn't pursue music professionally until after I graduated high school. I as in a couple of groups that didn't pan out for one reason or another, and just when I was about to throw in the towel I linked back up with and old friend(Checkmate). He was starting a label and wanted to do music so I got down with him and been down with him since. We've seen our share of up's and down's but we're still here WE ARE ABOVE ALL.

Would you like to know more? myspace.com/aaegutta SCREAM AT ME!!! LOL

AHHS: Which is your latest CD?

Gutta: "INDUSTRIAL STRENFF- The Industry Bumrush"

AHHS: And how do you think it differs from your previous works?

Gutta: This one has a lot more structure than the last one. What I mean by structure is concepts, hooks, bridges and things like that. My first disc what just me spewing bars over the hottest beats I could find. That mixtape was done out of frustration I had a lot of things to get off my chest, so I did. It was still one of the best mixtapes dropped that year though.

AHHS: What gives you inspiration and how does that transpire into your music?

Gutta: I gather inspiration from what goes on around me. Mostly I'm inspired by other "rappers" complacency and lack of creativity and skill. It shows up in my music thru my relentless pursuit of perfection, I push myself to make the very best music I can and continue to improve. I'm also inspired by great music, when I hear a great song or great verse it makes me want to write.

AHHS: Which artists inspire you the most? and why?

Gutta: Joe Budden because he has a passion for music that is translated in his songs. He's unmatched in his ability to apply ridiculously creative metaphors to his real life experiences in songs. After that I'd have to say Jay-z for the obvious reasons, I mean he's Jay-z lol. Then theres Common and Lupe Fiasco because of their ability to deliver a message in their music without sacrificing entertainment value. No body likes to be preached to if you know what I mean.

AHHS: What has kept you from moving to cities with larger markets? especially since it's only been recently that Houston has blown up.

Gutta: Primarily for two reasons, first and foremost I want to put Austin on that list of cities with talent. There are far to many talented artists here for us not to have our own spot. Secondly if you go chasing those markets you have to conform to what is popular in those markets to be successful. Since I have no intentions on conforming it wouldn't make sense for me to move there. I'm creating my own lane, I believe that if I make good music that draws people to it then those markets will come to me.

AHHS: How do you see the scene locally? and where do you see it going?

Gutta: The local scene right now is kind of stagnant, but it usually is around this time of year. Everybody in the lab getting ready for the spring and summer time. Thats when most of the shows and events take place and you got to have your material ready. Besides that I think the austinhiphopscene(shameless plug lol) is finally moving forward. Theres more networking and building going on now, I think thats due to most of us realizing that "we" have to put Austin on.

AHHS: What is your favorite venue to perform at? and why?

Gutta: The Victory Grill is kind of my "spot" because I've done a lot of shows there, I'm real familiar with that place its like having home court advantage. I've performed at just about every venue there is to perform at in Austin, however I am excited about a new venture I'm working on that might be my new home court.

I'm not going to shed to much LIGHT on that just yet. I'd have to say that my favorite venue to perform at is the one thats packed with people who love good music and want to be entertained I LOVE THAT SPOT!!! LOL

AHHS: Can you give us 3 of your most favorite local artists?

Gutta: Lol... you trying to get me in trouble... you know that however I answer that is gonna be wrong. Whoever doesn't get mentioned is gonna have some issues with it, but here goes. First anyone who is or was down with AAE I fuxx with your flow, thats why I was rolling with you. Outside of my squad in no particular order Y2JJ, Mr. Fitness and Beau James. To everyone else I'm sorry, lol he only asked for 3.

AHHS: What is the best piece of advice that someone in the industry has given you?

Gutta: "Be involved in your business, trust is for marriages" after I heard that I've been the most involved artist on the globe. I need to know any and everything thats going on with me at all times. I got a few people that assist me with my career and any one of them will tell you that if a decision is made that effects me and I don't have prior knowledge and have given my approval I get a little more than irate.

AHHS: And a more light-hearted question: Have you seen a correlation between your level of success and quality of hoes?

Gutta: WOW!!! You are determined to get me in trouble lol. I've never be a settle for less type dude though, ask anyone who knows me I've always went after the higher quality "packages". I have noticed that since I've become more recognizable for my music its be a lot easier to track down those type "packages". I'm not gone sit here and say oh they be all over me so much I have to fight'em with a stick, because the reality is... Im not really putting up that much of a fight!!! LMAO! The last "package" I received is more that I could have hoped for so I'm not accepting any new ones right now. BJ WHAT UP!!!!

AHHS: Any parting words?

Gutta: Thanks to everyone that reads this or checks for my music, I really appreciate your time. Thanks to austinhiphopscene.com for the interest and support. Most importantly support Austin hip hop, dj's, artists, dancers, club owners, promoters and listeners whoever you are or however you fit in show support your own. If you need to contact me for whatever myspace.com/aaegutta or guttaaae@gmail.com or guttapromos@yahoo.com stop by the page for updates on what I'm doing, new songs and pics and upcoming shows.