The ReddRoxx Rundown: Rapper ZoLo Makes National Noise [INTERVIEW]

The next artist up on the Rundown has received some national attention for his music and continues to build his musical empire one song at a time. He goes by the name of ZoLo and I sat down with him to talk about where he's been and where he's going.

ReddRoxx: Let’s start by telling the people who you are.

ZoLo: National Recording Artist known “Zolo”.

RR: Not often that I have a National Recording artist on the Rundown, but there’s a reason that you are and it’s because of your ties to WNY, tell us a little bit about that.

ZL: I came to buffalo for college. I attended Buffalo State and obtained a bachelors in business management and minor in hospitality administration. I also joined the army when I came to buffalo.

RR: Busy man I see! Now let’s dive into the purpose for this interview, tell us about how you got started in music.

ZL: I started in high school, about the 9^th grade – that’s when I started taking it serious at least.

RR: Being that you started so young, I’m curious to know who’s your biggest musical influences?

ZL: My biggest musical influences are Michael Jackson, Drake, Wale, French Montana, Rakim.

RR: Definitely some of music’s greatest.  Although the artists you named are successful now, I know that went through a lot to get to where they are today.  Were there any obstacles that you had to overcome in your career so far?

ZL: Well, trying to get noticed as an independent artist is very difficult to this day

RR: I read your bio and I see that we have something in common, Radio! Lol. What do you foresee as far as a career in radio?

ZL: Yes, I am a DJ for 91.3 WBNY and I mainly use it to show love to all independent artist and of course myself.

RR: Fa sho. Supporting independent artists and providing them a platform is important. I also read that you’re interested in television broadcasting as well? Elaborate a little about your background in communications.

ZL: I had my own program on channel 3 called “Buff City Jams; it was my own version of 106&Park where I was the host. I did that because I auditioned to be the actual host of 106&Park and I was #1 male in America with over 125,000 views on my audition tape in just one week which you can view to this day.

RR: That’s awesome! Besides radio and TV shows, what are some of the projects that you’re currently working on?

ZL: I have an EP coming out that I’m working on titled “Laws of Liberty”

RR: Cool, keep me updated on that, would love to support when it drops. While you’re working on your EP are you also planning any performances?

ZL: Yes, I will have some coming heavy for the next two years.

RR: In the meantime while we patiently await your EP and upcoming performances, do you currently have any music for download or purchase? If so, where?

ZL: Yes my debut album titled “The Perfect Package” is in stores now and on iTunes, Amazon, Raphsody, etc.

RR: Definitely going to check it out. Not sure who you’re working with on the EP but if you could collab with anyone, who would it be?

ZL: I would love to work with Drake, Wale, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj.

RR: I think those would be some dope collabs for you! Being a National Recording Artist, what are your thoughts on the local music scene in Buffalo?

ZL: I mean there are many talented artist in Buffalo but it’s hard to get shown love because artist come off as selfish, as though they don’t want to show anyone else love but I show love to anyone grinding.

RR: Absolutely. I applaud you for not allowing the way others operate pertaining to supporting one another change the support that you give and that will get you far. With that being said, what are some of your short-term goals and long-term for your music career?

ZL: Short term, finish my EP. Long term, land a deal from a major music company.

RR: Cool, tell the people how to contact you.

ZL: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and for booking, email brandoncarter1982@gmail.com

RR: Before we wrap up, leave us with one of your favorite quotes:

ZL: “We all have the same 24 hours in a day, what are you doing with your hours?”

If you'd like to be considered for an exclusive interview on the ReddRoxx Rundown, email a short bio, links to music and videos and social media links to reddroxxrundown@gmail.com