Name
Michael Punch AKA East Shadow
Location:East New York section of Brooklyn, NY
How long have you been into music, and what was you attraction?
Music is my life I've been making it off and on for over ten years. For the past two years I've taken a more serious approach. May of 2014 I released 3 mixtapes titled “Goons of Thrones”, “Wolf of all Streets”, and “Shadow Walk”. From then I released my freshman and sophomore albums titled “Midnight Jungle Part I” and “Midnight Jungle Part II: Concrete Ambush”. I recently completed my latest project titled, "East Mode" set to release August 26th 2016. What attracts me the most about music is the sound of pain and passion through the sound. I like a down to earth artists who delivers that struggle in their sound. Though I love all genres of music I'm mostly moved by hearing the hunger within a hip/hop rap artist.
What other talents do you have?
Besides being a indie rap artist, I am a song writer that has written all the lyrics to my music.
I am a self taught music engineer, music and video editor and graphic designer. When I decided to take my music career more serious, I was unfortunately unemployed and couldn't afford to pay people to assist with my projects. Nevertheless, I purchased a professional studio microphone and was able to record, engineer, and edit all three of my mix tapes and freshman album myself. With the help of bootlegging Final Cut Pro and Photoshop I learned to professionally edit my own music, videos and create my own graphic designs. Today I have create not only my own cover artwork but artwork for other people.
in 2013 I completed a short film entitled, "Innocent Murder", which is currently on blurb.com. It is a story about two brothers living totally different lives; when unforeseen circumstances compromises their sanity to commit crime to stay alive.
Lastly I also consider myself a chef. As a young boy, my parents made me stand next to them and help prepare our meals. Then before you know I was doing my own thing in the kitchen, mainly specializing in wings. After some time I started cooking for small events.
Tell us about some recent events and projects.
Recently I have performed at shows called Feed the Buzz at Muchmores and Spring Wave at Don Pedro's presented by Illustr3us Music Group.
I recently shot my my single "Look At Me Now which set to premiere July 19th. I also completed my third album entitled, East Mode which is set to release August 26.
I also have been pitching my film to several directors. I hope to one day bring my film to life.
Lastly I'm working on partnering with host Michael Moon and DJ Puncheon of ill Radio on creating a hip hop festival for local artists. Unfortunately today's radio stations overlook talent within their own cities. We want to provide that platform where their voices can be heard and appreciated.
What do you like most about music and creating it?
What I like most about music is the authentic sound. Between the beats I select and the topics I cover in my music, I know most people can relate to the music. I like to listen and make music about personal experience and raw emotions. I have the ability to express exactly what someone is going through whether good or bad, and connect with them on another level.That to me is powerful.
What is your short term goals?
My short term goals are to become a household name and maybe win a award or two. My mission is to become an advocate for the ghetto, as pain is my motivation. I want to be the first in my neighborhood to reach such platforms through music and as well as film.
What is your long term goals?
My long term goals are to be able to take my record label, Da Formula Entertainment and create and mold other artists for success as well. I want to build my brand and maintain a professional yet respectable reputation. I strive to go platinum several times while traveling the world selling out arenas and touching the fans.
Who is your favorite artist/ producers past or present ?
If you forced me to pick it would be of course be The Notorious B.I.G, Tupac, and Jay-Z. However, I don't like to limit myself with having a favorite artist. I feel there's a certain artist for how you feel at that moment. For example, if I want aggression I will listen to artists like DMX, The Lox, or G-unit. If I want to hear fancy limelight music there's Kanye or Pharrell. If I'm in the mood for a little trap I'll turn on some Future or Migos.