College Underground Magazine Issue 3 | Page 14

Page 14 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT—SINDIAN aka RIGHTEOUS THE GODDESS (Cont.) Jean Grae because she's just so dope and Legend she don’t sound like no one else and her catalog is deep. And last but not least my Pops because he surrounded with music. From Blues, to Jazz, to Hip Hop, to RnB to soul to Rock etc. He is the biggest influence. The main reason why I have a keen ear and diversity is because of my upbringing How has social media helped you grow? It has gotten me to a wider audience. I have worked with some outstanding people and it opened the flood gates overseas. They love me in Japan, Germany, Africa, etc. It's just beauti- ful how many hearts I've touched through social media. Where can new fans go to download or purchase your music? They can go on iTunes, Amazon, BandCamp, Soundcloud, Reverbnation just to name a few just search for Righteous Da Goddess and Sindian. I got tons of music online. Who's at the top of your playlist on your iTunes or radio right now? Right now I'm fucking with Roc Marciano, Solange, Kendrick Lamar, A A Rashid, Morcheeba, of course myself Nas, Smoke Dza, Jungle Pussy, Earth Wind and Fire, Sun Ra, Lonnie Liston Smith, Wu-Tang etc. How do you feel about being an independent artist out of Virginia? Tell us about being from Staten Island and how that influences your music. I feel blessed to be in another audience and culture and learning from it. VA is for lovers and every time I bless a stage or work with artists out here I get love. There's a wide range of people out here from the North West, south a lot of N.O cats are out her so I'm in the mid- dle of it all. Shaolin has influence my music in many ways. It is the core of me, the essence it will never dissipate. Everything about music when I grew up was WU cause I was surrounded by it. The streets raised me and Wu-Tang was the soundtrack you feel me? I just don’t try to run with that I learned from it, that was my blueprint and created my own brand. How much has your fan base grown since? To be honest I can’t give you a number cause some of my fans don’t fuck with me no more but I also gained fans. For every fan lose I've gained 3. So I'll say it tripled! What are the goals and heights that Sindian wants to reach? I just want to do this indie music and reach as many people possible. Start a family, travel, make music and art and live life! Cause music and art is my life Any advice for young people (men & women) that want to succeed in the hip-hop/rap world? Make sure you're doing it for the love first. If it’s only about money you won't last. Legends last cause we have a passion for our art! With that said if you are looking to be artist the main thing is stay on the grind, follow your dreams and never give up!! What would you change in the music industry if you were a top exec.?