1) Talk to me about the making of your latest project. What was the inspiration behind it?

I would say time is the greatest inspiration. No specific events, just the overall journey in general. I took a hiatus from listening to the radio so I would not be influenced from the creative direction. The overall formula is a mystery in the making, and yet to be revealed.

2) With the music industry tanking and record sales falling, how do you currently make money as an independent hip-hop artist?

Well in order to make it in any industry you have to adjust with the times, and streaming is the way to go. Today, targeting your audience and selling your music is easier than it’s ever been before when using the technology we have today. Having the right team in place is key to growth, and eating together that’s what it’s all about!

3) From a business point of view, which artists in the game do you think are really pushing the boundaries and changing it up?

Honestly I think Chris Brown and Drake have been making major strides in the industry when it comes to music. When an artist sees that there is more to the business then just being an artist, that’s when the potential for greater success can become a reality. It’s about adjusting to the climate, and stepping outside of the box.

4) What business lessons have you learnt from the music industry so far?

I have learned that you don’t need a label to be heard, or become a star in this game of music as much anymore. Technology has changed the industry for the better in many ways. Reaching our fans at the touch of a button, and giving them access to our content is what it’s all about. Now we have greater opportunities as independent artists.

5) What do you love about hip-hop music?

Hip-Hop has grown and diversified into one of the largest genres of music. Cross pollination of R&B, Rock, Neo Soul, Jazz and many more styles of music has proven time and time again that hip hop could find its place in every facet of the music scene. Yet still today it is labeled by its name. I would like to see greater positive messages spoken in the culture diversifying the fact that hip hop is so much more than it’s been betrayed. We need more artists who can speak from a more progressive, conscious, social appeal.

6) What still surprises you about hip-hop?

What surprises me is that there isn’t more ladies getting more shine but I will say they have come up a lot over the years and it’s refreshing to see this.

7) If you had the power to change one thing about the hip-hop industry to help independent artists – What would it be?

To hear more rappers and singers doing collaborations like it used to be. Now you have these rappers who depend on pitch correction yet they still sound like screaming goats. It’s all about eliminating the stream line synthetic redundancy in today’s music so the real talented artists can shine.

8) Who do you think are the top 3 rappers doing it at the moment?

Da Baby, Cardi B and J Cole These are just examples

9) So what are your plans for the future?

I’m working on my second album in which I will showcase more range and flexibility within my music. I don’t have a name for it yet, but stay tuned the best of Terry Lane is soon to come. Songs from 1-10 will tell a story. Getting show dates and radio promo will be in the works before the album drops.