A Conversation with Shad

With artists like Justin Bieber, Drake and Carly Rae Jepsen getting plenty of rotation on our radio airwaves, it’s definitely safe to say that the Canadian music scene is on a steady incline. Canadian hip-hop vets such as K-Os and K’Naan surely have helped pave the way for Canada’s underground scene to see mainstream success, and looking to etch his name among the greats of The True North is none other than Shad. Born in Kenya, and hailing out of London, Ontario, the talented emcee sat down with us here at HYPETRAK to discuss his recently released album, Flying Colours, as well as touch on some personal experiences. Check out our interview down below and be sure to pick up his latest album now by clicking here.

You’ve just released your new album Flying Colours. How does it feel to have it released?
It feels great. Working on this album was a good time for me and I’m glad to have the music out there now.

How did it come about? What can you tell us about the conceptual approach?
It was time to get back to work on a full-length. I was inspired to work hard and push my talent and courage as much as I could. I wanted to explore success and failure and the different dimensions of those concepts, I felt like that would give me lots of room to do my thing and lots of inspiration to go deeper and explore different ideas and experiences.

How does it differ from your previous releases?
Musically and lyrically there are some new ideas for sure. I made a rock song, I made an African-influenced track, and so on. However, in a lot of ways, it’s not much of a departure from my older stuff. Ultimately all my music is kind of about my journey.

Are you gonna tour this album?
Yup. I’m working on this Canadian tour now. I also hope to hit up U.S. and EU stages in 2014 as well.

How would evaluate the feedback that your last EP with Skratch Bastid, The Spring Up, received?
I think it was fairly well-received. I’m not sure though. I was really happy with it, I think it had some special moments.

How has the music game changed since 2010, when your album TSOL came out?
I don’t know… People seem to admit to liking Ma$e a lot more now. I think he became the Hall and Oates of rap in 2013.

That’s an interesting thought. How has the Canadian rap scene evolved?
Drake has been a tremendous success story, of course. Boi-1da, T-minus, and a few other producers are doing big things as well. There are couple artists like myself that have found a bit of an audience at home. Otherwise though, a lot of good artists still have trouble getting established here. Hopefully that will change soon.

What was the biggest lesson the music industry has taught you?
Trust your instincts. Don’t eat too much before a show.

You have degrees in business and liberal studies. How have the degrees helped you in life?
They’ve shaped the way I think and provided me with some insights that have helped along the way.

Words of Wisdom?
Inspiration is seeing something pure.