Urban Vault Interviews - FAKTA

Urban Vault caught up with UK emcee, songwriter, DJ and producer Fakta to ask him some questions about his music, inspirations & the industry...

Renowned for his clinical lyrical ability and unique style from an early age, Fakta has spent many years honing his abilities within the UK underground, with key releases including 'Lokd Behind Bars' and the critically acclaimed 'I Need Management 2' mixtape. These notable releases received support from the likes of BBC 1xtra, UK Overstood, Channel AKA and Media Massacre, a trend which looks set to continue with Fakta's forthcoming releases. Additionally, the Midlands MC has performed extensively both in the UK and abroad, where he performed at Short Circuit (the largest beach party in Jamaica), and has also supported international superstars Vybez Kartel, Bobby Valentino and Rick Ross.

What is your name?
FAKTA.
How old are you?
23.
Where are you from?
Handsworth, Birmingham.
How long have you been making music?
Ever since i was about 15 messing around in school beat boxing and mcing in the playground trying to sound the best but i was actually quite wack lol.
How many songs / albums have you released to date?
Two. 'Lokd Bhind Bars' (June 2006) and 'I Need Management 2' (June 2010) they were both mixtapes to raise awareness of FAKTA.
Can you tell us about your latest single 'Mainstream', the background and inspirations behind it?
Thats quite simple, mainstream came about from me reaching out to artists from the Birmingham circuit that i thought were making respectable noise and movements. I felt the city needed rappers to come together and be a force for five minutes atleast lol.
How have you ended up in the music industry?
I ended up in the music industry through a genuine love for the sport/craft.
I started out making tapes and Mcing with other Mc's from my area we used to hook up at ma cousins, put in some ministry of sound cd and spit lyrics over the beats. All that progressed into Djing, i began to dj when i realised we needed to add more dimension to our tapes then that evolved into
beat making/producing which taught me alot about melodies and song structure then came Rapping and songwriting...long journey and still some way to go but has been worth every step.
What do you think of the music industry in 2011?
Its a strange but very interesting place.I think its alot more diverse and spontaneous, even though alot of people may disagree i reckon its alot less controlled with alot of the tools
available to start some future empires.
Who inspires you when you make your music?
This is more of a 'what' inspires me rather than 'who'and the answer to that is my situation and if u want to know what that is you'll listen to my E.P when its out lol.
Who have you collaborated with so far in your Career?
I have collaborated with Mainly Birmingham artists such as; Firedon, Illfamiliar, The Royalists to name a few and alot more established collaborations on the way.
Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Jay - z
what was the first album you brought?
With my own money? Notorious B.I.G - Life After Death.
Whats your favorite song at the moment?
Drake ft Lil wayne - HYFR. Thats a banger right there.
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
The Blueprint 2 by Jay - z... lyrics, production and complete songs that album has it all.
What do you think of TV music talent show competitions?
Good entertainment but bad for the credibility of musicians.
What do you do when your not making music?
Eating or playing Football/soccer cant beat a good knock about.
Whats your favorite Fashion brand?
This is hard Because i have a few... im more into sportswear its a toss up between Adidas and Nike not really into designer brands even though Elvis and jesus aint bad.
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
I have a few tattoos on my left forearm and i know i'll have alot more by the time everybody reads this getting inked up is an addiction.
How many pairs of trainers do you own?
I dont know i'd have to show you a picture LMAO.
How many hats do you own?
Double figures. from snapbacks to furry ear hats to beanies i have a few still.
Whats your favorite takeaway?
Bings Carribean takeaway in Lozells his fried chicken dinner is evil.
How many followers do you have on twitter?
173 i clearly need more so follow me @fakta 1 :)
In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault?
A great way to keep up to date with whats current within the urban music scene.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music....