Today we’d like to introduce you to @L3X OLIV3R, known throughout as ‘Alex Oliver’.
Alex, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My sole aspiration has always been to become a rap artist. However, my motivation for pursuing this path differs from the typical reasons such as fame, money, or status. For me, being a rap artist is a means to unleash the thoughts swirling in my mind and to express my utmost creativity. It provides me with a sense of freedom and serves as a testament to my dedication.
Every song I create and share is an opportunity for feedback and growth. Maybe my verses needed better flow. Maybe I should include more wordplay or punchlines. Maybe I needed catchier choruses. Maybe I needed a better beat. Maybe the whole thing was flawless, or maybe there wasn’t any constructive criticism. Either way, above all, I am driven by my love for progression.
While some may perceive me as a talented performer or artist, I personally believe that being skilled is a more fitting description. Rapping and creating music is a craft that requires relentless practice, just like the guitarist who excels at solos, the pianist who effortlessly composes melodies, or the writer who delivers impeccable drafts to publishers. Rhyming words and performing them is no exception.
The joy of listening to rap, the thrill of creating it, and the satisfaction of witnessing my own progress fuel my journey. I was initially inspired by Eminem, and I continue to persevere because I am determined to discover the full extent of my capabilities. Perhaps, one day, I will earn the title of “the greatest rapper alive.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an independent artist, it’s that a smooth journey often comes down to either having ample funds or strong connections. The path I’ve traversed has been nothing short of fascinating. As part of my “30 4 30” series, where I aim to create 30 music videos in 30 weeks, the average cost for a traditional music video is typically around $500. However, with resourcefulness and ingenuity, I’ve managed to keep my expenses well below that for each video, with a few exceptions of course. It has been quite a thrill to release a new music video every week throughout 2024.
Being an independent artist means shouldering the responsibility for every aspect of my career. From seeking out performance and festival opportunities, styling myself, managing my online presence, consistently creating content, reaching out to media outlets, meeting potential fans, creating artwork, editing my own music videos, networking, and financing my own endeavors, there are certainly challenges. However, there is also a certain beauty in this level of autonomy. Every aspect of what you see from Alex Oliver is a direct manifestation of my own thoughts and ideas. While I do receive some assistance, as no one accomplishes everything alone, for the most part, everything you witness me doing is a result of my own efforts. This is something I take great pride in.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I believe what sets me apart from other rappers is my lyrical agility, choice of subject matter, and visual presence. I take pride in my ability to create songs that are diverse in nature. Instead of rapping about firearms, substance abuse, or the typical topics in the genre, I prefer to explore my emotions, life experiences, spiritual themes, and my current state of being.
In my songs, I strive to keep the listener engaged by constantly switching up my cadences within the typical 2-minute duration. Throughout my “30 4 30” series, I have learned that fans appreciate complexity in my music. Although this may not always be suitable for songs intended for nightclubs and bars, adaptability is key.
When it comes to my visual appearance, I tend to favor an all-black attire. Whether it’s a simple black t-shirt and cargo pants or a full gothic ensemble adorned with skulls, crosses, and chains, I feel that this choice is a more authentic representation of who I am. I have a deep appreciation for horror and the paranormal, often finding solace in watching horror movies before falling asleep. Additionally, I have never been one to possess an optimistic outlook. While I acknowledge that beauty can be found in various aspects of life, it would be disingenuous for me to don yellow fitted caps, bright colors, or flashy jewelry. That’s just not who I am.
Any big plans?
I have been working on my studio album “Al3x in Wond3rland” for around five years, and its release is my biggest plan. I took a disciplined approach to its creation, recording over 200 songs and selecting the best ones. I made sure to include a great song for each demographic of my fanbase, catering to those who enjoy slower and more sensual songs, as well as those who prefer emotional and introspective tracks. I also wanted to provide songs that are just fun and enjoyable. I let one of my closest friends preview it, and he remarked, “Definitely a roller coaster of emotions.”
Pricing:
- Patreon: $5 Monthly
- T-Shirts: $30
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rapwarlock.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tharapwarlock
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tharapwarlock
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/tharapwarlock
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sq7iVxh9HGPZPbE2wBYJ2
