“Who’s The Narcicyst?”
Iraqi MC The Narcicyst was born in Dubai and raised in Canada. Stream his latest ep “P.H.A.T.W.A.”, combining thought-provoking lyrics with wit and humor + bonus interview below:

What are you up to at the moment?
I am currently in Dubai, about to watch the premiere of my first acting role in CITY OF LIFE, an international film shot by Ali F. Mostafa. You can check it out here. I’m really excited as this is my first film and I’ve always wanted to act! Otherwise, just rocking shows and making music!

What’s you new release about and why should we listen to it?
My new release is about my life and everything it encompasses and you should listen to it because I said so! No really though, it is something I put three years of my life into and hope that it translates and people can relate to some of the tracks as I really found myself in the music this time…

It’s a changing time for the music industry: how do you see the future of it?
I see the artist gaining more power as the industry scrambles to meet its “market”. I think the internet has opened the floodgates to alot of good (and bad) artists out there and gives it a fair playing ground whereas in the past, it was a very difficult terrain to walk through. It is most definetely a catch-22. Everyone has a voice now, its just how genuine you can present yourself that seperates the real from the fake!

How do you use & see the web today, how do you see it evolving in the coming years?
The internet is a lot of the visibility for an artist like me. Obviously, with a strong team and a vision you can make anything happen if you really grind on it, but the internet makes you global without travelling, it allows people to discover you before you have even visited them!

What would be your dream online music service?
Mmmm, just a personal iTunes, a place where the artist can straight upload his music and make the money per track per order and not have to wait. I guess an iTunes crossed with a Paypal….

Servicing promos: digital or physical?
Digital is great, but I am a fan of the packaging. The album is not only the music, but the artwork and vision behind the project. They are both different. I’ll download an album, if it’s good, I’ll go out and buy it. But there are some artists that I wait for the album to drop and go buy it to listen to it and keep it regardless. Some people deserve the support because they make worthwhile art.

Distribution: DIY or aggregator?
I’ve been doing the DIY for a while and I must say, getting distribution is KEY to success. I think every artist should DIY it for a while to learn and gain some capital. Once the buzz is big enough, they should move to the RIGHT distribution and make the perfect decision for their situation. I mean, if Jay-z went DIY, he wouldn’t have a problem. So I would say the order is DIY-aggregator-DIY (when you get big enough to sell without a machine.)

How much money you could save by using more digital in ur day to day operations ?
Mailing out CDs would be a no cost, but I like people receiving the packaged goods really. I can’t really estimate how much but it would definetely be a saving!

You have some buzz in an emerging country but no way to monetize it, would you give away ur music for free to keep growing it?
I would record a mixtape or an EP to throw out there for free till you get booked for gigs and go out their with product, but nowadays, its never impossible. On the net you can reach anyone, and if people really want to support, they can pay for your music.

How do you deal with / prevent / use an (un)official leak?
You can’t, let’s be honest. Everything leaks, its now as much a part of the game as mastering is.

Could you you tell us what is the most important source of income today ?
Shows. Revenues of shows and mechanicals; getting your music in movies, ads, placements etc. That and collaborations when you are at the right point in your carreer.

Is there any feature/service we could build for you?
Whatever you would like to try and let’s see it and maybe I would like it!

Recommended music site (services, shop, blogs…)
Nahright
Marcustroy
Escapemtl

How’s the scene in Montreal?
Amazing, Montreal is a haven for the arts.

Places of interest?
Just walk around the whole city, it is a song waiting to be written or a painting waiting to get drawn.

Best thing that happened to you recently?
Film Premiere and my performance at the Transmusicales in Rennes.

Movie of the moment?
City of Life.

Last album you enjoyed listening?
Mos Def- The ecstatic.

Best TV shows (current and ever)?
The Wire.

Last book you enjoyed reading?
The Epic of Gilgamesh.

How do you know what time it is?
By the way I feel.

Fave night drink and morning beverage?
Tea and Tea.

Smoking or non-smoking clubs?
NON SMOKING PLEASE!

Joke of the moment?
Wack Mcs.

Visit The Narcicyst website