Exclusive Interview with C Plus

C Plus
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Mikhail Stukov 
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Mikhail Stukov: Let's take it back to the beginning... When did you first become interested in music?

C Plus: I used to listen to whatever songs were on the radio, like ever since a little kid (2Pac, Biggie, Will Smith, MC Hammer, Eminem). I would memorize everybody's raps and just got really good at that. then when I was like 13 I started trying to write my own original lyrics.

Mikhail Stukov: Why the name C Plus?

C Plus: The C is from my name (Chaz) and the + is just there to remind me to stay positive, no matter what I gotta go through in life. People been calling me "Plus" since like 2004 so it's taken on a whole bunch of different meanings since then. 

Mikhail Stukov: When it comes to your lyrics, what inspires you?

C Plus: Life. lol... really I got a lot of goals/dreams/ambitions I want to fulfill so I think a lot of my motivation or the fuel behind my songs is me chasing that. just trying to use music as the tool to open those doors for me and my people. If I were to die tomorrow that's all that the world would have to remember me by, so I gotta make it count.

Mikhail Stukov: What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

C Plus: I performed in Sopot, Poland last year in front of a sold out crowd and everybody knew the words to my songs. never thought that anything like that would ever happen.

Mikhail Stukov: Please tell me about your typical day

C Plus: My days vary a lot. I have a bunch of other responsibilities that I'm taking care of right now other than music. I'm taking care of my mom while she goes through chemo. I gotta take care of my grandma cause she a lil older and needs assistance. I am my own financier so I'm hustling to fund my career and the merchandising aspect of it (www.cplus.bigcartel.com), as well as being hands on w/the actual design and print process. Alongside the merch I also run a small jewelry design firm that takes a lot of time/energy as well (www.heavymedaljewelry.com). I have hella shit on my plate so no day is really typical at this point lol

Mikhail Stukov: Favorite movie ? and why ?

C Plus: "Paid In Full" just because it was an extremely accurate depiction of what goes on in the streets, especially when you're on top of things and trying to run a tight ship like Ace was. the changes in the people around you when you become successful, the stresses of wanting more for yourself but having to break the law to obtain it, seeing your friends suffer through jail bids and loosing loved ones. I went through a lot of those same things so it was just crazy to see it unfold w/the narration behind it like that. Plus the way it was shot, from the locations to the props and everything, they really captured the whole vibe of that era.

Mikhail Stukov: What are your thoughts on how things are going in the music industry right now?

C Plus: I think the music industry is in a great place right now just because the power is coming more back into the hands of the consumers and the creators, and not the suits. nobody is really selling records. the only streams of revenue that are jumping are touring and merchandising so I think it's a good time to be an entrepreneur but a horrible time to be stuck in a 360 deal. Any artist that can come w/a different sound, and market and brand themselves properly has a chance of making their thing pop on a bigger scale, and I don't think it was like that when I was first starting out. when I was younger we thought that If you didn't sign to a major label you weren't going to make it to the big leagues, that's completely untrue now. somebody in their mom's basement can develop a cult following from behind a computer screen and turn that into millions of loyal, paying, fans.

Mikhail Stukov: The key to success ?

C Plus: Originality. humility. work ethic. ownership. branding. marketing. believing in yourself. having your own money and not depending on people to help you make moves. vulnerability in your artistry. don't be too cool. but at the same time don't go out of your way to fuck w/people who don't fuck w/you. support your own. stay hungry. don't be afraid to fail. if you're not going to give 100%, don't give anything at all. have everything in writing. don't share your ideas with people. don't be in your feelings on social networks. always be honest with people. do straight business. don't be shady. build relationships. ask people how they are doing. don't be the guy that only calls when you want a favor. and be careful who you do favors for. don't be afraid of being alone and doing your own thing. if you're not a force on your own, you're not going to be powerful with others.

Mikhail Stukov: What’s one artist you would want to work with and why ?

C Plus: Pharrell. just cause he is that dude on so many levels. he changed the game in multiple ways. just to sit and vibe with him in the studio and pick his brain would be awesome.

Mikhail Stukov: Whats the best piece of advice that has been ever given to you?

C Plus: Don't be afraid to be great. you gotta cancel out all fears of being successful. cause success is hella scary. nobody tells you that ahead of time.

Mikhail Stukov: Any new projects coming out soon ? And what can we expect from this projects?

C Plus: I got a lot of new projects in the works. I've recorded close to 100 songs and we're only 4 months into the year. I don't really wanna talk about them too much, just know that me and Ski Beatz album will be coming out very soon.

Mikhail Stukov: What are your future long-term goals in life?

C Plus: I just really want to gain financial independence and be able to take care of my family. If I could push a bmw, have a lb. to smoke out of, money to cop the new Jordan's every month, put my unborn kids through college, and take a nice vacation once a year - i'll be straight. I ain't asking for much lol. I just want to live comfortably and continue to put out the best music possible.

Mikhail Stukov: Thank you very much for your time C Plus. Anything else you want to add? How can your fans get in contact with you?

C Plus: Man stay positive, that's really all I got for y'all.

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