With Jace’s Mortal Kombat music video about to hit the 20 million view mark, on one of the most widespread hip-hop online sites in the world, it’s clear that LeetMusic (a.k.a. Nerd music) is no longer an unknown genre.
The truth is, there are a lot of artists who still popularize the genre, all while making each song into their own. We’re taking the opportunity to provide fans much more insight into the concept of Nerd music, in a manner that only the artists themselves could reveal.
Dr. Awkward, a.k.a Doc Awk, is the Next Gen Hip Hop performer hailing from San Diego, California. His hit songs include “Geekquilibrium” as well as “Impostor” dating back to his very first solo record, Next Gen, in 2009. He has shared bills with notable Nerdcore rappers: MC Frontalot, MC Lars, and Mega Ran, among others.
What’s the difference between Nerd music, and Nerdcore? Just what does the future have for aspiring artists as well as fans of the nerd music genre?
We answer those queries and more in our exclusive interview with the Next Gen artist, Dr. Awkward:
JHS: You say that “you’re clearly a nerd, yet you don’t fit the bill.” I’d be eager to find out exactly what you think “nerd” even signifies today.
“Nerd” today has numerous meanings. I do know when I was in school it absolutely had a negative connotation. No one dreamed of being one of us nerds! Nowadays with coining of the term “geek chic” more people are identifying themselves with the word “nerd.” I see that as being a good change, mainly because I do think a nerd is anybody who is keen about something, and never concerned with exactly how society may view them for it. Nerds aren’t afraid to be different, and never let modern society have an effect on the way they feel about what they like. They are the individuals who continue to be true to themselves at all times.
JHS: Just what is your thoughts and opinions on where Nerd Music could go? Are you finding that it’s as accessible to people as mainstream hip-hop is to relatively everybody else?
I’ve often felt that Nerd Music can certainly break into the mainstream, and I would like to see that occur, all it requires is the best people to support and drive the music and the movement. Accessibility is surely a huge element of that as well, yet sadly I think the label “nerd music” has a tendency to scare men and women away. It’s a shame when people never give themselves the chance to fall in love with it, because really, everybody has a nerdy aspect to them no matter whether they’d like to acknowledge it or not.
JHS: In Geekquilibrium, you state your music is not Nerdcore, it’s Nerdlife…It’d be awesome to hear what you think the difference is between the two.
There exists a vast array of nerd music, and Nerdcore is only one example. It is hip-hop used to express ourselves on whatever matters we feel like rapping about. Nerd Life is simply any life experiences as a nerd. That particular lyric says that a person must not make music just to make “Nerdcore,” but that the subject one raps about is the real truth; whether it be life experiences, interests, or loves.
JHS: Finally, I assume “Next Gen” talks to the next generation of Nerd artists? Just what ideally will that mean for you as a performer as well as what sort of influence will you want your music to have on generations?
In case future generations of musicians take anything from my music, I am hoping they get that the concept of a “Next Gen” musician is anyone ready to push the limits of their musical genre. Growth and evolution are the only ways to better your music, as well as the musicians around you. Never be worried to be totally different, it is exactly what makes us who we are.
For more information on Dr Awkward and Nerd Music, visit Dr Awkward’s personal website as well as Scrub Club Records.
The Jace Hall Show is an online reality show that covers video game news and personalities as well as interviews with film/tv/sports celebrities. It also has articles that features nerd music and nerdcore artists.
Lucky Charms
- Easy Music Creation With Music Maker Loops Creating music in the comfort of your home is fun,...
- Minneapolis Music Lessons – Do You Have What It Takes To Learn To Read Music? You probably remember those dreaded aptitude tests in school. Rest...
- Music Vending Machine – Great For Music Lovers Since their introduction vending machines have become highly popular with...
- 6 Pop Musicians Who Should Be Replaced By Nerdcore Music Artists Here’s a question: would you miss out on listening to...
- Learn A Lot More Regarding Nerdcore Rap It’s easy to forget about that music was originally made...
