MITRAE=Money Is The Root of All Evil.
MITRAE is a New Jersey Native, born as Alexander Dailey-Sterling. A unique and diverse Hip-Hop/R&B Artist, Engineer, and Producer with the absolute love to what he does as a creator. The well-rounded talent continue to show his success as he focuses on his path to greatness. Driven to succeed, MITRAE has proven to his fans the impact he sets out and that anything you put your mind into can be accomplished. Lean more as V-Henny caught up with the young artist to discuss his journey and inspiration behind his work.
V-Henny: Can you tell us how you got started?
MITRAE: I’ve always been a student of music, and since the 4th grade, I’ve been in a concert band. Played the Alto and tenor saxophone. I got into strings learning the Bass guitar, it didn’t really stick though. My parents being immigrants, my mother from St. Lucia, and my father from Costa Rica, have brought a lot of culture to my music taste growing up. In the house, all I would hear is Soca, Calypso, Salsa, Reggae, etc. It wasn’t until late in middle school that I got my first true taste of Hip-Hop. During freshman year I would link up with a guy in my school named David who had a basement studio called Underground Studios. I’d write bars to youtube beats or instrumentals to songs I would bump and record tracks in his basement. Eventually, I started recording myself and friends, and when I got introduced to Silk City Lab Productions in Paterson, NJ, I knew this was what I wanted to leave a legacy doing.
Vee: Who inspired you to make music?
MITRAE: I was always listening to R&B and Pop myself growing up. My brother had a huge influence on my music taste as well. My favorites as a kid were Michael Jackson, Neyo, Usher, and Sean Paul. When I started making music seriously, I was more so listening to artists like Chance The Rapper, Ski Mask, The Slump God, and Cordae. I was especially intrigued by Ski Mask’s flow and his sound in general, it has inspired a lot of my music.
Vee: How would you describe the music that you typically create?
MITRAE: I don’t like to put myself in a box, I can touch anything that’s given to me. When it comes to being creative I don’t like placing limits on myself. I do have a go-to sound, which is Hip-Hop that is more focused on lyricism. I pride myself on being a positive artist who only promotes love, peace , and positivity.
Vee: How long have you had this creative vision and what pushes you to be consistent?
MITRAE: I have had this vision since my Sophomore Year of High School. My brothers Ri and Ali were with me at the very beginning when I said what I wanted. I remember that day so vividly. We would link up at my boy Danny’s house right up the street and sit in his basement freestyling on different beats for hours.
Vee: Have you ever felt discouraged by the industry and if so how did you overcome the thought/feeling?
MITRAE: Surprisingly, in the beginning, when I knew very little about the industry, I would never get discouraged. Growing up and being a student of the game has taught me so much. People would always tell me how good my music sounded and that I should keep going. I was always humble, but somehow progression has humbled me more. Being independent will truly show an artist what it takes, in terms of drive, to get to the level they want to get to.
Vee: What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
MITRAE: I would most likely still be in school for the music industry and planning to work in A&R, Artist Management, or Marketing. I would still be audio engineering and working on building my Record Label, which is in the works now.
Vee: What were some of the steps you had to take to get to where you’re at in your career?
MITRAE: Definitely a lot of networking. I wouldn’t be where I am without meeting new people and putting myself out there. Just releasing music and promoting is not enough. You have to go out to events, shows, mixers, etc. Anything that has people involved in the music industry, you should be considering going to. Other than that, just having high-quality music and not settling for less once you have a specific standard.
Vee: In order to succeed in life you have to know how to give credit and give back. Who would you give credit to for your success thus far? Who would you give back to ?
MITRAE: There are numerous people I could give credit to. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without God, and the support of my parents and family, and I would give back to them. I’m very grateful to be able to study what I love in University. As far as the Industry, I would credit some of my success to my first engineer Shon Godi at Silk City Lab Production up in Paterson, NJ. Before doing real studio sessions with him, I was in the basement recording on a USB mic with a sock over it, the real way lol.
Vee: What projects are you presently working on?
MITRAE: I am currently building an eastern “End of Year” tour. I’ll be in PA, NYC, and NJ. I’m also working on a few releases for the beginning of the first quarter. Just came off of the BET Experience Tour with Mor.Bookings and The Artistry Entertainment, met some super dope artists out there I’m looking forward to working with.
Vee: What is one message you would give to your fans?
MITRAE: I appreciate every single one of y’all. If you are still tuned in, stay in tune because I got more to show! If you have been rocking with me from jump, you 318 gang. If you know you know lol
Vee: What’s next for you?
MITRAE: I have a lot of shows coming up, I plan on doing some big things at these shows and hopefully, getting this business up and running by Q1. Possibly touring in LA for Grammy week. New music, new shows, and more opportunities. I look forward to the future God has planned for me.
Make sure to follow MITRAE on all social media platform, listed below.
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/mitrae/1435362687
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/mitrae/AR7h9h5qV5Z26xK