Music Industry Spotlight: Hip Hop group Knotz make film to promote music

I understand that you are you using your new film “War Gods” as a way to promote your music. Can you discuss this?

Mikal: We’re always promoting Knotz’s music in anyway we can. Our new music video called “Watch Ya Step” off of our “Formula” album coming out and is based off the short film “War Gods.”

It’s cross promotional because people will see the video and want to see the film, and if you see the film and like it, you’ll want to see and hear more from Knotz. Plus, we always like to be different and try new things that other artists aren’t doing. Every rapper has a hood-type flick, we want something more. We want to showcase our talents in filming, editing, directing, acting and art in general.

We’re an unusual team because we do everything in house, pretty much just like when we started out way back. For example, we’re launching a web site very soon called Station VM. It’ll stream indie and main stream videos, movies and much more on several different channels on the site. The site will be different from an MTV or BET because it will have a variety of music, you may not even catch the same video more than two or three times a day.

In regards to the film, the goal is to entertain people who are looking for something new from Knotz, as well as to gain new fans while creating a buzz for our brand and music. We also want to inspire others to try new things. Dread Child and his extraordinary team also write storyboards, edit, film and direct videosa. We feel the industry can use a fresh face, new views and ideas on the scene. Videos need a twist, but the videos now are all predictable. We intend to take a few of our short films to festivals and upload them online on a variety of different sites, including our own soon to come Station Vm. War Gods is approximately 30 minutes long but there will definitely be a follow up.

What’s it about?

Dread Child: It’s a story about a warlord who is hunting three wild fugitives who happen to have something he wants to possess. The only thing is…the fugitives are very intelligent, highly skilled in violence and mayhem, and are as ruthless as the warlord. So what you have is an action-packed cat and mouse chase in a jungle.

(image from War Gods)

How long did it take to shoot?
Dread Child: We shot a lot of scenes first just to make the trailers and the teaser in five hours, plus extra time for b-roll footage. We made two trailers and a longer teaser to really make a buzz for the “Whatchya Step” video, which will have scenes from the movie and tell more of the story. We really didn’t expect a crazy demand for a short, but the people want it…so over the next two weeks we will shoot to complete the movie and video.

Other than the film, what else are you doing to promote your music?

Mikal: The original grass roots street team, radio, and print interviews, online at Knotzmusic.com, and many other sites: itunes.com, Twitter of course, Myspace.com, Facebook.com, etc. Knotz also does promotional events and shows. We are currently working on putting together a mini tour for Dread Child’s album “The Ladder”. It’s a lot of work.

Can you discuss this single?

Dread Child: My single is called “I Don’t Make Believe” featuring Nature (formerly of the Firm) one of QB’s finest emcees. It’s produced by Don Wil. It’s still the Knotz’s raw sound. The track theme is real life…it’s a banger. The B- side, or follow up track is “It Ain’t Safe” produced by me. It’s very lyrical for those who appreciate skills.

Mikal: You’ll get it first Iz. Dread Child and Nature have plans to shoot that video shortly and I’m sure it will be crazy.

Do you have any shows coming up?

Mikal: Currently we’re recording so we aren’t touring, but we always do shows throughout the year. We have a show August 6th at the Denim Lounge in Brooklyn, NY for Dromanoti and Success Club’s DVD release party. We are always open to performing; that’s our first love so if you’re reading and looking to book an act that brings a stage show and crowd interaction link up with us through our website.

What else is Knotz up to in the music business?

Mikal: Dread Child is putting finishing touches on “The Ladder.” We’re working with and are in talks with several artists right now such as Icarus, Nature, Royal Flush, Absolute (Lex-R7), Snake II’z and Dromanoti. Our new mix tape “Combat-N-Bombs” is on its way shortly. It’s gonna be crazy. We have new exclusive music from Knotz and the Damali Family, Shea Davis, Gritty, Juelz Santana, Snake II’z, M.O.P, Dromanoti, Chop Divise, Ed Vance and more.

We are also working closely with a new energy drink company, Swagger. Big shouts to Team Swagger, Omar, David and Mikey. Vendors if you want to carry a new product that is picking up in sales every week, check ‘em out at Swaggerpa.com– “Swagger Get Some”. Always a lot on our plate. Soon the radio promotion for Dread Child’s new single will start and it’s off to the races again, no sleep! With that being said we are always looking for new opportunities and ventures, so if Knotz has something you may need, feel free to contact us and anything can happen.