ZNO Aka Michael Garton

Story

I am a rapper. I played piano for over 11 years, but struggled writing music on the piano. NF's song Notepad inspired me to dig through and start writing rhymes on a notepad my youth pastor gave me to take notes during church.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Music is a form of expression, therapy, and medicine. Music gives me a way to organize me feelings and emotions. I can say what I feel and nobody can get on me for it while I'm alone recording.

What is your music dream?

My dream is to be able to give hope to people that have gone through or are going through struggles and pain and to help them push on. I want be recognized globally and do it all without a label.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

I would stop all stealing and people taking advantage of those that work hard.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

Witt Lowry, NF, Eminem, Social Club Misfits, and KB

What inspires you to make music?

NF helped me get through a lot of my problems and I want to help people the same. I want people to feel rejuvenated and powerful when they rap along with me.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

I want people to feel hope that there is more in life than pain and struggle.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

If they respond well and receive the message, I feel like I'm helping the world and making a difference. If my audience doesn't respond well I will probably go back to the studio and write a song, but never record it.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Artists can get to their dreams if they work hard. People and radio need to be improved. An artists makes so many great songs that could go platinum, but very few typically are acknowledged, because of fair-weather fans that rely on radio stations and radio stations that only play the same songs.

What do you think of Drooble?

I don't have much experience with Drooble, but it seems like a fantastic idea.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

Too many artists are fake and lazy, they brag, but have no real message. Others just steal from other artists. Some labels try to take advantage of new artists or limit them.

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

Yes, there is only one other musician, he is the beat producer on my album. I have met some people that like rap and I help them write and rap a little when they want.

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

Hard work, common sense, a loyal team, and be outgoing.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Nate the Producer