“This is a world of content, and if you’re not ahead of the game, you’re not in the game,” he said, speaking over the telephone during a studio break. “We’re working on some singles, some collaborations and some new productions. I’ve got my hands in every aspect of being in the studio right now. You have to evolve like the rest of the world.”
Big Smo and his team stay on top of the latest technological updates and changes within the industry.
“Content rolls out so quickly you just have to be able to move at the speed of today’s technology,” he said. “People don’t have time to really digest albums any more, so we’ve switched over to focusing on the singles game. It’s all about dropping single and after single and keeping your content flowing steady.
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“You just have to use the tools that you’re given at the moment and try to adjust releases and production to better fit these social platforms. It’s a content war full-circle when it comes to songs, visuals and even touring so you have to be non-stop with this.”
In addition to touring and releasing albums, Big Smo has been building his brand through his self-titled reality series. After two seasons on the A&E network, the upcoming third season will debut on the rapper’s recently launched mobile app.
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“With your own app, you’re able to reach 100 percent of your followers right at your fingertips without having to buy Facebook boosts and stuff like that,” he said. “I basically have my very own social media. We’ve been developing the app with the company Fan Hero. They’ve been doing an excellent job of keeping me up to speed with the new prongs of technology that come with these social media outlets.
“It’s great, because with my app I’m able to do a live stream or share videos and music,” Smo said. “It’s like having Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and my own Web site all in one place. The technology has given me the opportunity to cut out so many of the middle men and I’m going straight to the consumer.”
WANT TO GO?
Who: Big Smo
Where: Oddbody's Music Room, 5418 Burkhardt Road, Dayton
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 7. Doors open at 7 p.m.
Cost: $18-$25
More info: 937-813-4272 or www.oddbodys.com
Artist info: www.therealbigsmo.com
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