Ominous
Words

OLM Interviews
Steve Caprio

Ominous
Words

OLM Interviews
Steve Caprio

Ominous
Words

OLM Interviews
Steve Caprio

   These days it seems as though rap is all about how some rapper is the realest, most thuggish thing you ever seen, or how some rapper has more money, bitches, warrants out for his arrest, etc., than any one else. If you listen to hip hop but you are looking for something different, something meaningful, then you may be looking for Ominous Words by Steve Caprio. Steve is different. Steve is a conscientious rapper who rhymes about things that truly matter.
   With lyrics like “We’re all servants/America’s the plantation” from Pressure to Conform and “We need to fight back because they profit off disease” from Dirt, Steve is our kind of artist. His lyrics are smart and will put together, and his beats are smooth and tight. His sound is unique and inspiring.

OLM’s interview with Steve Caprio

What CDs do you have out now?

I was doing shows and recording music but had nothing organized to pass out or even sell. So I took about 15 songs that I had and put them together and called it Simple but True. My second CD, Kill the Static, had some thought behind it. I took 20 beats from producers Abzorb, Xavier Chavez, DoeBoy and others, wrote out every track, then recorded them at Seahorse Sound Studios. My new CD, Roots & Wings, will be out sometime this year. I have my own studio now and am doing all of my own recording.

People can get my music on iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, etc.

What is Ominous Words about?

Speaking truth, standing on my own two feet, learning, and never not being me for anything.

Why or how did you become so passionate about progression and speaking out? Was there a catalyst?

It’s just me. I have always been opinionated and felt strong about learning and being the best that I can

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be at whatever it is I choose to do at that moment. There have been many situations that have led me to feel the way I do and knowing what so many have sacrificed to insure me being able to have freedoms such as choice and speech, I feel it’s my responsibility to practice them. I am a stubborn person and my whole life I have tried to do things on my own and knowing I didn’t want anything from anyone, I never brownnosed, but spoke my mind.

Your music seems to contain a lot of old proverbs and sayings. How do you get this inspiration?

I try to read as much as I can and watch things that have meaning. I respect teachers, inventors, artists, and others who create change. I don’t follow or worship anyone or thing. People seem to get lost in fashion, TV and radio while chasing acceptance. I try to ignore all the bullshit and follow my heart. I talk to some people and feel like I am uneducated and have a lot to learn. I guess the average person doesn’t know much outside of what’s in front of them, but I don’t compare myself to them. People think that everything is known and has been discovered. I keep thinking about how in school they taught me about the 9 planets and how at one time people thought the world was flat. It makes me wonder what we’re so sure of that’s not true. Bottom line, I keep an open mind, try not to judge, and know that I’m only worth my last action.

If I understand correctly, you are not signed to a record label. Why not?

My experience with companies is that they are about profits. When someone invests they want to protect their investment and will try to control it, to insure it. I want money as much as the next man, but I

am an artist first. I take pride in what I do. Maybe it’s that stubborn part coming out, but I want total control over everything I do. Some people don’t have a clue, others want to be famous. Who knows why people do what they do? As far as I go, I have bills to pay and want to travel the world. I don’t care what anyone thinks and I have nothing to prove. I

like being able to walk around or take a bus ride to stare out the window. I don’t need millions. I wanna love what I do.

Have record companies approached you?

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Yes and no. People have approached me and spoken to me, but never offered me anything. If they did, I would ask them if they ever even listened to my music and laugh. I guess if someone made me a serious offer I couldn’t refuse, I would be a fool to pass it up. Though, if I were a big record company, I wouldn’t sign me. I’d sign the dude willing to sing and dance for peanuts. It seems like the things I think are a joke make the most money.

How long have you been doing music and who have you performed with?

I have been writing for over 15 years. Freestyling for over 10. I have been recording for around four or so. I have performed with KRS One in Orange County, SuperNatural at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, U God of Wu-Tang in San Diego, Awol One and 2 Mex at the Glass House, Pepper and others on the Queen Mary in Long Beach, with Andro at the 2007 Canabis Revival in Joplin Missouri. I’ve played with Writers Block in Mammoth, Psyborg and I have played every So Cal ski resort. I have played at skate and snowboard conventions, at the Skullcandy booth in Huntington Beach for the U.S. Open, with Dj Roach at the House of Blues, and a bunch of places in between.

What are your hobbies and interests?

My family. I have a 3 month old daughter named Sage. My girlfriend Jen makes it all possible. When we’re not doing something together and Sage is asleep, I like to write, draw, think, just bring ideas to life. I’m getting into filming. I am gonna produce and edit my next music video for my Roots & Wings album. I love snowboarding, I have lived in Utah, Mammoth, Big Bear, and Wright Wood. I like trying to be healthy, it’s an everyday struggle though. I recently stopped eating meat and that’s pretty hard. I haven’t had any soda for over 10 years. I enjoy life and being free.

Besides your music, what else are you involved in?

I own Carnival Boardshop in Fontana, CA. I’ve been doing graphic arts for over 10 years and have recently designed some things for some pretty big companies that I am excited about. I am getting ready to launch a new skate and snowboard wax company with a record label attached. I’m just trying to stay busy and express myself without being owned by anyone.

Who are you sponsored by?

I get support from I Path Shoes (ipath.com), Neff Headwear, Skullcandy Headphones, Anenberg Clothing, Phat Ass Glass, NORML.org and am gonna start getting some good stuff from Seth over at livingnutz.com.