EXCLUSIVE!! Interview with Rob Viktum!

So we finally tracked down the elusive Rob Viktum and cornered him into answering some questions for us. When I say us, I mean me, but I thought it sounded more professional!! Anywayz, back to the point. If ya'll haven't heard Rob Viktum has recently remixed Hangar 18's "Sweep the Leg" album...and it's freakin' bananas!! I have had the pleasure of hearing the remix album before it's release and let me say it is an incredible piece of work. Sample-based production combined with unique synthesizers and an intuitive feel produced by the hands of the amazing Rob Viktum, just solidifies the fact that Rob is steadily on his way to success. Now for the facts...Hangar 18 & Rob Viktum "Sweep the Leg: Viktumized" will be available for FREE download TOMORROW APRIL 22, 2008 via DEFINITIVE JUX and Rappers I Know.com!! So don't sleep...cuz we all know that Sleep is for Birds!! So here it is people...the Exclusive interview with Rob Viktum!!

CLICK HERE TO VISIT ROB VIKTUM'S MYSPACE TO PREVIEW THE REMIXES!!!

Sleep is for Birds...: So I'm guessing that Rob Viktum isn't the name given to you at birth. What's the story behind the name and why did you decide it meant that much to you?

Rob Viktum: What do you mean, how did i get my name? My mother gave it to me....wow people always think there is a story to this....hahahaha, just kidding...man, I got the name Rob Viktum as a tribute to the good friends that stole all my equipment from my studio in 99. A few close friends of mine, and myself knew who it was and went to go get the stuff back, but the culprits had been planning this for awhile apparently because they had already left town. So I took the name as revenge, so hopefully one day the name will become a sore in their soul.


Sleep is for Birds...: Now that the introduction is out the way, I see, and have been blessed to hear, that you have a remix "Viktumized" album with Hangar 18. How did that come about and what are the details on it's release?

Rob Viktum: The Hangar 18 remix album came about a few months when i signed on with the same management company as Hangar. We have ben friends for years, and even before this I was going to work with them, but it never panned out. So when my management suggested I remix their most recent album I didnt think twice about it.


Sleep is for Birds...: What is your honest opinion of the Hip Hop culture locally and nationwide, and in what ways, if needed, do you think that the national and local scenes could improve or strengthen?

Rob Viktum: My honest opinion about hiphop is, there is hope out there. It may seem dark and apocolyptic, but I see a light at the end of the tunnel. There truly are people who are rooted in the foundation of this culture, who are still making music. Old folks, and Young folks. Now the DFW scene...WOW....well, I think the thing that really sets us back is how spread out we are. People live in FT. Worth, and Richardson, Euless, on and on and on. Its just hard to know whats going on. Maybe one day our scene here will thrive.


Sleep is for Birds...: Let's move on to more of a creative vibe. What have you as an artists been trying to achieve lately that will set you apart from all other producers in the Hip Hop world?

Rob Viktum: What im trying to achieve to set me apart is adding to the basics. I'm a sample based producer, but I want to add to what I sample. However there is a trick to doing so. You cant sample, chop up a sample, and just add standard synths or strings to the sample. There is a science to it. I wont bore you with the details on the process I use, but its lots of reading, and research.


Sleep is for Birds...: I understand that you have actual musical training and that you had very influential parents when it came to music and art. How has this helped you in the creation of your music?

Rob Viktum: My musical training has helped me out tremendously. The ability to identify chord changes in samples, and follow them with your instrumentation is vital. Not just the musical training I had, but the amount of exposure to other forms of music, really expanded my horizons.


Sleep is for Birds...: What is one story, through all your adventures in Hip Hop, that stands out in your memory?

Rob Viktum: I think the most vivd memory is driving all the way to LA, to participate in the first Paid Dues festival, and getting my car totalled in the first 15 minutes I was in town, will always be the best memory.


Sleep is for Birds...: Do you have any more projects or ideas that you are working on at the moment, and if so, how do I get the exclusive?!?! haha...

Rob Viktum: Im always working on something. I've just started working on my new solo record (4 years since my last solo record). That will be something special for me, But in the mean time, Im about to hit the Road with Mr Dibbs, and I will have a tour only album and shirt coming out to support that venture, so be on the lookout.