It’s ten o’clock at night in late March and I’m fighting sleep. My photographer, Bryan Lamb, and I watch Chance the Rapper racing back and forth from the booth behind us to the computer in front of us, occasionally taking frantic puffs from his cigarette.
His counterpart, Vic Mensa, lounges on a couch nearby, analyzing the first cut of the video for “DiditB4”, the lead single off his September 30 release, Innanetape. The pre-rendered cuts are too quick for the computer and the screen stops on a scene of Mensa, in a white coat and goggles, holding a cow brain.”
Today, we asked Ebyline Approved Freelancer Jake “Krez” Krzeczowski a few questions about this article and his experience with freelance writing.
Can you tell us about the track that got you into the Chicago hip-hop scene and how it spoke to you and drew your interest?
I’ve always been very into any music that came out of Chicago, call it civic pride I guess. But in terms of this new movement of music I would probably point to “Summerscent” by Kids These Days, the band Vic was originally a part of. The song spurred me to write a story about them which ended up as a feature in the Chicago Sun Times a little over a year ago. KTD was an early catalyst of what many would call this music ‘renaissance’ we’ve had in Chicago, and I’ve largely followed the scene closely from that point on.
What is it like working with musical artists? What are some key differences and similarities compared with reaching out and writing a story on a business for example?
Working with musicians is great. I live with two and spend most of my time around musicians or artists of some sort. I’m really lucky because many of the musicians around me in Chicago are young, very focused and driven and have found success early on, so it’s a constant push to work incessantly. The work really drives the scene here in Chicago, both musically and otherwise.
There isn’t a huge difference between writing about a business or a musician, really. At the end of the day, everyone has a story and wants to get it out to the world, although writing a business profile is much more straightforward. Writing about music, or art, the story is more buried.
Your article maintains incredible energy throughout. How do you keep the momentum going? What are some writing tips you can give to other freelancers to keep up the interest and energy in an article?
I had some really amazing writing teachers throughout my life. I think one of the most important things freelancers need to remember is to have a system in place to receive edits on your work, outside of the publication you’re submitting to. I have a team I send any big story to for feedback, I want them to tear it apart to find those areas when things aren’t moving along or becoming stale. A lot of the momentum comes from trading notes with one of my former teachers from the University of Iowa, Danny Khalastchi.
Favorite track for Vic and favorite track for Chance?
Ah, now this is a rough one. Chance: “You Song” Vic: “Run”
Jake Krzeczowski is a freelance journalist covering the latest news in music. He is a contributor to The Chicago Sun Times, Ruby Hornet, and Complex Magazine, among others. You can read more about his work at jakekrzeczowski.com.
