We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Noah Archangel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Noah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I think the saying goes, “the need creates ability”. In college at Jackson State University, freestyling with the crew, we needed beats to rap on. This is before the PC software music era. You either had the money for keyboards and beat machines or you had a Playstation with the Music Generator game. I started with the latter, making beats in the dorm and recording cyphers on a handheld tape deck.

Fast forward to my return to Houston, got a job and met a producer who actually owned a MPC 2000 and Korg Triton keyboard. This was top notch gear. He showed me the basics, but I still needed my own gear. So I took my first big bonus from my sales job and copped a computer with software, a MPC 2000 XL and a Korg MicroKorg. They were used, so I had to figure it out without manuals like the legends before me. I think we all kind of learn by recreating our favorite beats, and you get better at using your tools.

Now by this time it is 2004, we already had Fruity Loops and Pro Tools and other software that made it easier to make music with only a computer and usb keyboard. I was so influenced by the 90’s producers, I refused to use computers to make music, We would only use a PC to record, but all the beats were made old school, with analog beat machines and keyboards.

Looking back, I wish I would have embraced the PC era, and mastered that technology along with the old. It would have got me where I am now way sooner. I blame my stubborn attitude for my longer journey.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Well I represent THE BAND OF THE HAWK UNDERGROUND PYRAMID CREW #BOHUP. We are a collective of artists that create music, videos, graphics, paintings, fashion and media. Our purpose is to push the envelope of art and culture while staying true to the original purpose of Hip Hop, the “Black CNN”

I got into music rapping at raves and underground parties in Houston in the late 90’s. Once I wanted to take it seriously I went through the process I explained in the first question. Once I knew I could make records myself, I started assembling other artists to produce and make records with. I have produced over 20 full records, pressed 100’s of my works on vinyl records, CD’s and Tapes and sold $1000’s of merch.

So the list goes….I can create, record and produce music, I can record and edit videos, I can design clothing and merch and create marketing campaigns. The difference with me, is I do not work with everyone. The art has to be positive for the Hip Hop community. If you are all about gangs, drugs, stupid shit, I can’t rock with you. There is still love and respect, but I believe all my art is connected to my soul, and it has to resonate with me or I am destroying myself.

My most proudful moment would be putting together a southern Wu-Tang Clan. Putting together 8-10 other people to come together as one to make music, videos and push a movement is extremely difficult. I was able to pull it off for about 5 years.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

In my honest opinion, society has to grow up and realize that art is not as easily made as it is digested. Thanks to streaming services and the internet, people do not value a musical project like they used to when they had to pay $10 to listen to it. Now you push a button, halfway listen, and go on to the next new release. Remember, Spotify drops over 40,000 songs a day!!!

So I would say this, if you like a artist, buy their merch, buy tickets to their shows, share their content on social media. Don’t stop there, lookup the artists they feature on their projects, and do the same for them. We all can continue to thrive if you can respect the process. Yes, you paid your subscription to Apple music, and basically listen to my music for free. However, you can still follow us on social media, purchase that music on Vinyl or CD, or just buy a shirt so your friends no you support us. 60% of a artists revenue comes from merch, not music sales. If you like a artist, buy their merch to show it.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

When the BOHUP crew was at its apex. We lost one of our key contributors, which then lead to another major contributor leaving. All the music was done, but as a human, I did not feel right releasing it, knowing we were not as one.

So I had to restructure the system. Meaning I started to focus on the art side more then the music. So I dropped more instrumental projects, that were linked to fashion and merch. We focused more on actually providing art pieces like canvas prints and 1 of 1 clothing. I made a BOHUP app on itunes and Android to make it easier for the “phone generation” to connect with us.

The Band of the Hawk is still releasing music, and always will. However, now we are more of a brand about art and culture then a rap crew.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.BandoftheHak.com
• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bandofthehawk_
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/bandofthehawktv
• Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bandofthehawk_
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/bandofthehawktv
• Other: Band Camp: http://bohup.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
1- Brook Ochoa Hepburn 2 – Kyle Larter