Junior marketing major Dustin Fuller has been performing live for three years and will
perform his original work at the South by Southwest Music Festival and Conference
Courtesy of Bright Idea Designz Graphics
 

A local style of music called bounce will be discussed at an upcoming event, the South By Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Festivals, also known as SXSW. Because it developed in New Orleans, bounce possesses a distinctly New Orleans sound. Although with the presence of Southeastern’s own student rapper, Dustin Fuller, bounce will hardly be the only local subject of the conference.  

Fuller, a junior marketing major, will be performing at SXSW under his stage name Magi. According to Fuller, he has been performing for three years, and he was eager to share the subjects and focuses of his music.

“Right now most of my music is mostly geared towards generating my own sound,” said Fuller. “I rap about my life, the city that I’m from, the issues that I feel negatively affect my culture, I also keep it fun by rapping about some of my hobbies amongst other things. Right now I’m focused on building my brand, so I haven’t touched too deep into current events yet but I’m really looking forward to it later in my career.”

Fuller also recounted his experience in live performances.

“I performed live a couple times, but my favorite performance would have to be the NAACP talent show in the Spring 2015 semester,” said Fuller. “I killed it. The audience was amazing. I came in 2nd place, but it’s weird because if you ask anyone who went to the show they’ll probably tell you I won which is pretty cool.”

Fuller shared that he will be performing at SXSW 2016, something he eagerly anticipates.

“It’s probably the biggest opportunity I’ve been presented with yet,” said Fuller. “I plan on taking full advantage of it. I’ll represent New Orleans and Southeastern to the fullest.”

Finally, Fuller talked about his background in music and his particular style.

“I’ve been recording for about three years now, but I’ve been in love with rap since about 3rd grade,” said Fuller. “I actually incorporate a variety of styles in my music, I try to switch it up a bit from time to time depending on the song.”

As for SXSW, where Fuller will perform, a huge focus this year will be the hip-hop style New Orleans bounce. Bounce will be the subject of a panel discussion called “Ya Heard Me! New Orleans bounce,” which will feature many notable figures from the hip-hop scene.

Brandon Hurst, a moderator of the panel discussion, explained bounce in detail.

“Bounce is an energetic sub-genre of hip-hop which originated in New Orleans in the 1980s-1990s,” said Hurst. “It evolved from hip-hop. Bounce is uptempo, high energy, dance/party music complete with call and response phrases. Much of today’s bounce is filled with sexual lyrics that promote twerking, but bounce has also been used to promote positive messages in the community.”

However, bounce will not be the only subject of SXSW.  A wide variety of music, film and interactive art will be showcased, and Hurst recommends everyone in the industries to attend.

“I would recommend anyone who is in the entertainment, music industry or anyone who is interested in getting into or even learning more to attend,” said Hurst. “This includes artists, managers, DJs, promoters, publicists, media outlets, bloggers, digital/technology specialists and curators etcetera. SXSW offers something for everyone, so I wouldn’t say it’s geared towards any particular audience, but attending shows that you take your career seriously because it is a great way to network, learn and expand your brand.”