Interviewed by @isjonespoetry

What motivates you to make music? What inspires you?

When I think about my favorite songs, I realize that I like them because of how they make me feel, not because of how dope the lyrics are or how well put together the hook is. It forces me to feel a certain way. The artist manipulated me into feeling the way they did during the song. That's the type of music I want to be a part of. Im so inspired by emotion and I try to paint them in my songs. It can be challenging at times, because perception is reality, but I want to send good vibes. Being the best is not a part of my agenda, I just want to be someone's favorite.

What is the hip hop scene like in Wisconsin/Milwaukee?

This is a difficult question, because I find new artists from Wisconsin on a regular basis. So my perception of what the scene is like is always changing; however, I think Wisco is extremely talented, hungry, and ready for some attention from the hip hop culture. I think someone will break out soon. It's happening right now. We just have to stay supportive of each other and understand the bigger picture. If we help each other win, everyone wins. It doesn't have to be every man for himself.

What do you want your fans to take from your music?

I could go on and on and on about this question haha. I talk about this all the time with my DJ. I just want to leave a positive light. I want them to know that the world is a very cruel place, but it shouldn't stop them from chasing everything they want in life. There are millions of excuses to not succeed and people will feel bad... but life will go on. I don't want people to feel bad for me. I don't want people to be like, well it's okay that Shle didn't become a big time rapper, because she had a rough life. No, it's not okay. I'm not okay with that. No one should be. Get off your ass and make a life worth living.

Oh, and be yourself. This is #1. This is the holy grail. Be everything that you are and stand by it. Hold on to it. Not everyone is going to understand you and that's okay. You'll find a small circle of people who love you for you, and when you do? Make an impact on the world. Be great.

How is your music creating a style, an atmosphere for hip-hop in Milwaukee?

I think I have a great combination of rap and pop. Lyrics are always my main focus, but sometimes I'll sacrifice lyrical content for vibe or melody. It all depends on the song. Sometimes I feel like spitting some bars. Sometimes I feel like singing. Sometimes I want to do both. Sometimes I want to make you cry. Sometimes I want to make you laugh. Sometimes I want you to reevaluate your life. The combination of my lyrics, flow, melodies, vibes, motives, and culture, doesn't sound like anyone else in Milwaukee. There are pieces of my style that you can find in someone else, but as a whole, no one is like me in Milwaukee.

Where in the LGBTQIA spectrum do you identify and does that shape the way you approach music?

Honestly, being gay is one of the hardest things I've had to go through. Especially when you can't explain why. There are people that have their theories and beliefs about the LBGT community, but if you've never been gay, it's extremely hard to understand. I didn't want to be gay. I fought it for a long time. I tried to hide it, even though it was pretty obvious that I was. I've been wearing "boy" clothes since I could wipe my own ass and it's something I've always been comfortable with. And since my music is a direct extension of who I am, it has a HUGE impact on my lyrics. Music is where I vent. Music is where I can be myself. I told my notebook I was gay before my friends or family. I spoke to my mic about it before I told the people that care about me. Being gay has taught me a lot about myself and a lot about those around me. It taught me about judgement and acceptance. It taught me about friends and acquaintances. It taught me about kindness and anger. It taught me that accepting who you are is the most liberating feeling in the world... and those topics are reused in my music on a regular basis.

Now I know your stage name ‘Shle Berry’ is a play off your name Ashley. Why did you choose that for a rap name?

Well, I think rap names are played out. No disrespect to those that have one, I just didn't want to go through the trouble of making up something clever, to find someone else using it too. I don't know another Shle Berry. I know Shle's and Berry's, but I don't know of another Shle Berry haha. Besides, Shle Berry is who I am. People know me as Shle. Some people didn't even realize my real name WAS Ashley. I didn't want to hide behind a stage name. I wanted the name to be 100% me.

Congratulations on the impending release of your first mixtape A Deal & A Degree. What were the initials seeds which made this first project bloom?

Thank you! Finally getting this first project done is a huge weight off my shoulders. I've been wanting to make a mixtape for a long time, but I never felt that I was ready. I was making single after single and not seeing any real progress, so I knew it was time to put something together. Once I gained some confidence in my ability and felt good about a handful of songs, the marketing plan started. I'm ready to plant this thing and keep progressing. It'll be a great measuring stick from here on out.

What do you think about you, your approach to hip-hop that has helped you consistently grow a fan-base thus far?

I talk about my life, my experiences, my thoughts, my ambitions... and luckily for me, some people can really relate to that. I'm not out here trying to be anyone but me. I let go sometimes and let people in on some very personal things about myself, but you can tell that my fans appreciate it. And reciprocating your appreciation goes a long way. Being thankful and showing gratitude makes people feel good about supporting you. You have to understand that everything you do or say is a direct representation of you as a person and you as an artist.

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A Deal And A Degree Album Review

Do you have a support system in your hometown for your music?

I do, and fortunately for me, most of them are friends as well. I'm extremely lucky to have such caring and selfless friends. They literally get nothing for helping me out. I don't have money to pay them. They just genuinely want to see me be successful and it's such a great feeling.

Will you be playing any major shows following the release of your mixtape?

I do have a show coming up this winter at Alverno College. It will most likely be the first time I get to perform some songs from the tape, so I highly encourage everyone to come.

What do you hope to accomplish in your career?

I want the music to help people. Thats it. I know I can't change the world, but that doesn't mean I can't try.

What's next for Shle Berry?

The remainder of the year will consist of 4 music videos promoting the mixtape. I'm not going to say which ones, because it's still a surprise BUT, this will give me time to write new material and hopefully drop a second mixtape late spring, early summer next year. I'm never really sure what's next, I'm just trying to progress. You never start out building a wall, you gotta start with laying each brick :)

Connect with Shle Berry
Facebook.com/ShleBerryMusic | Twitter.com/ShleBerry
Youtube.com/ShleBerry22