Since a young age, A.P Appleberry has had a love of music. Years later, as the President, CEO and rap artist of Parker Road Entertainment & Co. LLC, A.P. Appleberry has made a name for himself in Memphis, Tennessee. But this young entrepeneur and rising star is just getting started. Inspired by strength and encouragement of his mother, A. P. Appleberry latest collaboration with R&B singer Bodae is an emotional and powerful rap anthem appropriately titled ‘Momma Said', that encapsulates years of struggle and triumph as a youth and adult. It's also a mature tribute that would make any parent blush with pride. Reporter Alexis Adams recently interviewed A.P. Appleberry to learn more about this exciting new artist and what we can expect from him in the near future.
ALEXIS: When did you first discover your love of music?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: I fell in love with music at a very young age. Music has always been a key ingredient in my life for as far as I can remember. I believe that music has the ability to inspire, motivate and capture our imagination and music has done all the above for me.
ALEXIS: Your song is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: Of course the first time I heard my song on the radio it was surreal. I felt like all the work I put in had not been in vain. It inspired me to get another song on the radio. To date this is my third single in the last three years to hit the air waves. Although this is a great accomplishment I can't and won't stop until the world knows the name A.P. Appleberry.
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: The single ‘Momma Said’ was inspired by my mother Sharon Appleberry. My mom has always encouraged me to do my best in all things. This song speaks to that in many ways. It does not matter where you come from or what you are going through. What matters is your work ethic and determination. When you put prayer, determination, work ethic and a plan together the possibilities are limitless.
ALEXIS: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as your debut radio single?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: I look at each song that I make as its own record. With that said I don't think that any of my other songs convey the same mood or vein as this particular single.
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as a musician? (ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving...)
A.P. APPLEBERRY: I make music that I can feel. If I don’t feel it I don’t make it, plain and simple. I like to chill-lax with my family and friends. I come from a very big family so every time we get together it is truly a great experience. However, I'm very serious when it comes to business and the welfare and safety of my family. So let’s see, I make real music for real people, I chill-lax with my friends and family and as long as you are not causing trouble you can chill-lax with us. I am very serious about my family’s safety and welfare, so I guess you can say I am a real down-to-earth, fun-loving yet serious person.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: You can say yes in some ways. My father Raymond Appleberry Sr. played guitar in high school in a band. I have an aunt (Mary Braxton) that has a couple of hit blues songs in Memphis and family members that played/plays piano on my mother’s side of the family- a great, great uncle who is deceased) and a cousin from St. Louis who currently plays for her church. I grew up in the church, sang in the youth choir and directed the youth choir from age 14 to18. When I graduated from High School, I attended Holmes Jr. in Goodman, Mississippi on a basketball and choir scholarship. Ever since I can remember my sisters and I having been putting songs together. Music is just as much of part of me as the air I breathe.
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being a musician?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: There are two most rewarding moments of being an artist thus far. The first rewarding moment would be winning the Hot 901 @ 9 contest on Memphis' own Hot 107.1 FM with my single ‘The Peabody’ with over 50,000 votes. The second biggest thing that has happened in my career was doing the same thing six months later with my single ‘Never In My Life’. No matter how far I go in this music industry I will always remember these two moments because both of these moments put the name A.P. Appleberry on the map and none of my other accomplishments would be possible without these two things happening first.
ALEXIS: What do you find most challenging?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: The most challenging thing about being a musician/artist is getting recognition for what you do. As a musician/artist you want to know that the work you put in is just as important as any other artist. You spend hours away from your loved ones in hopes to make one song that will capture the imagination of the masses. This is a daunting task. However musician/artist faces this task everyday and despite the odds, they keep pushing and working to achieve their dream. The journey to becoming relevant is challenging but the will to continue despite the numerous setbacks tops the list for me.
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: Eightball & MJG, Jay Z, T.I., Quincy Jones, Michael Jackson, Goodie Mob, UGK, Outkast, and many more. Anyone that has gone through this journey as a musician/artist and made a name for themself inspires me because they know what it takes to be successful in this industry.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
A.P. APPLEBERRY: Last October I did a show at the Hard Rock Café in Nashville. The place was packed. The audience was of all races and walks of life. Out of all the twenty performers I got the loudest cheers and applause! I got more people telling me I was a great artist. I felt like they connect with my music. It was so satisfying to see other people enjoy what you made. It was the best show I have had up to this point.
ALEXIS: Do you have a music video for your single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: I am currently working on the video for this single. My team and I will be making an announcement about the video via our website www.parkeroad.com.
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians out there who are unsure and need guidance?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: Some people say the sky is the limit, well I would say the limit is to infinity and beyond. My company’s motto is ‘Why Not Us! Why Not Now!’ The only reason you are not where you want to be in life is because you and you alone. We are nothing but the result of the choices we make. With that said I believe with all my heart that constant prayer, grinding, and networking will separate you as an artist. If you can do these three things successfully you will get the recognition you so rightfully deserve.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
A.P. APPLEBERRY: I have been working very hard on new material that will be coming out in the near future. I‘m very proud of the project and music my team has put together. Momma Said Single is expected to be release mid February followed my new album AppleHeads Vol.1 in Summer of 2015.
rappleberry@parkeroad.com
