By Morgan James
Carlos “2Toxic” Cruz is an independent performing artist, songwriter, and engineer who has worked to build a career in music. His consistent successes and networking web over his career thus far, have opened the doors for his current transition into music production and artist development. Carlos aspires still to even more as he creates a record label and becomes the mentor for other talented Coachella Valley artists. I spoke with Carlos about career paths, inspirations, and aspirations.
MJ: You seem to have your name on several projects lately. Tell me what you have been working on?
2Toxic: “I have been involved in a lot of the Coachella Valley’s music. I worked as an engineer on a lot of Tiptoe Stallone’s new album Everybody Hates Chris. So far I have 9 artists under my label 2Toxic Music, a few full projects out and completed, as well as many others in the works. I am currently working on my best project yet called “Focus” which is an EP. This project might turn into a full LP since I’ve had a lot of great producers working with me, which has generated a lot of great music.”
MJ: I hear some of your music has been picked up for TV and Film?
2Toxic: “I have secured placements of my writing on a few projects for Strange Music. I am also very excited for a few TV placements that I just locked in, beginning my journey into the placement world on a larger stage. TV is definitely new for my music and I’m hoping to be doing a lot more in that avenue. My ultimate goal is to do something so great that it will have our industry taking a serious look at the Coachella Valley’s great artists. I want to build something to be proud of here at home.”
MJ: You are very driven. What inspires you?
2Toxic: “My inspiration comes from the fear of failure. I just can’t be a failure to my kids or myself. A better life is the ultimate goal for me, so success itself is inspiring.”
MJ: Do you have a defining moment or highlight in your career?
2Toxic: “Man one of my favorite highlights of my careers would have to be performing for a crowd of about 4000 people and receiving so much love. Also having one of my idols in this music business be my mentor along the way is priceless. I have to say “thank you” and “I love you brother” to my boy Tech N9ne who has opened a lot of doors for me and has given me priceless knowledge on how to be an independent artist.”
MJ: What is next for you? Where will you go from here?
2Toxic: “The future is looking great. I have a few things that are going to be happening soon as I build my independent label. I have some very motivated and talented artists involved, and the music we have been working on is really my pride and joy. Please, if you would like to get familiar, visit our Facebook page under 2Toxic Music. You can see the artists that I develop and produce, as well as myself.”
