Bewitched by Music Creation

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: My favorite project was created on my Birthday years ago. It was the first time I was able to work with artists that I personally felt are hip hop legends. I had the opportunity to jump on a few tour dates with Riddlore and Pterrodacto (Chillin Villain Empire, Hip Hop Kclan, Afterlife, Project Blowed, and The Good Life). I had some of the greatest moments in those few days and learned so much when it comes to the art of being an MC. We parted ways after the shows, but still stayed in contact. I had a track that I had produced and Rapped on that I thought would be a good fit for Riddlore. I sent him the track and a little bit later, I had a finished song with a person I was truly inspired by and grateful to have met. That track still holds a huge place in my heart and came at a very tough time in my life. I will always be grateful for that piece of music.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I am working on a Hip Hop project that I am the producer and an artist. We are releasing a song every month on your favorite streaming sites. If your are interested to see more examples of my production and vocal work, search Beat Fortress and Badwayz Society on all major platforms.

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: I have just created my profile and I'm a "Noob" when it comes to this specific platform. I'm sure there are many outstanding providers on SoundBetter and you should explore them all. Focus on what you truly need for your production and find the person you really connect with emotionally.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: I have to be completely honest and say, I have never touched a piece of analog gear in a production setting. Other than guitar amps, live mixer, and PA's, I'm not experienced in the difference between an 1176 compressor and it's digital counterpart. Digital has always been the avenue for me when it comes to accessibility, affordability, and portability. Those are the things that have been most important to me in my personal situation. At the end of the day, I feel that it comes down to personal preference and the end product.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: I will put my full effort into creating something you are happy with, always!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: It makes me whole. I remember as a child when I was asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My response was always, " I don't want to be a Fireman, Police Officer, Doctor, or Lawyer! "I want to make Music!"

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Can you me make a beat like this? The answer is yes!

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: I am just a beat maker. I can do much more than that, all it takes is a conversation.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: What sound are you looking for?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Have a solid idea of what sound you are looking for.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: I would bring my MacBook, Interface, Blue Microphone, Internet, and Headphones. Thats all I need.

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: My path started like anyone else, try to be the next big thing. When I started, that was kind of the only way it was accessible. Hope that the next show you play has an A&R in the crowd that discovers you. That isn't the case anymore because the industry has changed. I have been creating music for 20 years and I have seen music and technology grow. It is the age of a level playing field in essence. It's either bring the sauce or don't and platforms everywhere just like this make it possible.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: One Word...Groove!

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: There are just too many to name and reasons why. Working with anyone has the potential to unlock things you couldn't imagine experiencing on your own.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Accurately educate yourself, educate yourself, educate yourself. There are so many avenues these days to find opinions, tricks, tips in production Dogma. You have to be truly honest with yourself and analyze where you are at and where you want to be. Not every bit of information that you look up will take your production to the "Next Level," even if someone says it will. Think about your own goals and study them until you physically reach your goal. This philosophy has lead me to leaps and bounds beyond what I thought was right at the time.

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Hip Hop and R&B

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: To hear the potential in someone else's ideas and to mentally hear what would amplify it. I feel I do my best work as producer, not just a beat maker. Not only being a part of the musical creation, but involved to the very end of the entire process is my strongest skill.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I am very inspired by the bounce and feel of all West Coast, Southern/Midwest Music. Blues, Hip Hop, Jazz, Funk, and Choir. They have a certain groove and "Swag" to them and I like to add a bit of that to the given genre I'm composing. Groove is my Flavor!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: On most occasions I'll ask for a reference track of the sound a client is looking for. I will then analyze the track for emotion, tempo, and instrument choices. Once I have a vibe, I will begin crafting the track.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I use a private home project studio that has everything I need to create great tracks.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Timbaland, UGK, RITTZ, Tech N9NE, etc...

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Custom Beat Production, and Beat Replacement.