Audio/Music Production

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

A: Production, Mixing and mastering of the LIFTED2020 album. For this mental outburst of an Album I had gathered some of the finest talent in BC's underground hip hop scene to put together an amazing album of underdogs and unknowns that music lovers need to hear! It is a fairly 90's/00's influenced album (you won't hear any auto-tune), that incorporates new-age sounds, synths & FX, with the old school vibe of Westcoast Boom Bap. This album is all about unity amongst the creative forces of our competitive hip hop underground. As my flagship label Lifted Productions [est. 2004] became more a moniker than my stage name, Dante Jordan, I titled this album LIFTED2020 as I alone created all the instrumentals, mixes, & masters. So many diverse voices and styles layer this project as it reigns with a triumphant sound from the west coast.

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

A: MPC, Synth, Computer with DAW, Audio interface, Microphone

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

A: With over 15 years in audio work, I produce original music, create instrumentals and soundscapes, edit any audio format, sync vocals, mix and master sound or music productions. I have created & produced multiple hip hop albums and recorded and mixed Rock bands to Folk to singers. I can create a listener experience with sound FX and added depth to bring you recording to life! I can sync vocals for video or podcast, edit sound and arrangements for commercial use, mix and master your music or any of your other Audio needs. I will create instrumentals for artists, write lyrics, make songs, rap features, or help complete your concept with major/minor touch-ups. In the past I have completed the Recording Arts program at the Center for Arts and Technology, where I gained experience in all assets of Audio Engineering and used my knowledge to record and mix major artists in a world-class studio. I took this expertise to my home studio where I established my own Record label (Lifted Productions) and began instrumental production, and recorded artists (including myself) for album and song releases, from start to finish. Specializing in Boom bap,/West coast fusion, I have formed my own sound over the years using techniques acquired creatively. LIFTED Productions has been creating Hip Hop of many forms since being established (2004) in Victoria, BC, Canada. LIFTED has crafted an array of albums, under the alias Dante Jordan, for his own works and other local music talent. One human behind the Production, Writing, Vocals, Mixing, Arrangement and Mastering; LIFTED Productions has specialized in BoomBap/WestCoast Fusion & Alternative hip hop instrumentals. Also having experience working on Rock, Reggae and various electronic music; Dante has built a large database of instrumentals and created custom works for artists. I have been creating music in BC independently since 2004. During this time, I have had no management, agents or publicity. I simply made music for the art and self-therapy. Along that journey I gained skills and momentum to work with other artists, and share my craft with the world. Established in 2005, Lifted Productions was started and became the flagship label for my works, as well as other local talents. I have Produced, Mixed, Recorded, Wrote, Mastered, and released, all of my own music since the beginning with 12 albums to date. Alongside albums and shows, I have been working fulltime since my first song. I work in the trades as an HVAC journeyman, which consumes most of my energy in the day. Also a husband and father, with family as my priority, though i have considerable work ethic. Socially awkward at times and am not much of a salesman. Most of my music I have given away for free just to share it and have that lovely feeling that someone who isn't actually communicating with me at the time, may be relating with me. Its all just conveyance of mental madness.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Westcoast/Boombap fusion. 90's/early 2000's inspired. Underground rawness with mainstream clarity.

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

A: Dopplegangaz because they share a modern, yet underground sound. They are super original and go against the grain of mainstream politics.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Don't always work music strictly by the theory or math of it, if something sounds good, that's all you need. And don't spend too much time on unnecessary gear when you can utilize what you have to its full potential.

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

A: Hip hop, underground hip hop with a mainstream clarity. Westcoast g-funk and boom bap fusion.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Knowing what sounds good together. How to make a mix stand out as both unique and quality. I have a good ear for picking up on where a sound came from or identifying songs by a snippet of the samples used.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Once a track is sounding great to vibe with, I like to focus on the small details to really create a listening experience as well as the musical tone of the song.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: I have endless instrumentals that I have created myself, with various themes or styles. If the artist has a sample or sound in mind, I will begin crafting the song with that intention. Finding the chord progressions or key and tempo for everything to sync up properly. After setting the basic template for the song. I usually begin with either chords or a sample. From there I build up drums, bass, guitar and synth until I have created the "fullest" part of the song (usually the hook). After extending that to necessary time, I begin to take away instrument pieces that may crowd the vocals. Adding sparse FX or instruments throughout is the next part. Then I will send the draft beat off to the artist for recording (unless they are in my studio), and get them to do either a rough or full recording of their vocals over the track. Once the audio files are sent back to me, I import them into the mix and begin adjusting small parts of the instruments to work with or around the vocal sound. I will also add any FX, including sound fx if requested to bring the recording to life. As I add/update the mix, I send draft versions back to the artist for input, approval to carry on, or any re-recordings. I continue to adjust mix and send drafts until the artist is happy for the outcome. After that I will do a final Master of the song and send a final draft for approval. Once all is good, I send the client any versions of formats of the song they would like, including audio stems if they intend to remix.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have worked in world class studios with huge patchbays and extensive gear, but these days i use my home setup to its maximum potential. I have learned how to work with various recording equipment, and now have aquired a minimalist taste to avoid cluttering the process. I use samplers and drum pads (MPC2500/MPD), and most of my synth work is done on my MiniKorg. I have a giant library of samples and VST instrumentals on computer, as well, that I never can find the end of. With so many options, I rarely use the same sound twice unless called for. I have a small booth and microphone setup in which I record my own vocals or guitarists.

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

A: I am inspired by so many artists and genre's. My favorite band is Sublime, and my favorite artist is 2Pac. I grew up rooted in classic rock, blues, funk & reggae. This was in the 90's before mom would allow rap tapes inside. As I entered my adolescence and found the joy of hip hop, I delved into every aspect of the genre, tapping into Westcoast g funk and East coast Boom Bap as main influencers for production.

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

A: I help underground rap artists craft beautiful songs or just find their inner venom. I have worked with artists to create their entire albums as well. I find all the samples they may want, and build the beat around their vocals after first recordings. I will work with live musicians to find the right sound for your mix. As I create the instrumental I began mixing and mastering so the final product is cohesive after changes added.