Steve B on SoundBetter

Steve Banik, professionally known as STACKTRACE, is an American producer, musician, DJ and engineer based in Madison, Wisconsin. Production credits include Nas, Logic, Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz, Russ, Jack Harlow, Method Man and several others. Touring keyboard player, performed on the Tonight Show and Good Morning America.

Authentic 1984 Fender Rhodes Mark V

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Credits

AllMusic verified credits for Stephen Paul Banik

Logic
Wiz Khalifa
Ari Lennox

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Interview with Steve B

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: MacBook Pro, Korg CX3, Technics 1200 and an ISDN line.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Fender Rhodes
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I track in REAPER, Reason and Ableton.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Authentic Fender Rhodes
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: If a track is starting to sound stale, try making a new arrangement. If it doesn't breathe new life or doesn't inspire you to continue, stop working on it and sell it on a royalty free site.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My Fender Rhodes playing sounds a bit like a Neo Soul version of Herbie Hancock. Groove is always the main ingredient for me. If you're not feeling it, no one else will either.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I have two people I'd recommend. Contact me for more info.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I like both.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: When something I write or something someone else writes gives me the chills. I know I'm on to something at that point.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Q: What are your rates? A: What is your budget? Q: Can you make this sound like X? A: I think so. I'll send you a sample and you can answer that. Q: Can you get it to me tomorrow? A: If we double the rate, possibly.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: Because I produce Hip Hop, people think I'm a "beatmaker." There's much, much more to it than that.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Listen to their SoundCloud. If it doesn't grab you after the 2nd song, find someone else.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I started taking piano lessons at age 5. When I was 16 I got my hands on a Korg 01/W and started creating non-acoustic music. Shortly after I got the Korg, I hooked drum machines to it and started producing hip hop for artists in north central Indiana. I released an EP in 1993. From 2003 - 2008 I lived in Nashville where I toured with several major label artists. I performed on the Tonight Show in 2005.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: K Michelle. She has a great voice and she favors piano in her tracks.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Hip Hop and RnB.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Q-Tip, DJ Premier, Pete Rock.