Makemdef

I make soulful/hiphop beats!

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5 Reviews (5 Verified)
Makemdef on SoundBetter

Credits: KRS-One, Merkules, Tom MacDonald, Vince Staples, Nino Bless, Fashawn, Busta Rhymes, Snak the Ripper & more.. I am a 'West Coast Music Award' nominated producer who will create a Soulful, 'sampled style' hip-hop or EDM beat or Mix for your project that is ready to distribute and market.

I specialize in contemporary 90's hip hop record-sampling and drum sequencing techniques, but can create any type of trac from Trap, EDM, ambient/moody or live music, etc. I've spent thousands of hours listening to different genres, dissecting and reverse engineering the things I love to make work in todays markets. I have worked with 100's of live musicians, vocalists and emcees over the past 15 years; and have access to an extensive reach of their musical services. Addiontally, I work with classically trained musicians in my home studio weekly, and have access to session players for instruments such as Cello, Harmonica, Saxophone, Guitar, Bass Guitar and Piano, for that live feel.

My formulas work great when building around specific song ideas or concepts for the track, even a well worded song title helps me see the vision that the artist has in mind for the beat. This is why my services can be more desirable than the typical "beat-maker"; I take the time to produce with artists directly to figure out exactly what they want to express in terms of emotional and musical tastes, tempo and genre and over-all feel; all while offering real-industry based advice on how to improve upon their great ideas in the process.

My guarantee is that I'll treat your project with the same love and passion as one of my own, with a promise to deliver on time to your specifications.

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Languages

  • English

5 Reviews - 1 Repeat Client

Endorse Makemdef
  1. Review by Billy S.
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    I worked together with Makem for the first time early on in the mixing stage of this album, & he's become my project's secret weapon! Great at mixing, and great to work with (And don't sleep on the beats)!

  2. Review by Billy S.
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    I'll always recommend Makemdef. Great experience and great results every time!

  3. Review by Billy S.
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    Another one with Justin! He's come through with the same top notch work every time.

  4. Review by Billy S.
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    Makemdef came through and killed it once again! Very meticulous, deep into his craft, and so easy and natural to work with. Thanks Justin!

  5. Review by Billy S.
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    Top notch mixing experience! Justin showed an understanding of the very diverse sources of inspiration I pulled from, he was consistent and communicative, and brought in not just technical proficiency, but a creative and enthusiastic energy to the project. 5+ stars!

Interview with Makemdef

  1. Q: What's your typical work process?

  2. A: My process leans very heavy on the chemistry and positive vibes expressed between whoever it is I'm working with and myself. Typically a lot of communication is important to me when creating, as music is a translation of our experiences and travels and our journeys as artists to find ourselves and express our 'why we do it' to the world. I'm very in the moment when it's time to work, all of my energy and brain cycles are centered around bringing out my full creativity the most out of a person's individual skills to make something truly unique and never before thought possible.

  3. Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

  4. A: My studio is powered by 'Native Instruments' and 'Ableton', I make beats for the past 15 years primarily with my Maschine MK3 & Komplete Controller, along with a vast record collection and my close friend group of live session players. For Mixing, I use the live room services at 'Frequency528 studios' where I have access to an 'API Lunchbox Compressor' and Apollo UAD with plugins and the mixing board.

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

  6. A: My main influences and inspiration derive from the 90's Golden-Era hip-hop producers: Dj Premier, 9th Wonder's, Just Blaze, J Dilla, RZA, D.I.T.C's as well EDM god's Switch (Major Laser), Zeds Dead and Mark Ronson, whom I've had the honour of collaborating with.

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

  8. A: For all my projects I typically wear 2 hats, one is the "producer' hat and the other it the "beat maker's". The 'Producer' in me tries to draw inspiration from the conversations and ideas expressed with the artist in terms of the color, feel and vibe they are trying to achieve with the piece of music we are going to create. This process helps me gather valuable information and material for me to begin building the track with a strong foundation the 'beat-maker' side of me will build upon. One that is in motion, the 'beat-maker' side goes into effect and the technical work of producing the song begins to unfold in a beautiful and mysterious way, and because I have the deep sensory information and details from the artist to direct me the idea begins to flourish and bloom into this wonderful and tangible creation that can only be brought forth with great communication and chemistry.

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Terms Of Service

24-48 hour turn-around on first drafts, 24-72 hours for further. Unlimited revisions, additional costs of $40/hr for live musicians.

GenresSounds Like
  • 9th Wonder
  • DJ Premier
  • J Dilla
Gear Highlights
  • Maschine MK3
  • Komplete + Kontakt
  • Ableton 11
  • API Lunchbox Compressor
  • Apollo Twin
  • Guitar
  • Bass Guitar
  • Harmonica
More Photos
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