Rap/LoFi/R&B Producer

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

A: My first album, L.F.C. (Late 4 Class), is one that I am certainly proud of. I was unsure about even dropping an album. I had it in my head that I would stay behind the scenes and just be a producer, but my love for songwriting took that in another direction. I will always love that record because I didn't care about the reception. I just loved the journey of making it.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Currently working on my third album...release date TBA. I'm excited to get back on the mic. I took a self-imposed hiatus to grow..and growing is definitely what I accomplished. So, the music that comes out of that will definitely be somewhat of a mystery. I love that.

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

A: I'm new here..so I'll get back to you on that!

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Analog. Digital is to specific, and too calculated. Analog is raw, unbridled, and even ugly at times. It adds to the beauty of music.

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

A: I promise to try my absolute best to get you EXACTLY what you aim for!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: I love to be able to express myself over and over again to an audience that anticipates it.

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

A: "How does it feel to be one of very few women in this industry that produces?" Honestly, I don't think much about it. I feel like way too much emphasis is put on gender in our society. Do what you love...and love what you do!

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

A: Hmm...I wouldn't say there are any. Not so far, at least!

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Ultimately, what is your goal? (radio? demo? performance?) What major artist can you imagine performing this song? (Helps me to identify the sound that you are going for)

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

A: I would ask that they have some pinpointed range of an idea first. While I gladly welcome the opportunity to take creative control..it's certainly harder to when we're not in a studio side-by-side. Only so many revisions can fix an idea if were not on the same page to begin with. So, to prevent our dual frustration, I ask that you already know what you are looking for. Try to have a reference track, or pre-written lyrics, or even just a melodic line that I can work off of.

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

A: 1) My Sennheiser headphones (because whats music without quality earphones to listen with) 2) Yamaha Motif (I produced my entire debut album on that keyboard, loved it ever since) 3) MXL Gold Mix (Recorded my entire second album on it, I love the warmth of it) 4) My Macbook (what's gear without a DAW?) 5) A notebook (writing my lyrics makes me feel more connected to it)

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

A: I've been doing this for 15 years, longer if you count the fact that I wrote my first song at 11 years old. But, to keep it simple, I say 15 years because I really made the decision to pursue this as a career at the age of 14.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: I would describe my sound as nostalgic/eclectic.

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

A: I wouldn't mind hopping in the studio with Skrillex, he's an amazing producer. Bruno Mars is doing some great things that I'd like to be apart of. J. Cole and Bryson Tiller are awesome.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Keep it simple. Always remember that the audience can only process one thing at a time, so choose which instrument that you want to stand out, and build your beat to compliment it. I feel like the final product will be much better received than to continually stack sounds aimlessly.

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

A: Anything urban, including Hip Hop, Trap, Rap, and R&B. I'm also very good with Pop productions as well.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest asset for lyric writing is definitely my ability to construct catchy hooks. I can usually come up with a hook before any other part of a song. As far as beat making goes, I find that melodic construction is my strong suit. Once I hear a percussion session, sounds usually pop into my head and I have to get them right out.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Ultimately, I aim to find the most creative, fun, and dynamic manner to translate the base fundamentals of a song's meaning. I truly believe that less is more, so I try not to clutter a beat. I feel that every instrument should have a purpose.

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: It all depends. Some days, I may get inspired by a particular sound or instrument, or even a bass line. Usually I have a spark of an idea that translates and manifests into something totally unexpected.Oftentimes, I will create an initial idea, and ride around listening to it for days until I finally decide how I want to remodel it. Usually, that final draft is the one that I stick with and promote.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Right now, I'm very, very simple with my setup. On my Macbook, I have Pro Tools 12 and Logic X, which I fell in love with this summer. Up until this point, I was almost strictly FL Studio, and produced my entire second album with it. I have a great pair of Sennheiser HD280's. I also have the Sennheiser E835 mic, and I'll be getting a new MXL very soon.

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

A: I am inspired by Timbaland and Pharrell, for their innovation. Pete Rock, RZA, and Dallas Austin for their contributions to Hip Hop and R&B. Also, Quincy Jones...he's a living legend and doesn't get enough credit.

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

A: Music production. Once an artist lets me know what he/she is aiming for, I collaborate with them to come up with a sound that best represents their intentions. We sift through different instrumentation until the perfect beat is made.