dickiecbeats

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Interview with dickiecbeats
Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: One project I’m especially proud of is a major film project I’m currently working on, where I serve as both writer/editor and soundtrack composer. Having creative freedom in the script allows me to shape the story while also weaving in music that elevates the emotion of each scene. I’m blending my background in soul, funk, gospel, and R&B to create a soundtrack that feels cinematic, authentic, and memorable. My role spans writing, editing, composition, and production, and I’m proud of how the story and sound are coming together in a way that feels both powerful and unique.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Right now, I’m focused on editing a film script and writing the soundtrack for an upcoming project that’s about a year out from release. It’s a unique opportunity to shape both the story and the music together, and I’m excited to craft a soundtrack that blends my signature funk, soul, gospel, and R&B influences into something cinematic and powerful. Alongside that, I continue to work with clients on creating fresh, soulful productions that carry both groove and heart.
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: I’m always open to collaborating and connecting with other professionals on SoundBetter. At this time, I don’t have a specific person to recommend, but I value working alongside talented session musicians, vocalists, and engineers who bring fresh energy to a project. My goal is always to connect clients with the right people for their vision, whether that’s through my own network or by building new relationships here on SoundBetter.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: I love both analog and digital, and I think each has its place. Analog has that warmth, depth, and unpredictability that can make music feel alive — the slight imperfections are often what give it soul. Digital, on the other hand, gives me the flexibility to work faster, recall sessions instantly, and explore sounds that would be impossible in the analog world. For me, the best approach is a hybrid mindset: use the warmth and character of analog where it matters most, and the precision and power of digital to bring everything together.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: My promise to clients is simple: I aim to under promise, over deliver, and exceed expectations every time. I don’t just want to give you a track that meets the standard — I want to deliver something that surprises you, inspires you, and feels even bigger than what you imagined. From the first idea to the final mix, I commit to being professional, communicative, and fully invested in making your music shine.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: What I like most about my job is that I get to do what I love and actually be compensated for it. As a young child, I once worked as a park manager — my “job” was literally to play basketball all day. Now, to be able to create music, pour soul into a track, and get paid for it sometimes feels just as unreal. Compensated for music? Really? LOL. The best part is taking someone’s idea — sometimes just a melody, lyric, or feeling — and turning it into a finished song that moves people. For me, music isn’t just about sound; it’s about creating moments that connect hearts, stir memories, and inspire joy.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: One of the most common questions I get is: “Can you make my track sound professional and ready for release?” My answer is always yes — because that’s exactly what I specialize in. I build each song with the same care I would for my own music, layering groove, soul, and polish until it’s radio-ready, playlist-ready, or performance-ready. Another frequent question is: “Can you capture the vibe I’m hearing in my head?” My answer is that I always start by listening to your vision and references, then translate that into something unique — so the final track feels both true to you and fresh to the listener.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: The biggest misconception is that music production is just about pushing buttons or adding beats. In reality, it’s a deeply creative and collaborative process that involves understanding an artist’s vision, shaping the arrangement, capturing emotion, and making sure the final product connects with listeners. Good production isn’t just about sound quality — it’s about creating a song that feels alive, authentic, and unforgettable.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: When I start with a new client, I like to ask a few key questions to understand their vision: What’s the overall vibe or emotion you want this track to carry? Do you have reference songs or artists that capture the sound you’re aiming for? What’s the purpose of the track — personal release, sync placement, live performance, etc.? Are there specific instruments, grooves, or production elements you’d love to hear included? What timeline are you working with, and how hands-on would you like to be in the process? These questions help me lock in on both the sound and the intention, so I can deliver music that feels right to the client from the very start.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice is to choose a provider who takes the time to truly listen to your vision and can translate that into music that feels authentic to you. Look for someone who not only has the technical skills, but also the ability to bring soul, groove, and emotion into the work. Be open in your communication, share reference tracks if you have them, and don’t be afraid to give feedback along the way — collaboration is key. With the right fit, you’ll end up with a track that not only sounds professional, but also moves people and carries your voice. 👉 Do you want me to also create a short, punchy version (2–3 sentences) in case you want a quicker, straight-to-the-point option for SoundBetter?
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: If I were stranded on a desert island, I’d keep it raw and soulful with just the essentials: an acoustic piano, a guitar, a flute, pen and paper for writing, and a solid audio recorder to capture every idea. With those five, I could create endlessly — from stripped-down ballads to layered grooves — and still keep the heart of the music alive.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I never had any formal training — my journey started back in junior high when a few friends and I used to skip classes and sneak into the auditorium just to play the piano and organ. Those moments grew into regular underground jam sessions that lit a fire in me for music. I played in several bands early in life, then stepped back from performing to focus on raising a family, while continuing to serve as a musician and choir director in many churches. Over the years, I’ve kept creating, producing, and sharpening my craft, and now I bring all of that experience — from grassroots jam sessions to church choirs — into every project. Music has been a part of my life for decades, and I’ve been working in it in one form or another ever since those early days.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is a blend of soul, funk, gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and neo-soul — music that’s groove-driven, heartfelt, and timeless. I focus on creating tracks that move both the heart and the body, with deep basslines, lush chords, and rhythms that feel alive. I like to weave in the richness of classic influences while giving every song a modern edge so it connects with today’s listeners while still carrying the soul of yesterday.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Stevie Wonder, because his ability to blend soul, funk, gospel, and pop into timeless music is unmatched — he embodies the perfect balance of musicianship and message. If I could go back in time, I would have loved to collaborate with Donny Hathaway for his depth, soul, and raw emotion, or Jimi Hendrix for his fearless innovation and genre-bending creativity. I was also a big Prince fan — I even sold one of my keyboards to him — and I’m happy to be currently working with Gayle Chapman, who performed with Prince’s earlier group. These artists inspire me because they didn’t just make songs — they created music that still moves people decades later, which is exactly the kind of legacy I strive for in every project.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: One of my favorite production tips is to always build around the groove first — get the drums and bass locked in so the track instantly feels alive, then layer everything else on top. A strong groove gives the vocals room to shine and makes the song memorable. I also like to pull inspiration from classic records — not to copy, but to borrow proven elements that have already stood the test of time — and then give them a modern twist so the track feels both familiar and fresh.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I usually work on music that lives at the crossroads of R&B, funk, gospel, hip-hop, and neo-soul. Most of my projects are groove-driven and soulful, often blending live-feel instrumentation (bass, keys, horns) with modern production elements like 808s and tight drum programming. I also create jazz-infused and gospel-inspired tracks, giving artists music that feels both timeless and fresh — perfect for radio, sync, or live performance.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: My strongest skill is creating soulful, groove-driven productions that connect instantly with listeners. I have an ear for blending timeless elements of funk, gospel, and R&B with modern textures, which gives my tracks both emotional depth and commercial appeal. Whether it’s building a tight rhythm section, arranging lush harmonies, or shaping a hook that sticks, I excel at making music that feels both authentic and unforgettable.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: I bring a deep well of musical memory, groove, and soul to every track. Because of my years of experience, I can draw from a huge reservoir of sounds, styles, and proven elements that already resonate in the mass consciousness — from classic soul and funk to gospel, R&B, hip-hop, and modern production. What this means for clients is that I don’t just make a track sound good; I make it sound timeless, familiar, and emotionally powerful while still being fresh and unique. I focus on delivering songs that move people — musically, spiritually, and physically.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My typical process starts with listening closely to the client’s vision and reference tracks to fully understand the sound they’re going for. From there, I build the foundation — usually beginning with rhythm and groove (drums, bass, keys) — and then layer in instrumentation, harmonies, and textures to bring the song to life. Once the core arrangement is locked, I focus on vocals, dynamics, and fine details, making sure the track feels both polished and emotionally engaging. Throughout the process, I keep communication open with the client, sharing progress and making adjustments to ensure the final product not only meets but exceeds expectations.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I work out of a professional-grade home studio built for both creativity and high-quality production. My setup includes Cubase, Reason, and Studio One Pro for versatile DAW options, along with a Presonus Audiobox 96 and Yamaha MG12xu mixer for clean signal flow. I use a Roland FX processor and a Yamaha MOXF for keys and sound design, paired with KRK monitors for accurate mixing and playback. This setup allows me to move seamlessly from idea to final mix — crafting productions that are polished, soulful, and ready for release.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: I’m inspired by artists who fuse soul, groove, and innovation — from legends like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones to modern visionaries like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Pharrell Williams. They remind me that the best music moves both the heart and the body, which is exactly what I strive for in every production.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I create soulful, groove-driven productions that fuse R&B, funk, gospel, hip-hop, and neo-soul with a modern edge. Most clients hire me to craft full tracks that feel both timeless and fresh — from tight bass and drums to lush chords, horns, and polished vocals. My focus is always on delivering music that moves both the heart and the body.