Hip Hop & R&B Music Producer

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

A: My very first album I put out titled "MANIC EPISODES" I wrote and produced entirely, minus 2 songs where I had 2 other producers help on the production. Ive never produced or composed an entire album at that time before and also at the time I had no supporters, yet I still decided to make this project come to life and one of the songs on that album 'Isolated" recently just hit 15,000 streams on Spotify alone. The album is a success in my heart and I got to watch it do the same for others.

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: I have a single I'm currently working on with another producer that I plan on releasing next month.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Always Analog. I work digital at my home studio but every time I enter the main studio we always use analog gear for the music. The textures that I get from mixing analog vs digital are minor but personally I love the grain feel it gives a track almost like the grain that goes over an analog horror film. I feel it can either give it warmth or darken it. With digital there are definitely various things you can do to achieve that sound but if you have the option to use analog the sound is less difficult to achieve. Overall its up to preference and Im comfortable working with both.

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

A: I promise to listen closely to your references and goals to ensure the final product sounds exactly how you imagined. Industry standard files that meet all loudness and technical specifications across all platforms as well as my promise to you to respect deadlines. Your files will be delivered on or before the agreed date, completely organized and clearly labeld.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Not only do I love the creating aspect of my job but meeting so many different artist and musicians with ideas and plans that I can either support or help in the process.

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

A: Id definitely take my Midi Keyboard, MacBook , Headphones, 1 Guitar, and my Fender Amp. I feel like all of those things would keep me satisfied on a desert island plus I would never be bored while having 2 hobbies I can switch between.

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

A: Ive always been a music lover and artist but when I was younger I was afraid to fully pursue my music because of my religious background. So officially It started at 18 when I decided to attend college for music, finished those 2 years and started making and producing music of my own. For the past 5 years now Ive been officially putting out my own music on all streaming platforms under the name "YBAGENN" and working with other artist and producers to better help fulfill my goal which is my passion for creating music.

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Abstract, fun yet conscience

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

A: I would love to create a track with Matt Martians or The Internet. Their wonky but groovy production style is something Ive always been drawn to since the day I listened to their songs. My favorite song by The Internet is "Matts Apartment" and listening to that track for the very first time changed my whole perspective on creating music. I feel like our styles together would mesh amazingly and create something the worlds never heard before. (I will make it happen one day)

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Picture your song as an environment. Don't hard pan everything or spam wideners, make certain sounds mono, even background vocals or chants don't need to be spread all the time.

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

A: I usually work on alternative rap music or experimental Neo soul.

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: My strongest skill is songwriting. I fell in love with writing at a young age and not just in music, but also poetry and writing books. Im an amazing author and storyteller and have a way of shining light on certain emotions that are hard to convey. I make them coherent and digestible.

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: I bring clarity, soul, and a certain uniqueness you can't get anywhere

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: My typical work process looks like me waking up early usually around 6-8am. I either journal or read to clear my head to make music whether that's writing or producing a beat. I work for around 2-4 hours on either and then I rotate to guitar practice or recording guitar samples to later use.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: I have a sound proofed room with an L shaped desk that holds majority of my equipment which includes my monitors, laptop, and midi keyboard. As well as a portable mic stand that I keep close by when Im ready to record vocals.

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

A: Lyrical wise my top inspirations of musicians are Tierra Whack, Missy Elliot, Kendrick Lamar, Isaiah Rashad, and Doechii. Production wise my favorites are Erykah Badu, OutKast, Tyler The Creator, Kanye, and Jill Scott. Lastly live production wise my top 3 are Cortex, BadBadNotGood, and Mndsgn. There's honestly so many more that I'm inspired by, this barely scratches the surface. Overall I would consider myself a well rounded musician inspired by many different genres and many great artist.

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

A: I mainly help clients with songwriting in both Rap and R&B/Soul. Completing verses or finishing hooks, including song arrangements. I also help clients with creating full instrumentals or beats to further fulfill their project vision.