Posts Tagged ‘Boi Wonder’

Beat Inspired! Ms. Instrumental.

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This young lady has skills!
Remember to always Beat Inspired!

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005INST: Let the world know who you are and where you're from? 

REZ: My name is Randy "Rez TheSilverback" Nizer. 
I'm an 18 year old Mc/beat maker from Manchester, New Hampshire and 
I just love the hip hop culture! P.S., I say beat maker since I don't PRODUCE other genres. 
I'm strictly hip hop as of now. 

INST: Who have you worked with & how long have been beat making or producing?  

REZ: I have worked with a bunch of people; Artist like 7oddz from the Chi, Resolute & J-Merk, Coal, 
Taboo & Grim from NY's Dead Rabbits. Currently working on building with Godilla & Burke The Jurke. 
And believe it or not I have only been making beats for about a year. Maybe a little less.  

INST: How did you get started beatmaking-producing?  

REZ: I have always loved hip hop from every aspect, DJing, Rapping, and Producing. 
But I mainly started because I have always had a visions Of my unique sound but 
being able to keep it Boom Bap & Gritty. Another reason was because 
I never had enough money to buy beats. So I went after it myself.  

INST: Of all of the artists that you've worked with, do you have a favorite 
artist that you work well with?   
REZ: Like I said before, I have only been doing this for about a year. 
So to say a favorite artist as of right now, I cant say. 
But everyone I work with slay tracks, so they are all my favorite! 004

INST: What equipment and or software are you using?


REZ: Fruity Loops, vinyl & a turntable. That's it! 

INST: Do you use or prefer sampling over playing live instruments? 

REZ: I love to sample and sample anything I get my hands on, 
but I would love to use live instruments or work with someone who does! 

INST: Who influenced your style? 

REZ: Just my peers and love for the music. I always hear beats I really 
dig and never know who the producer is. 
Names don't really impress me. Its what kind of product you are putting out. 
But Alchemist is definitely (1) of my top influences 
along with the obvious Premier. 
Domingo is also another legend I look up to and have the honor of building 
with him! 

INST: Do you ever see yourself quitting or retiring from beat making?  

REZ: Only when my hands fall off or if I go deaf. Or both. 

INST: Do you feel that there a difference between being a 
producer and being a beat maker? 

REZ: Yes, there is a very big difference. For instance, 
Domingo is a PRODUCER. 
He can go from Hip Hop to R&B to probably Folk if he really wanted 
to [Haha]. 
I am a beat maker, I just make beats. 
But that is where I do best at until I feel the need to grow 
into other genres & try new things. Nothing wrong with being a beat maker though. 

INST: Any tips, tricks, or advice that you'd like to share? 

REZ: Only advice I really have, Is be true to YOU & do what you feel is right. 
If you truly believe in your soul what you are doing is right.          
Then that's all there is to it. Cliche I know but its the truth. 

INST: Where can we hear your work? 

REZ: You can find my work just about anywhere. 
You can google me or find me on these sites. 

Soundcloud.com/rezinhiphop Youtube.com/rezin603 RezTheSilverback.bandcamp.com 
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Optiks is a producer who has worked with a nice roster of lyricist that are well known. His beats are full of all types of intruments ranging from flutes to horns, then samples and strings etc. When I listen to Optiks production style, it gives me a feel good vibe, almost like everyday is a celebration. I was pleased to be contacted by Optiks, who reached out to me via twitter and was interested in the requirements of my blog.
After doing my research on Optiks, I was amazed by his sound and wanted to interview him immediately. Optiks is the type of producer that make other producers go back in the lab and try to out do what he has done. Thanks Optiks for allowing me to interview you. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing out Producer Spotlight of the week, Optiks!
INST: Let the world know who you are and where you’re from?
Opt: I’m Optiks,  producer/engineer for Jon Connor, Blitz the Ambassador, Psalm One, and Kap Kallous.  I’m born and raised in Cincinnati, a product of the Ozone (Orlando, FL), and settled in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.  I’ve been in a lot of places and it all helped make me the artist that I am today.
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INST: Who have you worked with & how long have been beat making or producing?
Opt: Man, I’ve worked with a lot of people over the years.  The main ones are Jon Connor, Blitz the Ambassador, Kap Kallous, and Psalm One, who I have an album on the way with.  It’s crazy!  I’ve also worked with Talib Kweli, Maffew Ragazino, Freeway, Styles P, Heltah Skeltah, Saigon, Les Nubians, and a bunch more.  You can hear some of those at http://www.soundcloud.com/optiks and if its not there its probably at http://optiks.bandcamp.com.
I’ve been making beats about 12+ years now, since 16, and really producing since then as well.  I used to come up with the song concepts and write some of the rhymes for my homie that I was in a group with, and we would sell the cd’s in our high school.  We got a lot of love and sold every copy we pressed up so I felt encouraged to keep doing it.
INST: How did you get started beatmaking-producing?op scribble live beatmaking[1]
Opt: When I was younger I took piano lessons and I convinced my mom to put me in an electronic music class.  It was me and one other kid in it and I learned how to arrange my own songs and a little bit about synthesizers and how midi worked.  Shoutout Mr. Jolley!  I don’t think anybody else ever took that class, haha, but it was my first exposure to writing my own music.  When I went to college at Kent State in Ohio is when I started to get more serious because I met Blitz the Ambassador and produced for songs on his album, Double Consciousness, when he just went by Blitz and was one of the dopest and most critically heralded artists coming out of the Cleveland/NE Ohio area.  I got a little bit of local recognition for that and that was it for me, I knew that I wanted to pursue music full-time.
INST: Of all of the artist that you’ve worked with, do you have a favorite artist that you work well with?
Opt: Aaaaah, this is tough.  I don’t know if I can give a straight answer, haha.  I’ve had special, magical moments, with every artist that I work closely with.  Blitz the Ambassador really pushes me to create a vibe with every beat.  We work really closely together and co-produce almost all our records.  If I come with a beat, he’ll come with a hornline, or I might come with some ill drums for something that he makes.
I feel like me and Psalm One’s album is some of my best work.  We have some really dope records, like, gritty, pop/dance type joints…not sure how to describe it but our album’s crazy.  Not a lot of samples, its more of a collage of sounds influenced by every genre from prog-rock to funk, to bass music.  I can’t wait to put that shit out!
Last time I was in the studio with Kap Kallous was dope, too, we made some ridiculous, big, trunk rattling, 808 heavy type joints, but incorporated a musical element that a lot of that type of shit doesn’t have.  And Jon Connor is just a beast, so I’m always excited when we do records because he’ll take the simplest shit and make a classic out of it.  I’m also doing a project with my homie, cRitical, from Critical Madness, and that’s been a really fun project.  The dope thing about working with him is he’s a serious movie buff so we’re always pulling these crazy pieces of dialogue and creating a cinematic vibe from the samples.
INST: What equipment and or software are you using?
Opt: My setup is super minimal.  I have a turntable, Microkorg keyboard, Fruity Loops (an old-ass version), and Pro Tools.  Got a bunch of records, too, and a mic setup in a storage closet.  I’ll be up in there with jars of rice and couscous, or banging on pots & pans, laying down live percussion haha.
INST: Do you use or prefer sampling over playing live instruments?
Opt: I got into hip-hop because of sampling.  I’ve built by name up by always finding ill samples that other producers don’t touch.  But…right now, I’m more interested in working with live musicians.  I do my little thing on the keyboard, but I’m no real player.  Fortunately I’ve been blessed to know some great musicians.  I can pretty much get any instrument I want from working with Blitz the Ambassador, and I co-produce a lot of material with my homies Seandammit from Orlando, and Boatlaunch from Flint, MI.   I’m always gonna sample, though, I’m just enjoying the live aspect more right now.
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INST: Who influenced your style?
Opt: Everybody.  I was really into electronic music and trip-hop as well as hip-hop when I was younger, so groups like The Prodigy, Morcheeba, and Portishead have always been a big influence on me.  I could list producers for ever but some favorites are: Dilla, Dr. Dre, Hi-Tek, Q-Tip, Earthtone III (Outkast), DJ Quik, Mike Dean, and El-P.
INST: Do you ever see yourself quitting or retiring from beat making?
Opt: Naw.  If I ever stopped feeling inspired I would hang it up, but I’ve been thru a lot that would’ve led others to quit and I’m still going strong and feel happy about making music.
INST: Do you feel that there a difference between being a producer and being a beat maker?
Opt: Yes.  A beat maker just sends out beats and hopes someone will rap to it.  They don’t wanna work with an artist and let a record grow organically.  Or maybe they just don’t know how.  I just know I always hear about “producers” not wanting to make changes to beats for an artist and that shit bugs me out because the beat is just the start.  Its just a demo or idea.  I can’t even finish most beats until I hear a song over it, then I’ll come in and add new parts, drops, additional instruments, etc.
INST: Any tips, tricks, or advice that you’d like to share?
Opt: Listen to as much music as you can, and study as many other artists and producers as you can.  I learn more from other genres than anything else.  A lot of people get stuck because they fall in love with their own sound and only listen to themselves and people they know.  You need to keep an open mind to keep yourself fresh and inspired.
Also, don’t use other producers drumkits.  That shit is wack.  Over the years I’ve had people ask me whose drums I use, and they’ll offer to trade Timbaland and Just Blaze kits for whatever kits I have.  I HAVE NEVER USED ANOTHER PRODUCERS DRUMKIT FOLDER OFF THE INTERNET.  That shit defeats the purpose.  Be original.  Put in work and find sounds the same way your favorite producers did.
INST: Where can we hear your work?
You can also hear my work if you pick up any Jon Connor, Kap Kallous, or Blitz the Ambassador albums.  You might hear me if you turn on your tv and tune in to MTV or ESPN.  I’m under the radar, but I’m everywhere.
  
Pri The Honeydark is a Producer, Lyricist from Queens NY.  I’ve first discovered Pri some years back when myspace was the premier social networking website for artist, promoters, and making new friends and fanbase. Always humble, Pri would respond to my messages whenever I contacted her. Her style is Dark at times and her voice is lyrically dope when she’s rapping. Pri’s subject matter is always meaningful and complimentary to her production. I was excited to hear that Pri accepted this interview with me, as I am a fan of her music. If you were not familiar with Pri The Honeydark before this interview, now is the time for you to get familiar. So without anymore delay, I bring you Pri The Honeydark, Our Producer Spotlight of the week.
INST: Let the world know who you are and where you’re from?
Pri: My name is Pri the Honeydark  (Pri is pronounced Pree) and I am from Queens, NY.   I am an M.C. and  music producer.  I am the Vibe magazine, Blaze magazine and Everlast Boxing Corp M.C. Battle Champion and I am also the 1st runner up competitor in both the Istandard Producers and MTP beat battle competitions.  I am 1/5 of the all female hip hop collective, The Anomolies and I am the founder of The Female Producers Association, which is a networking organization for creative women worldwide.  Outside of music I wear many hats, including interior designer, photographer, carpenter, artist (muralist), cook and MOTHER!  🙂  I am a creative flower, with a hard edge.  🙂
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INST: Who have you worked with & how long have been beat making or producing?

Pri: I started learning how to produce back in early 2000.  My current production focus is on film and television, which include licensing placements with MTV & Viacom.

How did you get started beatmaking-producing?

My son’s father, Afrobluu, was a DJ and producer (We started as a hip hop group and well…..you know…lol…a child was born).  We had a home filled with crates and equipment.  One day I asked him to teach me how to DJ (I’m not a DJ now, so obviously that didn’t work…lol), then he purchased a Tascam Porta One and that became the very first piece of equipment I learned to use.  Back then you had to double up on tracks in that machine like a motha’ to create a song!  However, I stuck it out and then moved on to chopping samples in the ASR and EPS keyboards with a Protools set-up.  By that time I had found my own style, which tends to be very dark…hence the name “Pri the Honeydark”, and it was on from there!

Of all of the artist that you’ve worked with, do you have a favorite artist that you work well with?

I like working with my crew The Anomolies, which includes Invincible, Helixx C, Big Tara and DJ Kuttin’ Kandi.  We are an all female Hip Hop collective.  Each individual has a unique style that challenges me to work in various genres.

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INST: What equipment and or software are you using?

Pri: After the ASR and EPS, I moved on to Propellerhead Reason.  I found out about it by accident after bumping into someone who used it while I was shopping for new equipment at Rogues Music Store in NYC.  At that time the Reason software was kind of low key. I had never heard of it, but once I used it for the first time, I knew I found what I had been seeking to go further and I have been using it ever since.  My keyboard trigger is an M-Audio 61 Key.  I also have Logic, but rarely use it.  I tried the  drum machine set up, but I just feel more comfortable playing keys.  I  also use loaded midi keys to play keyboard drums, which I use a lot to  make certain tracks sound more live.  I hope ONE day, I will have a  large enough space to store, learn and play on a real drum set….sigh.

INST: Do you use or prefer sampling over playing live instruments?
Pri: I love both sampling and live instruments. I like to play out sounds.   I generally play a lot of my sounds on my keyboard, but I also love to chop up samples and use loops as well.  Both mediums work, as long as the music is good to me.
Who influenced your style?
Afrobluu taught me, so he is the first influence.  The next individuals that influenced me the most were from our past.  A few of those influences would be Jimi Hendrix (I would have been a Hendrix groupie in my past life), Etta James, Billie Holiday, Janis Joplin and Bob Marley.  Those are some of the individuals I listen to mostly for an inspirational story within my music.  Nina Simone as well.  As far as hip hop is concerned, I have been inspired by producers such as, Dr Dre, DJ Premier, J Dilla, Rick Rubin, Diamond D, Da Beatminerz Just Blaze, Large Professor, Buckwild, Prince Paul, RZA, Pete Rock, Easy Mo bee, Denaun Porter, Freddie Foxxx, Alchemist etc…..etc…..the list goes on and on.  My style is Hard and Dark (sounds like a really interesting movie…lol).  I am mostly influenced by people who create that dark emotion within their tracks, but aren’t limited to them.
INST: Do you ever see yourself quitting or retiring from beat making?
Pri: NOPE…fingers from the grave….lol
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INST: Do you feel that there a difference between being a producer and being a beat maker?
Pri: Yes there is .  A beat maker does just that, makes beats.  A producer deals with the entire span of the song from concept to completion.  The producer not only creates the beat, he/she must also marry the right artist to the track, be able to coach the artist to get the best out of him/her, sometimes write songs and/or sheet music, hire outside musicians and coach them if need be, pay for studio sessions, make sure the track is properly mixed down and mastered and usually the producer also has his/her hand in the contractual business and marketing of the project as well.  A beatmaker can chill in a room and make a beat, but a producer will take that same beat and turn it into a “song”.
INST: Any tips, tricks, or advice that you’d like to share?
Pri: Just do what you feel sounds right, but keep it crisp. Take a few music classes if needed to learn more about music theory.  Also, remember,  what you use is not important, but how you use it is, so don’t spend your entire paycheck on equipment, because your favorite producer uses it.  Save that money for business cards, a web site and marketing yourself.    Lastly…KNOW YOUR BUSINESS & BRAND!  This industry is 10% music 90% business and if you do not know your business, you will get nowhere!
INST: Where can we hear your work?
Pri: All of my connects are:




Free Download Now Available!

Free Download Now Available!

 VerseAll does again with the remixtapes. This time VerseAll visits the 36 Chambers favorite rap group, the Wu-Tang Clan. This 14 track and one hidden track is full of remixed tracks, all produced by VerseAll. Free Download immediately from the link below. Enjoy!

Producer/ Recording 9th Wonder Schooling You!

Producer/ Recording 9th Wonder Schooling You!

Checkout this clip of 9th Wonder dropping gems about the art of sampling.

Westcoast Producer Dj Battlecat in the lab!

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Check out this clip of Battlecat doing his thing in the studio!

Beatmaker-Producer Spooks McGhie

Beatmaker-Producer Spooks McGhie

Spooks McGhie is a beatmaker-Producer from New Jersey. Spooks caught my attention one day while I was listening to random music on facebook and thought to myself that I’d like to interview this beatmaker. I then sent Spooks a message to his inbox about being the first featured beatmaker for my newly launched instrumology.com website. Spooks responded by saying thank you but felt that he wasn’t ready for that title of being the first to be featured so he fell back until he felt that the time was right. We kept in touch via facebook and soundcloud and during this time, I’ve watched Spooks and his production grow and ganer a huge following. His persona is like everybodies favorite party starter and his tracks are very creative. Some tracks are collaborated with his wife making this a perfect combination. Beatmakers-Producers, and Music Lovers, Meet Spooks McGhie!

INST: Let the world know who you are and where you’re from?

SPM: Hey hey young world. I am known as Spooks McGhie Coming at you from the Tri-State area, Brick City New Jersey AKA New York’s illegitimate brother.

INST: Who have you worked with & how long have been beat making or producing?

SPM: Wow. I have been composing for a long time. Always had a knack for sound, didn’t get on any equipment until I was about fifteen, so I guess it’s safe to say 11 years and counting. As far as people I have worked with, I have had some ridiculous setbacks. So I am not at the level I anticipated I would be musically by the time I was 25. But I can rattle off a couple names you may or may not recognize: ChanzizR and BlackScientist of Wi?Not Entertainment, Webbafied, Wino Willy, Badweather, D’Angelo Mack, Wil-EZ, Nzero NZ of Air Haze, Hi-Que, FranksWear, Wheredough?, Collin Moody, Dompollitt Aka Dolla Sign Dott, Gary Adams, Shannon Gillespy, Corr Kendricks, Jamaal Brooks, Droptop Harv, James Gibbs III, Black Astro, Oski of Iron Hogs, Keen Arthur, Anonimuz – you guys don’t know who the hell I’m talking about, do you? That’s okay. You will know ALL of those names soon. I only fox with the best. (HA).

INST: What equipment and or software are you using?

Spooks taking his baby for a stroll!SPM: I use a mixture of hardware and software.  I am forced to keep it simple due to my hardships.  But before I lost all my equipment  I love love LOVED incorporating live instrumentation and organic sounds that I collect with a high quality portable audio recorder.  As far as programs, I will forever be a Fruity Loops head.  Right now I’m in the rebuilding process, so all I’m using is an SM58 and MXL 990 microphone hooked up to a windows computer through a TASCAM audio interface and an M-AUDIO Axiom-25 USB Midi controller. I also use this old ass YAMAHA PSR-47 if I want to get more keyboard action than the two octave M-Audio device.  These are things that were donated to me by fellow musicians who saw that I was struggling and didn’t want me to stop producing because they believe in my talent. If that’s not real love, I don’t know what is.

INST: What made you want to create beats?

SPM: Beatboxing. In New Jersey, I had to walk and ride public transit everywhere. I would always beatbox, but I would never be able to get these beats in my head to sound the way I imagined them. I had to find a way to get people to hear what I was hearing and the beatbox wasn’t cutting it. Someone gave me a cracked copy of fruity loops and the rest is history.

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INST: Do you use or prefer sampling over playing live instruments?

SPM: I said this before, I love live instruments. But I don’t have money for such things. The only reason I really got into sampling is because I didn’t have a way to record instruments the way I wanted them to sound. But because I was forced to do that, I gained a deep love and understanding with the art of sampling. Since the two mean so much to me, I would love to be able to mix the two seamlessly in the future.

INST: Who influenced your style?

SPM: WHY DO YOU MAKE ME CHOOSE!? It’s so hard for me to pick a list of people without rambling. But let’s just say the obvious, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, DangerMouse, Kanye West, Mr DJ of Outkast, Mannie Fresh Scott Storch to name a few. And the least obvious, Stevie Wonder, Freddie Mercury, Tenacious D, George Clinton, Quincy Jones, Cee Lo Green- have I confused you yet?

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INST: Do you ever see yourself quitting or retiring from beat making?

SPM: No. Why would you even say such a thing?

INST: Is there a difference between being a producer and being a beat maker?

SPM: Yes. I don’t even know why we started calling ourselves producers, because the literal definition of a music producer doesn’t always imply that they compose or arrange anything. Sometimes a producer just gets everyone together and tells them how to play his vision. A beat maker is sitting in a dark room with a computer and an MPC or some other device reshaping and twisting sounds from all over to create a newer and fresher sound. A producer is a manager, a beat maker is a one man band.

INST: Any tips, tricks, or advice that you’d like to share?

SPM: If you’re really interested in being in the industry, I suggest you do two things that I have yet to do and have hindered my success and skill level. 1. Take an audio course mixing, mastering, production, Protools, sounds all that. The reason my music sounds so rough, is because I didn’t do this. YET. 2. take MUSIC courses. Pick up an instrument. Don’t just learn it, MASTER it. And don’t just learn the instrument, learn music theory in general. Dabble with other instruments even if you aren’t comfortable playing them. Learn all the instruments you can, but master one. Don’t be a slave to the synthesizer, find a way to incorporate real sounds into your music, real instruments and real drums that no one can mimic because they are yours.

INST: Where can we hear your work?

SPM: I’m on soundcloud all the doodah day. So you can definitely check me out there soundcloud.com/spooksmcghie. I also have a mixtape of beats out on Datpiff, thatcrack, hotnewhiphop (pick yourpoision) called “Beats N Shyt” So check that out. In the meantime, here are some sets I made with my favorite beats.

https://soundcloud.com/spooksmcghie/sets/instrumentals-with-samples

https://soundcloud.com/spooksmcghie/sets/instrumentals

beautifulNOISE: By

Who ever told you that beatmakers-producers can’t rap, clearly mislead you and should get their hip-hop pass revoked! Here (Hear) is proof that not only do we make beat heat, but we blaze the mic too! Beatmaker-Producer VerseALL has finally released his long anticipated album entitled beautifulNOISE: for free download at verseall.com and verseall.bandcamp.com. beautifulNOISE: was originally suppose to be released in 2009 but due to unforeseen events had to be put on hold. Now in 2013, with the success of instrumology.com and the various mixtape series we’ve put together, we can now bring you more material for your enjoyment. embeded below is the entire album. listen to it in its entirety or download it and listen to it later. You can download it from bandcamp in any format and is compatible with ipod, iphone, and any android device etc.