Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a music and video producer? Being a New York City native and coming from the birthplace of Hip-Hop is an inspiration itself. Being inspired by artists that made it big time in the industry has helped me to create and grow my brand of music knowing that if I focus like the artists ahead of that made it, I can make it too.
What inspired you to become a music and video producer, and how did you get started in this field? It started with being involved in a musical background with my family exposing me to all types of music in my household to witnessing my brother getting signed. I always knew that music would play a major role in my life.
Graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Theory & Post – Production from NYU (Institute of Audio Research) music department was the best start.
Can you describe some of your most memorable and successful music or video production projects? More memorable and successful music journeys are collaborating with up & coming artists and signed artists that believed in my vision and creativity when it came to composing music and song writing capabilities. Also, being on tour with artists like Wiz Khalifa, Cali Swag District and others. Most of all making a name for myself that caught the buzz and attention for others to tap in with me. Relocating to Canada is a major moment as wellbeing that I’ve been nominated for several awards from Music New Brunswick from 2022/2023 within the 3 years of living in Canada.
What is your creative process when working on a new project? How do you approach it from concept to completion? My creative process consists of knowing what type of direction I’m going for. Whether if I want to be valuable to speak on my personal issues or speak about current events or creating a feel-good party song. It truly depends on what type of vibe I’m feeling. From there it’s the beat (instrumental) production in addition with the writing process.
Once that’s completed then there’s the mixing and editing process. I really enjoy this part a lot. It’s a magical moment transforming raw vocals into ear candy, turning a song into a record.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in music and video production? Well most importantly how to stay updated is make sure your audio and visual software are updated and experiment with new sounds like plugins that are new. Also create your own sound of production and on the audio engineering side of things.
Can you share an example of a project where you had to overcome a significant creative or technical challenge? How did you handle it? For a few years now I’ve been working with singers and it’s a completely different process compared to working Hip-Hop artists. It’s like how us men can get up and shower and then go to tackling the day. For females they wake up, shower, and then the makeup process is in full effect.
That’s basically what happens when it comes to recording and mixing singers. It’s a lot of polishing involved but at the end of it all it’s totally worth the wait.
Collaboration is often crucial in this industry. Can you discuss your experience working with artists, musicians, and other team members on a project? Collaboration starts with an understanding of what we all want and how we can achieve to making the best record possible. No egos, taking constructive criticism, and overall putting in the work. Anyone can make a song but can you create a record? There’s a huge difference between the two. As mentioned, before it’s an understanding amongst the artists that sets the tone.
Can you discuss the role of pre-production, production, and post-production in your work? Create the loop, adding drums, snares, synths, and vocals. It’s like you’re in the kitchen chaffing up a flavorful meal. You’ll need all the ingredients and spices to create your dish. That’s exactly what the process of producing is. May I add the engineering skills as well. Without the producer and engineer the artist wouldn’t have a record completed.
How do you balance creative freedom with meeting client or artist expectations in your projects? Getting to know the talent before the recording process is imperative.
Hearing their story kind of helps the process way before hitting the record button. Once that’s all-in motion it’s a smooth transition from the meeting to recording.
Can you share your philosophy on the importance of post-production and editing in creating a polished final product? I’d say recording the best takes possible. No matter how many times it may takes. Making sure you can feel their feelings is important and especially to the audience. It has to be consistent from the chorus to the verses of the song. Then there’s the mixing and editing process. Again, it’s a lot easier mixing when you have the main parts flawless.
What role does storytelling play in your music and video production process?
Storytelling plays a crucial role in creating music or shooting music videos. Everything has to match unless you don’t have a budget involved. Then you’ll have to make it work with what you have. If you are speaking your truths then the listeners will instantly understand and connect to you.
How do you handle tight deadlines and manage time efficiently when working on multiple projects simultaneously?
Well outside of music i work a 12-hour shift for a distribution company. Time management is really tight. I’m very particular about who I invest my time with whether if it’s a paid or non-paid situation. Time is relevant if the talent knows what they’re doing compared to someone that’s just starting out. It really depends on how the person or talent experience is. With myself I record 5 songs a day. Clearly, in put in my 10,000 hours.
Can you discuss the influence of technology and digital platforms on the music and video production industry? Digital platforms like Tune Core have been amazing with distribution. They provide more than just that. Tune Core offers sync placements for artists and a built-in website all of an affordable price. I would recommend artists to check TuneCore out for their streaming platform needs.
What are some of your favorite music or video production techniques, effects, or styles that you enjoy incorporating into your work? As far as my style of creative expression on the audio engineering side of things I like to hear my work in pocket with the artist vocals. From EQ’ing to using reverb and delays (echo’s) and it depends on the record. If the record is a heartfelt one then I tend to use less of what I’ve mentioned above but if it’s a party record then I’m going to provide that ear candy for you.
What do you consider the most critical skill for a successful music and video producer? A great sounding recording but marketing the work is the main focus. You can make a great record and not market it. You need to push it out there and that is an investment as well. Push it nonstop. Even if your current listeners hear it a million times keep pushing it because others that never heard of you.
How do you handle feedback and revisions from artists or clients during the production process? Usually I provide a rough mix so we can determine what needs to be changed vocally. After that I will mix and edit the record and sit on it for 24 hours just to give my ears a rest and then start over with a fresh set of ears to work on the next stage.
How do you address copyright and licensing considerations when using music or visuals in your projects? As far as copyright issues try to get clearance of the samples and any production that bought by being leased make sure the business side of things are worked out and contracts are involved. This is also for licensing purposes as well.
Can you share some advice for aspiring music and video producers who are looking to make a mark in this industry? My best advice for aspiring musicians and videographers who are looking to make a mark in the industry is to learn everything from the creative and business sides. Also, to be yourself. Showcase your originality and don’t get discouraged when nothing pops off. Nothing happens overnight. Use the all the amble time available to master your craft.
In your opinion, what makes a music video or a video production stand out and resonate with its audience? Believe that the original music and the video will resonate with the audience especially if you have a true story to tell. When the audience embraces something real your story, your vision will be felt everywhere.
Can you discuss any emerging trends or future developments you see in the music and video production field? I see a lot of cultures collaborating together and breaking all types of barriers in the music and video field. It will be an interesting and beautiful thing to witness if I say so myself.
Leave a Reply