Every month, we will be posting a new article called the iStandard Member iD. This article will showcase one of our producers on the site’s homepage that is active within the iStandard community and most of all has bangin’ tracks! To be considered for next month’s Member iD, check out the blog HERE. This month’s Member iD is Covelli – http://www.istandardproducers.com/members/1181/
When did you start making beats?
I started back in high school. I started off as a sample based producer with nothing but my computer. No keyboard, no equipment, just drums and samples. I would recreate beats that I loved from all the big name producers like Timbaland, Kanye, The Neptunes, Dr. Dre, it didn’t matter. I would compare my mix to what theirs sounded like and constantly tweak it. I was really just training myself to hear everything separated out by using benchmarking to develop my ear. We had an electronic music class at my high school and I would spend countless hours in there just making beats. People really started to notice and give me positive feedback. I realized that I had a real talent at production and I started collaborating with people and learning as much as possible along the way. Eventually I built up a small home studio with my keyboard, sound modules, and my super computer.
Who are your musical influences?
Everything I have ever listened to. If I liked it then it is a part of me. If I didn’t like it, then I ask myself why and how I would have done it. The funny thing is that music 5 that I didn’t like 5 years ago, such as country or metal, I can now say I have an appreciation for. It’s all a part of growing up and learning. So because of that I pretty much listen to everything. To name drop some of my favorite artists and producers: Common, Lupe Fiasco, Amel Larrieux, Anthony Hamilton, Busta Rhymes, Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z, Eminem, R. Kelly, Kanye West, Ludacris, Michael Jackson, Miri Ben-Ari, Musiq Soulchild, N.E.R.D., Nappy Roots, Nas, Ozomatli, Rhymefest, Santana, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Timbaland, Twista, The Cool Kids, Wyclef Jean, and Brian Covelli (www.bncovelli.com).
Describe your style?
This is always my favorite question because people ask me what kind of music I make and I typically say Hip-Hop, R&B, Rock, and Pop. However, anyone who has ever listened to my catalog knows that I am extremely versatile. You might not even realize it’s the same producer when you hear a Hip-Hop/R&B crossover record and then you hear a southern rap beat followed by a rock song then a sample based New York type of sound. I think there are just way too many styles for me to have just one sound and one style. I always find it funny when someone says something sounds like a Covelli beat because I really couldn’t tell you what that is.
What are you using to make your tracks?
I mostly use my ears and brain. I mean, I have a keyboard and some rack sound modules. My computer runs everything from the audio interface and midi gear with my DAW of choice. The reason I say my ears and brain is because I’m not always using my setup at home and, most importantly, the gear never makes the producer. With that being said, I love using Sony Acid for sequencing and some drum programming. I love using virtual instruments and finding inspiring patches to work with. As far as drums go, like most producers I have built up a massive library over time and know how to tweak what I have to get what I want.
If you could work with one artist, who would it be and why?
It depends. If I could work with any R&B artist it would be R. Kelly, Usher, Musiq Soulchild, Mary J. Blige, or Amel Larrieux. Hip-Hop artists I would love to work with include Common, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Twista, Kanye West (even after that embarrassment to Chicago), Ludacris, Dr. Dre, and Eminem. The lists could go on forever. If I had to narrow it down to one artist/producer it would most definitely be Timbaland. I am a huge Timbaland fan and have learned so much from him throughout his career.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I just want to be successful. Honestly I see myself touring with my band (www.bncovelli.com) and working on music for industry artists at the same time. I could also see myself working for a record label or radio station considering my background with both Business – Marketing and Radio & Television – Audio Production degrees. I currently am working at a recording studio here in Chicago (www.raxtrax.com) as well as for Clear Channel’s Kiss FM station. I definitely see myself working in the music business in some capacity. I know my passion for music production is going to continue to drive me toward whatever my destiny is. I just want to be successful.
