Interviews

iStandard Exclusive iNterview with Lee Major of The Inkredibles

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Interview by: Kristen Teesdale & Frankie P

You were first working with another producer; Tell us how does it feel now to be a solo producer now.
It feels somewhat the same, being that I was always the creator and he just pretty much handled the business end of things. The only difference is I’m now involved with more of the business part of production, but for the most part I have good management (DJ Nasty & Dj Khaled) to deal with that, so it feels good.

Talk a little bit about your method of producing.
There is really no method or steps I take each time I create, everything is started from an idea. Sometimes I will start with a melodic idea and work around it , or sometimes i will start with a drum idea and work around that. Which ever works at that moment.

What is your go-to equipment in the studio?
The majority of it is software, so my go- to equipment will be a simple piano vst and also Ez drummer. Shoutout to toontracks!

You first exploded on the scene when you worked with Ace Hood and Trey Songz. Since then, you’ve worked with chart-topping artists like Flo Rida, Young Jeezy and Jay-Z. What is your dream collaboration?
Jay – Z was one of them, i would say now my dream collaboration would lean more to the Pop & Rb side. Beyonce, Alicia keys, katy perry ..etc

Virginia boasts some of music’s most successful names including Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Clipse and The Neptunes. How do your VA roots translate in your production?
One things I like about VA is we have a little of everything out here as far as southern and east cost music. I wouldn’t say Va has a sound but there are sources to get inspired from southern, to gogo, to east coast music, very wide genre of music.

Does that different sound help you stand out in a sea or artists who are living and working in NYC, LA or ATL?
I think at times it does, but being Versatile does help as well.

Talk a bit about the Blueprint 3 placement. Aligning yourself with a veteran in the industry like Jay-Z is a powerful thing.
The blueprint 3 record “Real as it gets” was a blessing from God. It was suppose to be young jeezy’s record which I would have been just as happy to place, but being that it landed on Jay Z’s album was a honor.

How did it feel to get heavy weights such as Rick Ross, Jay Z, and John Legend on the “Free Mason” track? How did the beat come about?

It felt great to have those heavy weights on 1 record, not to mention to have Jay Z on another record of mine. The beat came along pretty simple, I laid a concept idea with a few instruments, got a friend to replay the guitar parts then built around it.


How do you re-invent yourself when you feel like you’re getting stuck?
Usually when I get stuck, I would start from scratch, but if that doesn’t work I have to step away from it for awhile, clear my mind and then I’ll get right back to it.

Networking is certainly a powerful tool in any business. How does a producer community like iStandard Producers help in any phase of a production career?
Istandard is definitely a benefit to anyone whose trying to take on this career. You get the 411 from people whose already in it, you get the opportunity to meet all the right people, its definitely a great tool.

Is it equally useful for both veterans and newbies?
Yes, veterans or newbies.. You can never gain too much knowledge.

You’ve said in interviews that you really focus on doing work for good artists and helping people as you’ve been helped in your careers. So what do you say to producers who are just trying to get their start?
I would say, continue to network, Study this business, and stay creative.

Words of advice?
Stay humble and always continue to work hard, no matter the level of your success.

What can we expect to see from you in the coming months?
A lot of unexpected things! Stay tuned!

Follow Lee Major – www.twitter.com/leemajorkid

iStandard iNterview With BlackaDinMe [Chicago Winner]

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Photo on 2010-06-12 at 19.12

What’s your production name and where are you from?

Well my name is BlackaDinMe I’m originally from Elgin, IL (30 mins from Chicago) but now living in Lexington, KY

How would you describe your sound and or production style?

Well I think I have a soulful sound, neo-soul like, I can do it all though!!! Pop, Rock, Jazz, Hip-Hop, and R&B but if I had my preference I love doing Gospel and Neo-Soul.

What do you use in the studio to create?

I use nothing but LOGIC PRO 9!!!! (place endorsement here!!) LOL!! I love using logic! I love all the sounds, the sequencer is really easy to use, and I like mixing on there too.  I love all the live sounds as well, guitars, basses, organs, rhodes……….they sound incredibly real.  I like using battery three and sampletank 2, there is also a plug-in called vanguard, very sweet.

Are you currently working with any new artists?

Currently I’m not working with any artist yet, I haven’t made it to that level yet like most of the producers on the site, but hopefully I will

Congrats on winning the iStandard Producer Showcase in Chicago. Describe the overall experience and how it feels to be recognized as someone with next level talent?

WOW is all I can say!!! I’m still in unbelief because I would’ve never thought I would have made it in the showcase or even win for that matter. I sit on my computer every day and watch the competitions online and I be like “Man, them dudes on there are serious!!!” And to be onstage with all those great producers, judges, and “the world famous” J HATCH, OMG!!!! I never been apart of something of this magnitude or even won anything ever.  It’s almost like a dream come true to me.  THANK YOU ISTANDARD!!!!

What type of advice did the judges give you? Do you feel it was accurate?

First gotta shout out to the judges, Buckwild, Scram Jones, and Prolifyk!!!!  They showed a lot of love toward me and I truly appreciate them.  Buckwild and Scram Jones said,which still blows me away, I should already be in the industry and to get with some songwriters and shop some songs. Prolifyk said “Dude, where are you from again? You should’ve been on already!!!!”
I was so very surprised at what the judges had to say.  I was speechless. But, I felt that it was accurate because I’ve been producing for about 10 years but never had the chance to get my music heard.  But, now things have really changed since being a part of the iStandard movement.

What’s next on your agenda?

What’s next on the agenda……I don’t really know because God is in charge of my destiny.  However, I know that being a part of this movement was not a coincidence. I know it’s a part of my destiny.  But ya’ll will hear more from me because I’ve paid my dues in this music game so now I believe it’s my time. Also it’s time for producers to have an example on how to promote positive images in this music industry. For those to know it’s ok to be in this industry and represent the Lord, and to be a shining light for those to see. I wanna be that light. To God Be The GLORY!!!!

Check out BlackaDinMe’s work here

iStandard iNterview With VohnBeatz [Texas Winner]

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

VohnBeatzfins1site

What’s your production name and where are you from?

I go by the name of VohnBeatz and I was born in Waco,TX, but raised in Dallas,TX.

How would you describe your sound and or production style

I would describe my sound as dark most of the time and big anthem type joints. Usually my tempo ranges from 82 to 85 but every once and a while its 92 or up.

What do you use in the studio to create?

I use Reason 4.0, Recycle and a Motif 6 keyboard. Now I’m trying to incorporate the new equipment that I have received from the iStandard Producer Showcase. The equipment includes an Ableton Launchpad, along with program Ableton Live, Total Studio 2 Bundle and a Novation 25 MIDI Controller.

Are you currently working with any new artists?

Currently I’m not working with any specific artists. So far, there has been a lot of people wanting to work with me, but nothing written in stone.

Congrats on winning the iStandard Producer Showcase in Dallas. Describe the overall experience and how it feels to be recognized as someone with next level talent?

Thank you, it was a blessing and a huge surprise.  This was one of the most amazing experiences for me, especially since this was my first producer competition.  It’s a great feeling knowing that people believe in me and my talent.  It also motivates me to perfect my craft even more.

What type of advice did the judges give you? Do you feel it was accurate?

The judges gave some awesome feedback. Drumma Boy told me to just work on my mixing, sound and quality.  I really appreciate feedback because it helps me know what areas I can improve in.

J Hatch also gave me some advice to make more happy music and to get some songwriters.

I feel that all the feedback was accurate and I know there is always room for improvement. I am only 12 years old, so I am taking all the notes I can.

What’s next on your agenda?

First off I start the 7th grade in 2 weeks.

I plan to use the new equipment that I won and create more music. I plan on learning how to play more instruments in order to better my craft.

Once again, thanks for all the love, support and just giving me the opportunity to showcase my talent.

Check out VohnBeatz’ work here

iStandard iNterview With International Show [Boston Winner]

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

intl show

What’s your production name and where are you from?

I go by the name of  “International Show” Born and raised in Boston ,and now currently taking on production projects in Russia, Moscow and Japan.

How would you describe your sound and or production style?

My production style and sound is an interesting mixture of Timbaland, J-Dilla, Just Blaze just to name a few of  my influences. I feel like everyone is inspired by musicians that have come before them. I could be walking down the street and hear a RANDOM sound and get inspired to create form that. It’s all a matter of how dedicated you are to your craft, being open-minded, and, musically, taking risks.

What do you use in the studio to create?

I am an adamant Reason and Pro Tools user. Initially my pre-production work is done in Reason then all of my mixing is done in Pro Tools. Logic is another program I use for pre-production, but not too often.

Are you currently working with any new artists?

Currently I am working on my own project as an artist (yes I am a man of many talents, lol). But other artists I work with on a production basis include Mass Pike Miles (from Maybach Music Ent.), LT (who’s currently doing some work with DJ Drama), Omega Red, Famous Nobodies, J-smooth just to name a few.

Congrats on winning the iStandard Producer Showcase in Boston, Describe the overall experience and how it feels to be recognized as someone with next level talent?

Thank you! The experience was incredible and I feel overwhelmingly good to be honest LOL. I feel like iStandard is doing an excellent job with helping the inner city producers by giving us a platform to showcase our musical talents.  Exposure is the greatest thing one could ask in this business and iStandard is clearly in the business of showing the industry and the world what talent Boston’s has to offer. Just a great business and social networking opportunity altogether..

What type of advice did the judges give you? Do you feel it was accurate?

The advice that I was given from the judges was to simply “keep cranking out HEAT for every style and genre!” I felt that the advice and constructive criticism is MAJOR because they are telling me to gear up for where music is heading instead on being stuck in the past. Above they appreciated the diversity in tracks and told me keep being diverse. Thanks again to the judges for the insight!

What’s next on your agenda?

My agenda and objective is to use the advice I was given, which has been set in motion since the night of the victory. As well as build my brand which is KEY in this industry if you want to be successful! The advice I was given will definitely help me when I’m over seas in Russia, Moscow working on projects for artists like I’ve been doing for the last 2 years. As I said before, I am also an artist so I have a mixtape coming out soon call, “Now Thats What I Call A Remix vol.2 (Boston Edition)” Hosted by SoSo Def’s DJ Dru Nyce or Peter Parker (we gotta work that out lol)! At the same time working on my album titled “Standing Ovation”!

Check out International Show’s work here.

iStandardProducers.com Members Featured on Slip N’ Slide World

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

sns

Article by Don Di Napoli

Back in late 2009, I was approached by producer Bruce “Business Casual” Woods (More on him HERE) about offering iStandardProducers.com members a different kind of “Placement Opp”.  Placing music on a major project is probably just about everyone who is reading this ultimate goal.  However, most producers overlook the publicity aspect of production, as the more exposure you receive, the more likely of a chance you will get noticed.  This being said, we set up a Placement Opp from January to June, and what do you know, SIX producers from iStandardProducers.com were featured on Slip-N-Slide World, in a section erected by Mr. Woods called “Chairman of the Boards”

Check out all the links below, and look out for many more Opps like this from iStandardProducers.com!

Sona: http://www.slipnslideworld.com/profiles/blogs/chairman-of-the-boards-sona

Full Volume Productions: http://www.slipnslideworld.com/profiles/blogs/chairman-of-the-boards-full-1

Apollo Delorean: http://www.slipnslideworld.com/profiles/blogs/chairman-of-the-boards-apollo

5 Star Generals: http://www.slipnslideworld.com/profiles/blogs/chairman-of-the-boards-5-star

Oli Smallz: http://www.slipnslideworld.com/profiles/blogs/chairman-of-the-boards-oli

2dee: http://www.slipnslideworld.com/profiles/blogs/chairman-of-the-boards-2-dee