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f you had the opportunity to work with anyone no limitations, whom would you choose? Why?
The producers I’d love to work with are Kenny Dope, Todd Edwards and Boris D’lugosch. I can probably credit Todd with the most flattering compliment he could have offered, when he commented my drum programming reminded him of Kenny Dope. This being recognised at all, made my day but the fact the comment was made by Todd Edwards made it all the more special. Todd understood what I was doing.
Artist wise, I’d have loved to work with Michael Jackson if I’d have had the opportunity. I’d also a big fan of JK, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Floetry, Erykah Badu and Musiq Soulchild amongst many others. Tracy Cruz, Teri Tobin and JRDN are three artists I admire and would enjoy collaborating with soon. Tracy and Teri I’m in contact with and JRDN featured on the Kardinal Offishall track ‘Freedom’.
What do you consider when you are looking at working with someone or a particular track?
How they can compliment the song, or more often than not how I can compliment the artist. However, it’s mostly all about the song. I’d love to work with Tracy Cruz not just because I admire her voice but also because she is such a good songwriter. I love her hooks and her melodies. In the 90’s I grew up surrounded by contemporary rnb with strong, catchy hooks. Tracy Cruz delivers!
What do you find to be the hardest thing about being a producer?
Finding the time to get everything done. Believe it or not, most of the time is not consumed in the studio. I’ve learned to work pretty quickly these days, which I need to because trying to manage my career is consuming enough. I hate to miss opportunities, which requires constant networking. Social media channels need to be managed, release schedules, marketing, PR and so forth. I used to be managed by Junior Palmer Management in Toronto. Junior also ran the label Home Recordings and he was superb but unfortunately a few years ago he decided he wanted a new career direction. Since then I have managed my own affairs.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for up and coming producers?
Think about the song and respect the song. Imagine you are part of the band performing and ask yourself the question ‘could this be performed on stage?’. If the answer is no, ask yourself why? By way of example, if you need an octopus to play your drums, chances are your doing something wrong. Share your music.
When you are not doing music, what are some of the things you do to pass your time?
I’m a software developer and hardware engineer working in the Defense sector for one of the largest engineering companies in the world and my day is mostly spent conceiving ideas, working with new technology and building Proof of Concepts. As a professional Creative of multiple disciplines, this is pretty much my life. I don’t watch TV; TV is for wimps! I’m constantly dreaming ideas up and then creating them, be it music, software, or hardware or any other way I can creatively and productively express myself. I am also part of the Wayne Haskett Martial Arts Club and enjoy kickboxing.