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MM: Let's start off with some pretty standard questions. Where are you originally from? How and when did you get into production?
CM: I'm from Baltimore, MD. I moved to the DMV area 3 years ago. I got into music production while I was at school for audio engineering. I went to Towson University. While I was at Towson I was introduced to one of my mentors, BKS (G-Production/Universal SRC), who introduced me to composing and music production.
MM: Who, or what influences you most when you sit down to create a track?
CM: Good music. I am very inspired by my peers. All my best friends are musicians, and I get inspired when I listen to their music...it drives me to keep going and get better.
Also, I always strive to stay current. I study the Billboard 'Top 100' everyday, and consider that when I sit down to create.
MM: Who've you worked with so far? Who was your best or worse experience, and why? What do you hate to go through with new/seasoned artists the most?
CM: So far, I have worked with my Fall Back Entertainment recording artists Dealz, Codes, Bolds, Blast, as well as Joe Budden, Royce Da 59, Malice, Pusha T, Sir Aah, Wordsmith, Whitefolkz, DC Don Juan, Harmony Muzik, Calmplex, Prince Blakk, Neazee, Tese Fever, All Drae, Yung Cal, Sonny Vega, Skeem, Jay Mills, Brams, Kid Twist, etc.
My best experiences have been working with new artists. Working one on one with new artists in the studio is very important for an artist's development. I like having control over producing the record in-studio and helping with every aspect. My worst experience has been working with seasoned artists who don't seem to care what the producer thinks. Submitting a record to an artist who records elsewhere and disregards the producer's input is terrible. The only benefit to working with a seasoned artist v.s. a new artist is the exposure-- plus the benefit of being reassurred that your record is going to be promoted well. I frown upon artists who have no concern for working with me in the studio or asking for my input, because at that point I'm just a composer/beat maker. For me, producing is a three headed monster: composing, songwriting, and coaching the vocals/mix.
MM: I felt like I was aware of the prominent producers in this area, so you came out of left field for me....but that's a good thing. What've you been doing to set yourself apart in an area that's so saturated with producers AND so-called producers?
CM: I'm not from this area originally, and I've only been making beats and taking it seriously for about a year now, so that's probably what made you feel like I came out of nowhere. Much respect to the other producers in this region doing it big; I hope to one day be respected as one. One thing I try to do with my music is keep it original. I don't like to say my sound is industry, but I think its universal. I try and consider every element when composing. I want my sound to be appealing to the industry artists looking for radio singles, thats my target at the end of the day.
MM: What's your equipment of choice?
CM: I sequence and record in Pro Tools 8, and I use Reason 4.0 as well as various VSTs
MM: I noticed you dabble on the pop side as well. Is that where you feel the industry is headed, or do you still get requests for mostly hiphop?
CM: I try to market myself as a Producer. A great producer does multiple genres of music. If you study the Billboard top 40 right now, you'll notice at least 7 of the first records are pop. Pop music sells, its marketable and I love making catchy records with dope singers/songwriters. I currently have small demand for dance/pop/reggae, and I actually create those records quicker than other genres. In this region, however, I get tons of requests for hiphop/rap singles. Thats where I started, and I love it. I try to stay away from sampling records, but I get those requests too.
MM: What's your motto, or creed? Also, give a little advice to the not-so-polished producers just starting out.
CM: "Talent and motivation are the keys to success, but you must have both to be successful." That's the realest quote ever. You gotta study the game, learn your craft, be a professional, network, never be afraid to go outside your element, and keep pushing. Don't get discouraged...ever. I've had artists pass on beats that end up being crazy bangers for other artists, so just take pride in what you do and stick to it.
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