Producer’s Spotlight: Stir Crazy

So, I’ve decided my first producer for my producer’s spotlight article is none other than the one and only Stir Crazy. I’m not sure about my readers but I have personally followed him and listened to his beats and remixes all the way back to the Myspace days of 2006. He’s done tracks for artist such as Insane Clown Posse, Twiztid, Lil Whyte, Kotton Mouth Kings, Bizarre of D-12 and T.O.N.Ez. Not to mention the stuff he’s done on his own with Dood Commuter or long-time partner in Super Phat Productions, the legendary Tre Pounds. He has also done work as a super group with artists Lokey and Tonez under the group name Death B4 Dishonor. Over the years Jesse Krase, the mind behind Stir Crazy Music, has carved out his own path leading the way with his own unique sound and style, known to many as the “new wave Detroit sound of the underground”. His sound is influenced by r&b, hip hop, urban music with hints of random noise and sound. He has also pushed his limits with the sound he produced for the group Death B4 Dishonor, infusing rock and heavy metal. Stir Crazy has been nominated Producer of the Year by Juggalo news fans votes in an award competition he was unaware he was in. He has produced many hits, notably Chop Shop’s Heart single and Kamal’s debut album Certified. Jesse has also tried his talents at acting in the movie Zombie Prom and is the only producer or artist to date to release a mixtape with longtime collaborator Dood Computer only available on cassette.

Tell me a bit about how you got into making music and when you realized you had a knack for it and your transition from a fan with a passion to an underground producer and pioneer?

My production journey really came after watching one of Eminem’s old producers (DJ REC) work. I had a chance to be around many talented people and it gave me the courage to try and get into the music world. Without people like DJ REC and Tre Lb (Mike 3) of the Detroit Chop Shop there would be no Stir Crazy. Tre helped guide me and lead me into the correct direction into becoming the producer I am now. I have always loved the music, but knew I wanted to be in the background. I never liked the spotlight and wanted to help others get shine. I did not need the attention. I just needed an outlet to express myself creatively.

After so many years in the game and collaborating with so many major and local artists, has it changed how you make music or view the local music industry and scene?

I have always made music that I wanted to make. I will always experiment, try new things and can make most anything ever needed but it will always have my touch added. I felt/feel that if I am enjoying what I am doing the money nor anything else matters as I am having an amazing time while working. Being from Michigan I grew up around so many wonderful artists that had skills, theatrics to shows and a hard work ethic. It has not changed much, Michigan just grinds harder than most places I have been or seen. People here in Detroit hustle and because of being in the Midwest we have such diversity in the music.

For a lot of local and underground producers and beat smiths some say it’s hard to maintain a presence in the local music scene with all the new pop up producers flooding the industry. How do you feel about the new wave artists and beat makers of today and do you think this will affect producers with a name for themselves like yourself or new producers with talent being out shined?

I believe that all younger kids and teens should try to make music and see if it is right for them. If they enjoy it then that is what matters. Yes, the world is flooded with terrible producers, rappers, and entertainers of all sorts. Everyone starts somewhere. Also, what may not be so amazing to me — may be the next person’s favorite. That is why music is so special. Everyone has different tastes!

So it’s almost summer and a variety of artist are ready to drop albums and a slew of producers are ready to release mixtapes. Is there anything out there you are paying attention to? Do you have anything new ready to drop or are working on anything currently? Can you drop any hints on who you have been working with?

Local mix-tapes are still a huge thing here in Michigan. Origix from 2RAW4FM.com still releases great local tapes with all the best old schoolers and new up-and-comers. I have always loved how much he gave to the city! When it comes to extremely well done national mix-tapes I have to give it up to Intrinzik and Underground Hustlin’. That team has put out 64+ tapes so far and have helped underground artists become huge names in the game. Right now, I am helping on the newest tape with them hosted and featuring LARS / Last American Rock Stars- Bizarre and King Gordy. It has just started coming together, but is always one of the best tapes I have had my hand in. People can hit up the Underground Hustlin’ Facebook page to get on future tapes. Intrinzik also helps get locals on shows and get national superstar collabs from artists that most would not have a way to contact or reach out to. UGH is a brand you can count on to help further your career as an artist.

I remember back in the day you used to be at almost all local shows and venues. From places as well known as Harpo’s, St. Andrews, and The Shelter even out to the Crow Foot all the way down to the local known only spots like the Modern Exchange, The Bullfrog, Rocky’s Pub and Simon’s After Dark. Can we still catch you at local shows and venues and are you planning to go to anything coming up soon?

Over the years I focused on making music and that in return meant/means less time to go to shows.  I still support and check out local events when I have time, but now studio days are long, and my workload grew. I am hoping to hit up more shows and have been doing better about getting there and making sure people remember that I love to see them do well. I have seen people come from nothing and work hard to become headlining acts. I do not forget about the old times at shows and they are what helped make and shape me into the man I am today. I am going to try and hit the Diesel Concert Lounge for Boondox and Alla Xul Elu on April 27th.

You wear many hats. You are a producer, marketing team, street team legend in slapvertizing, business man and fan. How do you balance all the jobs you do and do you have any advice for up and coming producers, artist, and the fans?

I never was one to bounce between underground labels or the like. I have always done everything on my own for the most part… but behind the scenes I have tons of help. From friends, family, and fans that support. Those are the real winners. The ones that don’t get shine at all, are not noticed and not known. They do it because they are good people. It is true that I take on most all tasks myself, but there are things I am just not great at. I tell people that if you are not good at something but perfect at other stuff it may not be worth taking time to learn what you don’t know. Play to your strengths and pay people or ask for help with things you are not 100 percent a master at. Do not be a jack of all trades and a master at none. Focus and put energy on what you can school hard and do well at. If you pick up tricks and learn new stuff as you go that is good, but don’t put time into stuff that is better handled by a professional.

Any last words, links, sites or shameless plugs to add?

Yes, hit up my Myspace for that hotness. Bringing it back!!! Just kidding. Beats are at www.stircrazy.bandcamp.com

I may not be the best music producer in the world, but I will work harder than anyone else. I will continue to perfect the skills to a new level of epicness.