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?
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?
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
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.