beats for the i l l

 Recently I was given the opportunity to share words with Dpat, a truly talented producer out of the USA who has been providing my mind, body and soul with the most replenishing of vibes through his rather soul embracing selection of beats, enjoy and much love

Name: Dpat

Location: Houston, TX

Favourite Food: beats

Favourite Beverage: sweet tea

A childhood memory in regards to music: Being in love with Baby Spice

First album you ever bought: Sisqo “Unleash the Dragon” no lie

Best live performance you have seen so far: Kids These Days

Musical Inspirations: James Blake and neo-soul

A track to chill to: Noyce “Lucy”

A track to break it down to: Pharrell “Frontin”

So I’ve always wonder if or what is the story behind the name choice Dpat: 

It’s just a nickname I’ve had for a while so I just ran with that. 

When did you get into making your own tracks and how long have you been at it: 

 I taught myself how to play guitar and piano a long time ago and moving into a dorm that required me to be quiet, led me into making beats. I basically took the knowledge I had with other instruments and applied it to music I was making on my laptop. I was kind of off and on with beats until I got some recognition off a random beat I made, then I became really serious and it became my main focus shortly before I released Blurry in 2011. 

Your tracks incorporate so much soul and bassy vibes amongst some truly enchanting vocals. Examples of your skills are show-cased through tracks like “Touch” “Atlas” and “Lust You/ Over You” all gracing ears from your impeccable ep “Blurry” released late 2011. What inspires that feel evident in your music and what process do you go through when selecting vocals to sample: 

When I’m listening for vocal samples (or any music period), I’m attracted more to the melodies than the actual lyrics. I know it’s common for other producers to chop up certain words and then play with that, but I tend to use the voice as an instrument within the beat. So I’ll have a bunch of layered melodies from different parts of the original song all playing together to create something new - or how I was envisioning it at the time. 

Your Blurry ep is pure genius and remains a favourite so much atmosphere carried through-out the ep, much love. What was it like putting “Blurry” together and what inspired its creation: 

When I’m working on a project, I definitely want to create a mood or vibe throughout the entire piece. For me, Blurry was a weird/dark time in my life so I think that was reflected in it. The first songs I made were happier (“Make Me A Lover” and “You, Tonight”) and as time went on, I started making darker stuff. The album ends on a darker note. It was all a learning experience though. I didn’t really know much about audio at the time so I think that project is really raw and emotional. 

  Do you have a favourite track that you have produced if so which one and why:

 If I had to choose a favourite, it’d probably be “Touch” because that was my moment of epiphany where I knew what my style would be like. 

 You’re also working on your new album “In Bloom”, very excited for its release. What can we expect with In Bloom and how would you like people to feel and take it on board when the album is released: 

The main difference between “In Bloom” and “Blurry” is that I’m no longer making beats. The tracks on here sound like songs, and are structured like songs; it conveys a feeling of completeness. I’ve recorded a lot of live guitar, piano, and collabed with vocalists so it’s not just sampled instruments. The tracks aren’t “bangers” either. Anyone can make a banger and the only thing it really does is make you move, then you forget about it. Then there are songs that you can genuinely lose yourself in. Songs that are laid out like a narrative and unfold as you keep listening. It grabs your hand and guides you throughout your mind. This is the music I strive to make and what I’ve hopefully conveyed on In Bloom. I’m trying to stimulate the mind, not just the body. 

Are you able to share any collaboration if there are any for In Bloom? Hints maybe:

Sango and Isles. Maybe Atu as well. 

In regards to collaborations, you have done so with other musical talents such as yourself like Sango, on the sweet sweet track “Above Us” (Feat. Isles) and also your collaboration with Atu on the track    “Missing you” from Atu’s newest and truly inspiring release Pictures on Silence, beautiful work. What was it like collaborating with Atu and Sango? And what’s it like making a track with another in comparison to on your own: 

We’re all on the same wavelength so collabing comes easy. Sango and I have a bunch of songs we’ve done together and we’ve talked about making a collab EP. Hopefully we can lock ourselves in a studio for like a week and complete a whole project. Atu is funny because he’ll send ideas and they’re in the most neat, organized way ever. He sends like typed essays, MLA formatted with a works cited page and you’re just like ‘what.’ It’s so much more helpful though. I feel like Atu and I make similar music, except I incorporate more electronic elements and he is more neo-soul. That’s why it’s pretty interesting when we collab. Sango and I just kinda throw shit at each other and say 'do whatever’ and it usually comes out great. 

Anything coming up from your end that we should keep a look out for:

Pause. Just  kidding. Yeah, I want to start doing shows after this album drops and then I want to take some time to work on producing for other people. I’m also working on Isles’ debut EP, Fractal Beach, which should come out this summer. 

  Recommendations:  

Check out Insightful because he’s on another level. 

Any last words: 

Read more books!

Support and enjoy Dpats tracks here:

https://soundcloud.com/dpat

http://dpat.tumblr.com/

“That album was really really fun to make, it was my first and only conceptual album to date. I love women, so this is my way of showing it. I got the idea once i realized i gravitate towards sampling slow jams and love songs. The cut from “brown skinned lady” with the two guys talking gave me the title”  (In regards to his Album “Good Hair”) -Arthiritis

Read the full interview with Arthiritis here:

http://beatsfortheill.tumblr.com/post/42835565450/words-with-beat-producer-arthritis

“playing for people is an incredible experience. It’s so awesome when you can look out on to a dance floor and see that people are moving to what you are playing. To be able to feed people energy through music is an amazing thing" -Sashamarie

Read the full interview with Sashamarie here:

http://beatsfortheill.tumblr.com/post/64544362324/thinking-back-on-the-first-time-i-had-the

"it was due to Djing that I ended up wanting to compose music , since everytime I heard a track i heard it in layers not as a whole so I was re-composing the tracks in my head. Since I played the guitar already and had a music production software, i thought I’ll  just start to give it a go and compose the music that I wanted to hear and share. A few years later here I am" -Amin Payne

Read the full interview with Amin Payne here:

http://beatsfortheill.tumblr.com/post/56678340769/amin-payne-has-done-more-than-make-a-name-for

"Taking inspiration from any music, despite sound or genre. I think I was lucky to have been influenced by so many styles of music from soul to death metal. Every sound provokes different emotions so it’s good to be able to pull from any of those influences" - Samuel Truth

Read the full interview with Samuel Truth here:

http://beatsfortheill.tumblr.com/post/56051876743/recently-i-was-privileged-with-the-opportunity-to

"I usually make a drum track first then look for something to lay on top. Blending, scratching, and back spinning samples on a drum track is a big part of my process, then chopping or time stretching ‘til I like how it sounds. I don’t really have any secret as far as finding samples, I just like to dig and try to use something that no one has used before." 

-Broke

Read the full interview with Broke here:

http://beatsfortheill.tumblr.com/post/54905418245/words-with-broke

Q: Favorite place to be A: ”Any of my record dig spots. You've probably heard many beatsmiths say that, but that is really, really, our favorite thing to do. Beatmaking: Bringing you weird quasi antisocial quasi hermits since the 1980s"-Sev Seveer

Read the full interview with Sev Seveer here:

http://beatsfortheill.tumblr.com/post/53428641005/words-with-sev-seveer

Q: So how long have you been doing what you’re doing?

A: Ever since High School, for me, if the beat wasn’t banging..then even the most amazing rapping just couldn’t cut it.. Since then i guess i have always been into it,- Ben Jamin

Read the full interview with Ben Jamin here:

Vaash out of Massachusetts, USA is a musical vision, creating beats that move and entices ones soul to feel. Young yet rich in emotional styling Vassh is one artist that all should keep an eye on as he never fails when it comes to delivering music that invokes positive feels encased in subtle hints of love. So embrace and enjoy words with the diverse talent that is Vassh

Hey man how about we start off with the basics: Favourite Food:  

Lasagna, Cheeseburgers, Pizza too many to name lol

Favourite Beverage:   

Orange Juice!! 

Favourite place to chill:

 My room

Dream Collaboration Opportunity:

 It’s a real hard choice

Views on mainstream media: 

Corny to be honest, some of it is cool 

What makes you happy:

 Music, friends, Girlfriend, Movies Etc… lol

Last track you listened to: 

The one I am making now :D

A childhood memory in regards to music:

I Remember when I was coming home from Salsbury beach and I  was listening to give me the beatboys. Thanks for that, So how long have you been creating music and what keeps you creating? I been making music for a year and 3 months. What keeps me going is new life situations and because it’s something I love to do. You’re a young talent, yet to hit eighteen and the music you create seems to entail so much emotion and raw detail, much love. What do you credit to your ability to create such a mesmerizing atmosphere and what equipment do you use to put your masterpieces together? I use fl studio 10 to create my music on and a mass variety of plugins as well such as kontakt5 massive il harmour sylenth omnisphere nexus and so on You’re from Massachusetts, USA as we are lovers of all things culture and art here at beatsfortheill can you share how growing up in Massachusetts has affected you when it comes to creating music? What is the music culture like there? I grew up most of my life in MA  but a few years in NJ. Overall growing up here in MA hasn’t really effected me in terms of making music it has to do more on how I grew up. Maybe I’m wrong though It could have effected me and I don’t even realize it.

You collaborated with the equally talented producer out of Sweden known as haven on the track “take me there” such a airy delight it is mad props! How did you guys come up with take me there’s musical concept and what do you love about collaborations?

It was a old deleted track from his page he deleted it a while ago. He was going through some projects for us to work on and he said he would send me stems to these and then I worked on it then boom “take me there” was done. On the topic of your music, you also put together a track called “let me luv u” which is your take on a Mario classic that is seamlessly beautiful. The arrangement is worthy of radio waves for sure! What was it like putting this track together and what inspired you to create the remix?

That song keeps popping up in my life lol I wont hear it for like months or years even. So yea my girlfriend said she hates that song  and i was like whuuuuut so I remixed it :D You recently joined our collective family and it’s an honour to have you on board, much love. What can we expect from you in the future with your music and what keeps you going?

Just more music working with artist maybe shows and everything the music scene has to offer. Here at beatfortheill we have a deep love for art in all its forms, can you share a few artists you feel our followers would enjoy?

Lapalux, Stumbliene, Ekali, Atu We interviewed Xian & Gaszia two talents out of Utah whom are also a part of our beatsfortheill collective and they also convey a lot of emotion in their music as do you. With your similarities what do you think is happening over there in America within this field of musical expression that seems to be invoking a lot of people young and old to create their own musical sound?

I think it’s people venting through music or just that people have their own mind and staying true to yourself because everyone is different although a lot of people can sound the same. You’re also a part of Damnson out of Salt Lake City doing big things within the music world at the moment, shout out to everyone there! Can you share your part within DamnSon and their vision within music?

I just joined recently so I don’t know the specifics just yet but releasing an ep with them and some singles and growing a relationship and keep grinding Can you recommend a few of your favorite artists creating music at the moment?

Stumbliene, Ekali, , Atu, aywy Any Eps or singles coming up that we should keep an eye out for?

Yes a few singles and making a blue print for an EP. Any Last Words?

Thanks for this opportunity I appreciate it

To support Vassh check him here:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/vassh

Twitter: https://twitter.com/vasshmilk

Recently I got to share words with a talented producer out of Las Vegas, Weirddough aka Francis Zapanta. With his steady flow of on point tracks and fresh approach to sound. Weirddough has you covered whether you’re in a state of chill or you’re in need of some head bopping goodness, press play on one of Francis’s tracks and enjoy, much love.

Name: Francis Zapanta

Family nickname: Butch or Butchukoy 

Favorite Food/s: Japanese, Thai, Soul Food, Kare Kare. 

Favorite Beverage: Water 

Childhood memory in regards to music: Tried out for a talent show in first grade break-dancing to Rakim’s “Guess Who’s Back”. Didn’t make the cut lol. 

Favorite live set you’ve seen so far: Haven’t seen one yet. I’d love to though. Saw Wu-Tang and they were live as hail!! (if that counts). 

Views on out of body experiences: Anyone can have them if they’d like to. 

Last track that you listened to: Kan Kick - Sun Soul 

A successful midnight feast for you would include: Fried chicken (leg and thigh), rice, and honey+tapatio for the sauce.    

Track to break it down to: Quasimoto - Greenery 

Track to chill to: Howard Roberts - Ah-moor

 Thanks for that man,I wanted to start of by saying much love for your recent musical treat “sandwiches&cereal” so very smooth. Have enjoyed some really plesant moonlite drives to this album as a whole tracks in particular like connected, lemmewait (soulful guitar finger snap beat bliss) ,one and luciddreams which has to be my favorite from S&C, such a sucker for that sexy sax. What was it like putting S&c together what inspired the tracks:

Thank you, glad you like it. Honestly, I feel like it was just a filler album before I dropped ascension. I just wanted to put something out. It was a collection of loose joints I made during that time and some older unreleased stuff. That lemmewait beat was from an unreleased ep called rare love. I had no idea what to call the album, so I named it after what I’ve been eating every night during that time so I could sleep. haha

Loved the caption saying thanks for all the love and support and also given reason to the album name sandwiches&cereal, your consumption of many sandwiches and bowls of cereal, yummm. Fill us in on your cereals of choice and sandwich style:

Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut, and Cinnabon cereal. Sandwiches were based on whatever meat was in the fridge. I would microwave a slice of cheese on turkey, ham, or roast beef, toast the bread, add mayonnaise or bbq sauce, and eat it. Sometimes I’d add tomato if i felt like cutting it haha

Do you have a favorite Track that you’ve have released so far if so which one and why:

Yeah, probably enhale because I haven’t gotten tired of it yet.

How long have you been playing with music and what sparked your interest in producing your own beats:

On and off for a while, but probably officially in 2010. When I was in a family trip in the Philippines in ‘07, my cousin John was messing with Reason and showed me the basics of it. My girlfriend got me a copy of Reason 3.0 and I made my first beat late 07. I was making ambient/experimental stuff on and off for a couple years and learned how to sample in '09. I would say late '10 I started making hip hop and that’s when I took it more seriously. Making beats was always one of my life long ambitions ever since high school.

Now I’ve always wondered who vocal skills are present in the track “gotmeopen”? Always get caught up in that track a favorite track for myself, complete bliss and what was it like putting that track together:

It’s Syleena Johnson on the vox. I just did the drums first, chopped the sample in quarter notes and played em similar to the original arrangement. Took another part of the song and added a filter to it, layered it over the chops, and turned the bassline up a little bit. I was happy how it came out.

Any thing coming up from your end that we should look out for:

A few EPs coming out with some emcees. Hopefully finish an album with my dude Bhonstro this year. Uhh, possibly an LP sometime and hopefully some releases through some labels. We’ll see…

Any last words: Shouts to the homies that’s been there since day one, wouldn’t be here without you. To name a few: Bhonstro, One, Side B, Miek, Broke/, Negrosaki, DAILON, phedee, Osiris-1, professor logik, AL_PD, KVZE, Tuamie, LAKIM, Dink, stikz, Millen, KIYANI, Royale_Swerve, Intalek, Languid, PJWizrd, yahnlookepicard, tekst, a-robb, kirvy, Brock Berrigan, oh foreal my Ox City fam: Vegamonster, J-Shock, supakoopa, Smash Tales. Shouts to the everybody in the Astral Basement family. Anyone who I’ve talked to or connected with through music. Shouts to all the listeners and supporters, you mean the world to me. Thanks to the Creator and thanks to you. I love you. Peace and one love!!!

Support and enjoy Weirddough’s tracks here:

http://weirddough.bandcamp.com/

https://soundcloud.com/weirddough

Recently I was privileged with the opportunity to exchange words with the exceptional Producer/Mc, Broke/ representing Santa Ana Cali.

With his ability and skills when it comes to incorporating various musical elements within his work. Broke/ continues to induce head bops and soulful moments with his truly uplifting array of Hip Hop beats, enjoy.

Name: Alex Goodson

Location: Santa Ana, CA

Favourite Food: Deep dish pizza

Favourite Beverage: Mexican Coke

A childhood memory in regards to music: Growing up in my grandaprents house I was mostly around a lot of Spanish music and the soul/rock music my mom played made for a pretty cool balance First Album you ever purchased: With my own money? De La Soul Is Dead

Look back on your 14 year old self, what were you listening to back then: Hm….pretty much the rap stuff I listen to now, but less eclectic overall.

A track to chill to: King Tee-Down Ass Loc

A track to break it down to: Mausberg - The Truth Is

Thanks for that, So what was it like when you first got into producing your own beats? What sparked your interest and what ultimately inspired you continue producing quality beat after beat:

Thanks very much! I started making beats when I was around 15 cause I was rapping and didn’t like rhyming on beats people already knew. After a while I got addicted and just kept going, though I rap less now. I love studying other producers techniques and picking them apart.

 You have released a variety of wonderful tracks through French record label Cascade Records, a label promoting and embracing other musical talents such as Amin Payne, Bugseed, Repeat Pattern and many more. How did this opportunity come about and how has it been representing a label backed by diverse and talented producers like yourself:

I first heard about Cascade through my buddy Repeat Pattern, who was asked to do a project (which turned out to be Love Exposure) by Sal (who runs the label). They both asked me if I wanted to be involved and I jumped at the chance. I have nothing but great things to say about Cascade Records, they’re really doing wonderful work and I feel lucky to be a part of it.

released 18 December 2012  All Music Written & Produced by Repeat Pattern  All lyrics Written by Broke  Mastering by Barry Gardner  Art Direction and Illustration by 96  A&R by Sal Martin

 In regards to releases for Cascade I would like to mention your collab Albums “Love Exposure” released way back in 2010 alongside Repeat Pattern and Ackryte and “Badminton Club” released in December of last year yet again with the talented Repeat Pattern. Such a delicious array of tracks amongst the two releases,“ Never look back” and “Don’t Sleep” continue to be favourites of mine, delicate soul raps and vibes!. What was it like putting the tracks together for “Love Exposure” and “Badminton Club” and what was the creative process like collaborating with Ackryte and Repeat Pattern:

Thanks very much, I appreciate you digging them! I started working on Love Exposure around Summer 2010, which I was a little after Ack and Repeat had, I believe. I felt a lot of pressure cause those guys are so dope, so I knew I really had to bring it. The process with Repeat is: he gives me a skeletal version of a track, usually drums, bass and some chops. I write and record to that, send it to him, and when I get it back it’s this totally fleshed out, moving, living thing. Repeat and I started working in late 2009 on what would become the Badminton Club release, so that was actually in the works even before LE, more or less following the same process. We finished that around the time Love exposure came out, so that one was “on the grill” (so to speak) for a while. We decided to dust it off about a year later, mixed it and put it out.

  Do you have a favourite beat or album that you have created released or unreleased? If so which one and why:

I really like what I’ve been coming up with (for once!) on some unreleased stuff that should be out sometime in the near future. As far as stuff that’s been released, probably the Alkaholiks remix I did.

What do you believe are important elements and focus points when it comes to crafting and experimenting with production? How do you go about creating a beat and do you follow any processes in regards to sourcing samples etc:

I don’t really get technical with beats, for better and worse. It all starts with records. I had turntables and was dj'ing even before I was rapping so that’s kind of how I look at making songs. I usually make a drum track first then look for something to lay on top. Blending, scratching, and backspinning samples on a drum track is a big part of my process, then chopping or time stretching ‘til I like how it sounds. I don’t really have any secret as far as finding samples, I just like to dig and try to use something that no one has used before.

  released 30 November 2011  Design by Yusf Ali  Lyrics by Broke  Beat Production by Broke except 2,3, and 8 Produce by Onset  Mastered by Barry Gardner 

  Any recommendations:

Half-A-Mil, listen to him.

Anything coming up from your end that we should look out for:

I have a tape dropping on Dirty Tapes featuring many of the remixes I have released on sound cloud, I’m working on an EP with my friend Maj (https://soundcloud.com/sandtmaj) with him on the rhymes and me doing the beats, and I’m also working on a solo EP, all of them coming sooner than later, hopefully

Last Words:

Thank you very much for caring to interview me. I appreciate your time and anyones interest in my work

Support and enjoy Broke/’s tracks here:

https://soundcloud.com/murdercassette

http://cascaderecords.fr/home/Music/broke.html

(All photography the work of Micaiah Carter) 

With today’s rise in technological trinkets and forward-thinking creatives one simply can’t look past the many opportunities and wonders our universe has to offer us visually and beyond, from architectural giants and scenic natural views to the joys of blessed attire and beautiful faces- Micaiah Carter out of South Africa captures such beauties though the lens of her camera and portray’s it to the masses & various blessed magazines with her unique & alluring manner.

Now based in New York City Micaiah is making her mark within the fashion world, pushing boundaries and delivering on point photography worthy of much praise and recognition. So here we go people let us relax & enjoy words with the talent that is Micaiah Carter.

Hey Micaiah thanks for taking the time to share words, how about we start of with a few basics.

                               Favourite Food:

Mangos & Pineapples 

                                   Favourite Beverage:

  Water, but I cheat with an Arizona sweet tea from time to time.

                            Favourite Place to relax:

 My room

                                Favourite Location:

 New Orleans 

                              Last song you listened to:

   South Central Love - Dom Kennedy

                             Views on Reincarnation:

  Never looked into it! 

                                    A track to chill to:

   West District - Party Next Door

                          First Album you purchased:

Happy Feet Soundtrack

A childhood memory that impacted the person you are in the present:

Cutting my dreads

                 Favourite place to shoot your photography:

On Location

                                  Biggest Inspirations:

Billy Kidd, Koray Birand, My Dad

Thanks for that, so how old were you when you first picked up a camera? have you always had a passion for photography?

I was 13 when I sold my phone for my first camera, and I guess I have! I’ve been fascinated my photos my whole life, I use to love shooting on the little disposables as a kid and going to walmart to get them developed back in the early 2000’s. I just thought it was so cool to able to capture a movement and have it physically in your hand

What inspired you to take your photography more seriously? I remember the first time I checked your shots out was about a year ago through tumblr, your style is extraordinary, I think you were based is South Africa back then? Were you studying/ doing shoots that set you up in New York?  Tell us more about your experience with photography back in South Africa

I guess the drive of discovery wanted me to take it seriously.  

I am originally based from Southern California! Back home I usually just set shoots up with my friends, when I came to NY for school I started e-mailing agencies and started testing with a lot of the girls here in NY. 

Your portrait shots really inspire as you seem to have a lovely eye for detail, I love how you capture peoples eyes in your shots for example, very soulful if you get what I mean (you can tell a lot about someone through their eyes haha) How does one capture emotion like you and what do you love most about photographing people? 

Usually when it comes to my work I really like to get vibes from the person I’m photographing. So I work with them to try to get the emotion I’m looking for across. 

And I love using people, because you can make narrative with them.

You have done a lot of fashion shoots as well as work with models  and your shots actually blow me away as you’ve shot people from different walks of life and backgrounds. As a photographer you must meet a lot of unique personalities, what’s it like working within the fashion industry and what do you find is most rewarding about your line of work?

Working within in the fashion industry is actually really rewarding. When I went to shows at Milk Studios for fashion week earlier this year, I really appreciated how much effort is put into everything. You learn so much by just talking to someone for 5 minutes, networking is also a huge thing that I learned from working within the industry. Don’t be scared to talk to people!

Can you share some of your favourite experiences thus far within your creative journey and the most memorable shoots you’ve been apart of

My favorite shoot I have to say was my one with Nathalia with The Lions

Can you share your favourite clothing labels that are making a name for themselves at the moment? What would you say your style is like in regards to your day to day attire?

I really love A.P.C and Adidas there really coming out with some really fresh clothing. My style since I’m a student can range from sweatpants and roshe runs to jeans and timbs! 

    Working within a industry such is fashion could be a very unique experience, could you share what you enjoy most about it and also the sort of down sides to that field of work ie is that area very ego driven?, or a people genuinely nice in the experiences you’ve had working with fashion/ models. 

Yes, the egos are there but for some reason it works within the fashion world. You have to be! Confidence honestly is the word I can say for many of the designers and models. But they are also all really down to earth people.

Do you feel your photography is some what like a release if so in what way, and has it always played a big part in your life? What other things do you enjoy in your spare time?

Photography is a release for me, I love being able to pull from inside of me and create something that reflects me in my photos. In my spare time I really like to spend time with friends and family.

Starting of as a music blog, here at beatsfortheill we hold a major love for music, can you share a few of your favourite artists/ producers that you think others would enjoy?

I really like FKA Twigs right now, she puts so much effort into all of her music / visuals and artistic direction. I also give big props to Willow Smith and Jaden Smith they’re coming out with some really beautiful work now.

You’ve done work for Major Models New York which is really going places, which to some degree is because they have photographers like you taking the shots, much respect. Are you working closely with MM New york? And whom are some of agencies that you’ve worked with so far, are you freelance or do you work with particular companies?

I do work with MM from time to time! I’ve also worked with DNA, Marilyn and Ford as well.

Right now I’m freelancing

Can you share a little bit in regards to what it’s like living and working in New York, what do you enjoy about it the most? What’s the cultural difference like compared to South Africa and is there any other places you would love to travel?

I love New York, it’s very different from California but it’s good! You don’t need a car which is the best part and everyday you see something new. Everyday is like an adventure and I love that! 

In regards to your photography where would you like it to take you from here, what are you hoping to be doing over the next couple of years?

I have some books in the works! And some other releases that I have to keep a secret for now!

Thank you for the opportunity we feel you’ve got a lot to offer, keep doing your thing. Do you have any last words?

                                 Subdaio has been encouraging head bops and booty shakes all over the globe with his impeccable taste and his pipe piper ability within music. Delivering musical treats that have you booty bouncing like a school girl to tracks such as Bricksquad yet conveying calm with his edit of Tsubaki’s Room, one can only praise what this New Jersey producer is doing within the soundscapes.

Subdaio also expresses the international love for musical expression through Flow-fi a collective he co-partners with Sydney based talent Aywy and LA wonder Fortunes 

So relax and enjoy words with a USA blessing whom is breaking down musical barriers and bringing back soul.  

Hey man thanks for taking the time to share words, so how long have you been producing music and what inspired you to give it a go in the first place? Have you always been musically gifted?

Thanks for the opportunity! I’ve been messing around with production for about 3 years but just recently started taking it more seriously from the beginning of this year. I don’t know if I’m gifted but I grew up around a very musical family from my uncles singing and playing sitar to my mom always blasting some of her favourite artists, so I guess these factors inclined me to give music a go. 

So Aywy, Fortune and yourself decided to collab to create the collective Flow-Fi which is pushing boundaries all over the world, there are a lot of collectives breaking down barriers within the music industry at the moment, which to me is a blessing to ears craving “feel good” music as I would put it. Can you share a bit about what inspired you to create Flow-fi and what can we expect more of from this collective, also what do you have to say about this sort of “new age” sound making it’s way onto the speakers of like-minded individuals around the globe at the moment?

Yeah we killing it right now it’s really cool to see what we’ve achieved in such little time. It all started with aywy reaching out to me and Fortune about starting a collective to promote our own music and others that we thought deserved more attention. Ever since then we’ve got ourselves an amazing team of talented artists. We got some more tracks and projects that we are looking forward to put out and also looking to expand our ideas in different ways so in due time we’ll grow into different areas we haven’t touched. And yes, be unique. Don’t try sounding like another producer, don’t follow trends, just stick to your art and continue perfecting it.

                          [ॐ​]​. Released 31st May

What I love about the music you produce is  it’s diversity, it’s like each track you create has such a crisp and unique sound ie one moment I’m swaying to your take on XXYXX- About You then the next I’m turning ghetto on your take on Bobby Shmurda’s  Hot Nigga, much respect has to be my favourite take on Hot Nigga. What inspires you to keep expressing these diverse tracks and what mood /environment best suits you when you’re creating music?

I appreciate your comments. I just try bring as versatile as possible but I still manage to keep that “subdaio sound” which I’d describe as wavy. For me, inspiration comes and goes, I never force myself to create if I’m not inspired but autumn/winter season gets me in the mood to bless folks with my music. This is the time where I feel the most inspired. Summers get ya boy too lazy haha.

One of my favourite tracks that you’ve created has to be “Tsubaki’s Room” the melody and chimes not to mention how that shaker sound that transfers from one ear to the other when using headphones really puts me in the most chilled mood, much love. What was it like putting this track together and what inspired it’s creation?

Shout out to Plue Starfox for that! I was just listening to the original Tsubaki’s Room and I just had to flip it into something else. Just a random flow of energy hit me and I created/uploaded that track all within an hour haha. The shakers panning left and right is my favourite, I felt like it really brought out a new dynamic to the track. 

                        Amazon EP released 09 June 2012 

Has music always been a big part of your life and what does your family/ friends have to say about the vibe you’re creating through your music? Does your family listen to your music at all?

Music has always been a big part of my life. As mentioned before, I grew up around a family of different talents from playing classic Indian instruments to singing to painting, so music has definitely played a big part in my life. My friends are supportive of my music and also my family so that’s a plus point. I remember showing my grandpa my music sometime ago, I’m not sure if he understood it but he gave me a nod so that’s good haha

Away from music what do you enjoy getting involved with?

I’m currently a psychology major so I love reading about different theories and having deep discussions. I’m also huge basketball and soccer/football fan and play regularly but at the moment I’m coming back from a nasty injury. I’m just impatiently waiting til I’m 100 percent again.

Here at beats for the ill we have a deep love for art and spiritual expression, if these areas apply to you can you share a view of your favourite artists and spiritual role models (they don’t have to be famous)

Some spiritual inspirations would be Wayne Dyer, Osho (even though he wasn’t the greatest), and the Science of Spirituality.

You’re from New Jersey, USA what’s the music scene like over there? Do you plan on visiting us over here in Australia considering your partnership with Aywy, I know Perth would love your sound

Jersey has a blend of everything, rock scene, disco scene, etc. Hip Hop is big as well but I haven’t done any gigs in my area haha, I find it much easier to do shows in NYC. I need to find the right people in Jersey because I’d really want the scene to improve here. Aye if Perth is digging my music and anyone is reading this, get me out there. And Aywy is killing it thats my dude we are definitely going to link up soon.

Going right back to 2012 recently I discovered your ep Amazon, I had to cope it as feel in love with it’s structure and chill vibe from start to finish- Ayahuasca is a mellow wonder, can you share what inspired you to create this Ep?

Clams Casino’s Rainforest EP was an inspiration for sure. But I don’t know why I made that project, I guess I wanted to try putting out something a bit more different than other up comers in my category. And a documentary about the Amazon was another key player to that project

Where would you like to go from here with your music and do you have any gigs coming up that people she keep an eye out for?

I just want to evolve, learn different styles of music, and continue to perfect my sound. I’m really hoping to see myself producing for some of my favorite artists in the near future. I might have a gig next month in NYC, nothing is set in stone yet but I will gladly run it to you once I figure it out haha.

Musical Inspirations?

Kanye, Dilla, Doom, Madlib, Flying Lotus, and Clams Casino inspired me the most to get into music production. The music they make is so timeless I’m just striving to achieve that level with my own production. 

Any Last words?

Shout out to Allen Iverson

Support and enjoy Subdaio here:

Soundcloud- https://soundcloud.com/subdaio

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Subdaio

Bandcamp- http://subdaio.bandcamp.com/

I was privileged enough to share words with the musical talent,Ta-ku, a big influence on the music I so thoroughly appreciate and enjoy. A truly humble being who spreads the love and joy not only through his beats but through his presence, creative mind and appreciation and love for his fans, enjoy.

Location: Perth

Favourite Food/s: Japanese

Favourite Beverage: Dr Pepper

Any childhood nicknames if so share: TONK

Childhood memory in regards to music: Stevie.

You’re given a day of freedom, you can do whatever you want. What do you do: Spend it with the one I love.

Views on Reincarnation: Rhyhorn.

Last track you listened to: Alone in Kyoto - AIR.

A track to chill to: Somersault - Zero 7.

A track to break it down to: HIGHER - Baauer x Just Blaze.

Look back on your 14 year old self, what were you listening to back then: DMX Discographies.

Thanks for that, well I think I’ll start of by saying thanks and much love for the 48hrs of free Ta-ku beats, showing some love for the support, really feeling that. What has the past year been like for yourself, with all the love your beats have been receiving:

 It’s really been amazing, from the people I've been meeting to the love I've been receiving. I’m just overwhelmed from the response this past year. Love you all.

So what was it like when you first started getting into production?  Can you remember the moment when it all clicked? As in when you knew making music and sharing it was a path you wanted to take:

Honestly? When I heard “Fall in Love” by Slum Village. That snare made me really want to start making beats. RIP Jay Dee.

You show a lot of appreciation and support for talented artists out there through a variety of projects. In regards to your beats you’ve shown that appreciation rather wonderfully through “50 days for Dilla” dedicated to the much loved J Dilla and recently finished up “25 Nights for Nujabes” A tribute to the talented Nujabes, both loved influences within the hip hop and beat scene. What was it like putting together “25 Nights for Nujabes”:

 It was such a fulfilling journey. Piano samples are so very relaxing. I would spend each night digging for piano samples or something very melodic. I would even fall asleep at times and wake up without finishing a beat haha. Overall it was so much fun.

You also released the track “Side to side” for the DoTheDilla Compilation in memory of J Dilla. A favourite compilation of mine, featuring talents like Elaquent, Jazzo & Melodiesinfonie, Chief and many more. What was it like putting together side to side: 

Side to side was such an easy track to make. I just had fun with it. I remember banging that track out in under 30 minutes. #VERYRARE

Another project you’ve taken on board is your own record label and collective “Sunday Records”. So far signed to Sunday records you have Noyce, whose album “Rough sound” is a favourite of mine on relaxing breeze and sunshine filled days and the exceptional Omari T who brings soul and those R&b vibes, “Advent Chant” is bliss. What’s it like being on the other side, promoting the beats of others making music:

It’s been so great. Very overwhelming at times also but it’s so satisfying helping homies  get their music out there. It’s only just the beginning also. Can’t wait to start rolling out the 2013 schedule.

Recently you did a Boiler room set here in Perth. Set was amazing had to listen in again a few more times after that. What was that experience like for you and what was it like playing a set of majority your own beats:

 I had so much fun. Boiler Room was such a privilege for me and I wanted to share with all the people listening all my new stuff. No matter how many people try to taint or troll the Boiler Room experience - it’s such a great platform for all of us beatmakers to get our music and brand out there. I back BR 100%.

 You also released a mix tape recently called EATS with fellow talented producer  and a good friend of yours Kit pop. Mad mix tape, so much booty shaking/head bopping treats in there. What was it like to put together and what was it like creating the track list. Did you guys have a rough idea of tracks you wanted to use and how you wanted it to flow:

 Kit Pop is an amazing DJ, that’s without question. We just shared tracks with  each other. Sending exclusives to each other and asking for exclusives from homies too. KP tracked it all out and then we sent it out to the interweb.

Considering the last 3 minutes of the mix is rather food orientated, share some places you love to eat out at:

Munchies (MT Lawley)

Nopu (Burswood)

Moms house.

 You and Kit pop compete in a dance off, who would win, why:

Complete tie. We both got Filipino blood in us. We too spicy.

 Anything coming up that we should look out for:

EP with Chet Faker.

EP with Suff Daddy.

My debut LP.

 Recommendations:

Goldmund - Corduroy Road

 Any last words:

 Recently I was given the opportunity to share words with Dpat, a truly talented producer out of the USA who has been providing my mind, body and soul with the most replenishing of vibes through his rather soul embracing selection of beats, enjoy and much love

Name: Dpat

Location: Houston, TX

Favourite Food: beats

Favourite Beverage: sweet tea

A childhood memory in regards to music: Being in love with Baby Spice

First album you ever bought: Sisqo “Unleash the Dragon” no lie

Best live performance you have seen so far: Kids These Days

Musical Inspirations: James Blake and neo-soul

A track to chill to: Noyce “Lucy”

A track to break it down to: Pharrell “Frontin”

So I’ve always wonder if or what is the story behind the name choice Dpat: 

It’s just a nickname I’ve had for a while so I just ran with that. 

When did you get into making your own tracks and how long have you been at it: 

 I taught myself how to play guitar and piano a long time ago and moving into a dorm that required me to be quiet, led me into making beats. I basically took the knowledge I had with other instruments and applied it to music I was making on my laptop. I was kind of off and on with beats until I got some recognition off a random beat I made, then I became really serious and it became my main focus shortly before I released Blurry in 2011. 

Your tracks incorporate so much soul and bassy vibes amongst some truly enchanting vocals. Examples of your skills are show-cased through tracks like “Touch” “Atlas” and “Lust You/ Over You” all gracing ears from your impeccable ep “Blurry” released late 2011. What inspires that feel evident in your music and what process do you go through when selecting vocals to sample: 

When I’m listening for vocal samples (or any music period), I’m attracted more to the melodies than the actual lyrics. I know it’s common for other producers to chop up certain words and then play with that, but I tend to use the voice as an instrument within the beat. So I’ll have a bunch of layered melodies from different parts of the original song all playing together to create something new - or how I was envisioning it at the time. 

Your Blurry ep is pure genius and remains a favourite so much atmosphere carried through-out the ep, much love. What was it like putting “Blurry” together and what inspired its creation: 

When I’m working on a project, I definitely want to create a mood or vibe throughout the entire piece. For me, Blurry was a weird/dark time in my life so I think that was reflected in it. The first songs I made were happier (“Make Me A Lover” and “You, Tonight”) and as time went on, I started making darker stuff. The album ends on a darker note. It was all a learning experience though. I didn’t really know much about audio at the time so I think that project is really raw and emotional. 

  Do you have a favourite track that you have produced if so which one and why:

 If I had to choose a favourite, it’d probably be “Touch” because that was my moment of epiphany where I knew what my style would be like. 

 You’re also working on your new album “In Bloom”, very excited for its release. What can we expect with In Bloom and how would you like people to feel and take it on board when the album is released: 

The main difference between “In Bloom” and “Blurry” is that I’m no longer making beats. The tracks on here sound like songs, and are structured like songs; it conveys a feeling of completeness. I’ve recorded a lot of live guitar, piano, and collabed with vocalists so it’s not just sampled instruments. The tracks aren’t “bangers” either. Anyone can make a banger and the only thing it really does is make you move, then you forget about it. Then there are songs that you can genuinely lose yourself in. Songs that are laid out like a narrative and unfold as you keep listening. It grabs your hand and guides you throughout your mind. This is the music I strive to make and what I’ve hopefully conveyed on In Bloom. I’m trying to stimulate the mind, not just the body. 

Are you able to share any collaboration if there are any for In Bloom? Hints maybe:

Sango and Isles. Maybe Atu as well. 

In regards to collaborations, you have done so with other musical talents such as yourself like Sango, on the sweet sweet track “Above Us” (Feat. Isles) and also your collaboration with Atu on the track    “Missing you” from Atu’s newest and truly inspiring release Pictures on Silence, beautiful work. What was it like collaborating with Atu and Sango? And what’s it like making a track with another in comparison to on your own: 

We’re all on the same wavelength so collabing comes easy. Sango and I have a bunch of songs we’ve done together and we’ve talked about making a collab EP. Hopefully we can lock ourselves in a studio for like a week and complete a whole project. Atu is funny because he’ll send ideas and they’re in the most neat, organized way ever. He sends like typed essays, MLA formatted with a works cited page and you’re just like ‘what.’ It’s so much more helpful though. I feel like Atu and I make similar music, except I incorporate more electronic elements and he is more neo-soul. That’s why it’s pretty interesting when we collab. Sango and I just kinda throw shit at each other and say 'do whatever’ and it usually comes out great. 

Anything coming up from your end that we should keep a look out for:

Pause. Just  kidding. Yeah, I want to start doing shows after this album drops and then I want to take some time to work on producing for other people. I’m also working on Isles’ debut EP, Fractal Beach, which should come out this summer. 

  Recommendations:  

Check out Insightful because he’s on another level. 

Any last words: 

Read more books!

Support and enjoy Dpats tracks here:

https://soundcloud.com/dpat

http://dpat.tumblr.com/

Recently I was privileged with the opportunity to exchange words with a truly talented and humbling producer out of Auckland, New Zealand known as Ben Jamin. It has been the creative influence of Ben Jamin and various other musical talents that have inspired me to not only live life on that positive vibe but to express and embrace, elements within life that helped lead to the creation of this blog,  So enjoy and much love.

Name: Ben Jamin’

Location: Auckland, New Zealand.

Favourite Food: KFC!

Favourite Beverage: Strong Black Coffee

A childhood memory in regards to music: Drumming on the pots and pans in the kitchen

First album you ever brought: The Simpsons read along cassette maybe? haha

Last track you listened to: Ackryte - Origami Dinosaur

A track to chill to: That new Quasimoto LP!

So how long have you been doing what you’re doing and what got you interested in producing your own beats in the first place? Can you remember the moment when you knew producing was something you wanted to pursue further, what was that like:

 Ever since High School, for me, if the beat wasn’t banging..then even the most amazing rapping just couldn’t cut it.. Since then i guess i have always been into it, have been making beats for around 4 years now..

 Have to mention your newest ep “Seasons” Beautiful summery vibes! It feels like you’ve captured the essence of natural existence with this one. Spent my Sunday morning mountain biking around the local bush land with this ep blaring from my car. Seasons definitely furthered the natural beauty that surrounded me, much love. What was it like putting “Seasons” together? And what are you hoping for people to experience through this ep:

Damn that's awesome! I wanted to experiment with new tempos and sounds to push myself..The weather has been particularly uncharacteristic as of recent..all these things combined into one experience 

What’s your favorite track from “Seasons” and why:

I would say “seasons” just because the home girl Mahalia Simpson came so correct on it! : )

 You have released the track “Seasons” through your ep with a pleasant surprise, the truly captivating vocals of another talented artist out of New Zealand Mahalia Simpson. How did the collaboration come about and what was that like? Was the track originally made for Mahalia share her vocals over:

Haha na we fully winged this one! #Laughs Shes dope tho gona be big!

   New Zealand has always been home to a variety of talented musicians yet at times it can be hard for artists to receive deserved exposure and embrace. Being a Kiwi myself and considering May is New Zealand music month can you share a few NZ artists for readers to check out? Also in regards to exposure what do you credit your current success internationally to:

Definitely check out @peace www.at-peace.bandcamp.com

Exposure would have to be all credited to the internet! (Shot bro)

Do you have a favourite track that you've produced so far? If yes which one and why:

Unfortunately not as yet.. Need to get to that 10,000 first.

You have collaborated with a lot of talented musicians such as Amin Payne (NZ), Abnormal (USA) and Proflogik (USA) just  to name a few. What do you love about collaborating with another in comparison to creating a track alone? What about another artist draws you in to want to collaborate: 

I just like the collab process I guess because you LEARN so much from the other artist about how they work and techniques they use etc etc

| Hazbeats, Knxwledge Ben Jamin live in Wellington NZ

Anything coming u from your end that we should keep a look out for:

 Always! More Albums and soundcloud drops all year! I'm heading to Europe/States this year so hit me up if your down to link up and get busy!

Support and enjoy Ben Jamin’s tracks here:

https://soundcloud.com/influencebeats

https://www.facebook.com/BeatsByBen

http://beatsbybenjamin.bandcamp.com/

Download Seasons with a donation or for free here: