Please tell me about yourself. Give me a brief bio about you and your music producing experience. Describe your style? Who you resemble as a famous producer? (If anyone) What makes you an expert in producing?
My producer name is Fortified Soul and I am a beat maker based out of Washington D.C. and New Orleans. I have been making beats for about 4 years, but started playing drums when I was about 12. I am a sample-based producer. I try to create in my own style, but I have been heavily influenced by Kanye West, DJ Premier, Dilla, Nottz, and Swizz Beats. I would not say I am an expert in producing, but that I am on the road to becoming a truly great beat maker. In the upcoming year, I hope to get a couple placements and really advance my knowledge of recording and mixing. You can check out some of my beats at fortifiedsoul.bandcamp.com and follow me on twitter @FortifiedSoul or email me at fortifiedsoul@gmail.com
1. Sampling. How important is it in producing music?
For me, sampling is everything. Hip-hop music is based in sampling, and I aim to keep the tradition alive. Sampled beats are the beats that tend to move me most, so it’s what I do. If you feel more suited to make “keyboard” beats, then do that. If you want to sample, sample. People will talk about how you shouldn’t sample because of the business and legal aspects. Music is about creativity at the end of the day and not business, so do what moves you, and not what people tell you to do.
2. Where do you see new producers making mistakes?
Starting out, I see beat makers wanting to learn everything all at once. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. Like anything else, becoming a great beat maker takes practice and hard work. I was/still am guilty of it.
3. What software do you recommend for making beats? And why? And what do you use?
I use the Native Instruments Maschine and I highly recommend it. I started playing drums, so being able to bang on pads was extremely important to me. I also used FruityLoops as my first DAW, so I really also wanted the versatility that software provides. The Maschine is the best of both worlds. I recommend trying out as many DAWs/drum machines as possible until you find what works for you. Remember, a DAW/beat machine should be a tool to help you create, rather than an obstacle.
4. To all those new aspiring producers reading this learning to produce music / make beats, what advice can you give them starting out?
Read as much as you can. Read blogs, read forums, watch Youtube videos, read the manuals to your gear, read up on gear before buying it. Last, but not least, practice. A lot.
5. What are the 3 most important steps to making beats?
1. Practice. You wont get good unless you practice. I finally feel like I’ve hit my stride after 4 years.
2. Drums. I don’t think a beat is good unless the drums knock. Make sure the drums match with the sample or pattern.
3. Patience. It will come if you keep at it. Don’t be discouraged about not being great the second you start. Keep working and ask for feedback. Eventually, it will click.
6. Very few producers make it to the top of there career as a world famous producer. What’s the difference, in your opinion, between a famous producer and one who can’t seem to it? What do the ones that make it do that the ones don’t ?
Beat makers are undervalued, in my opinion. Also, I feel that the days of the super producer are over. Music has lost a lot of value and rappers don’t feel that they need to pay as much for beats anymore. I just don’t think that there will be many world famous producers anymore. That being said, there is still money to be made as a beat maker.
7. Which do you prefer new producers start with when learning to make beats: Hardware or software? And Why?
Software would probably be better because it is more versatile. I would recommend starting by learning your way around a software and then adding hardware pieces as you see fit.
8. What makes a quality beat? What must it sound like? How do you know when your done?
Drums and the sample chops make a great beat. If your head is nodding, it’s a good beat. That is my only criteria for evaluating beats. I try to lay out full arrangements and then export the song. Once I export the song, I don’t go back and change things unless something is really bothering me, or the artist requests something.
9. Should I go to school to learn more about music?
I don’t think school is necessary. It is a huge investment and the money saved can be spent on gear. Just read up and practice. It will take a long time to get good at making music, but I feel that school is not necessary.
10. Any final thoughts or advice to aspiring producers?
Have fun. At the end of the day, if you’re not having fun, you’re doing something wrong. I love reading about gear. I love reading forums. I love listening for samples. I love making beats. I love staying up late in my room knocking out the beat until the morning when its done.
Making beats and producing is not for everyone and to get good takes time and commitment, but it should always be something you enjoy doing. Lastly, respect and understand the history of hip hop.
