Here’s an older interview as engineer Roc Logic tells the story of meeting producer Laze E. Laze, and M.O.P. members Lil Fame & Billy Danzenie. He touches on the growth of technology, automation, the early stages of MIDI and Pro Tools, plus the significance of the Akai MPC 60. Also addressed are questions for beginner … Read more
For everyone aching to learn more about processors, producer Eric Hawkins serves up a nice lesson in audio compression explaining concepts like threshold, ratio, attack, and release. Reason users will be especially happy since he provides a downloadable song file demonstrating the different settings and parameters.
Doug Eisengrein hits us off with some nice tips on how to make your software synths and sounds have a warmer, more analog sound to them. Basically, the whole gist of the situation is that you needs some analog gear! He goes on to recommend some budget circuit based gear for laptop producers and even … Read more
Electronic Musician, Mix, Remix, and Guitar Center present a free webinar: Optimizing Speaker Performance In Your Studio. Acoustic consultant Bob Hodas, responsible for tuning Abbey Road, Record Plan, and Lucasfilm, will share how to set up studio monitors, listening position, and studio treatments. Also to be discussed are techniques for applying equalization and EQ measurement. … Read more
For those in the New York area, the Manhattan Producer’s Alliance is presenting a workshop entitle In The Box: Modern Digital Audio Workstation Techniques. The class will provide an in depth look into the art of mixing using digital audio workstations including demonstrations of specific mixing approaches and techniques using real life examples. The measly … Read more
Wu-Tang’s RZA about his sound and approaching the sampler from the point of view of a musical instrument. He tells the story of Roland making house calls to fix the MV-8000 and importance of staying true to your personality, while panel members touch on keeping an open mind when exploring music.
D.I.T.C. cohort Buckwild talks about the importance of having a good ear for music, remaining consistent, and the role sampling plays in his productions. Most importantly, he addresses the idea of ghost producing and the value of getting the actual credit for your work.
Michigan native Needlz supplies us with a sneak peak inside his Brooklyn studio, complete with MPC 2000 XL, Kurzweil keyboard, and racks of sounds & effects. He also talks about his choice in vintage gear and puts together a beat on the spot. Needlz makes it a good point to clarify the reasoning behind his … Read more
Producer/Engineer Wonder Arillo talks about the original sample for T.I.’s "What You Know" and working with DJ Toomp. Most importantly Wonder also touches on helping Toomp setup Pro Tools to get his foot in the door, having a real feel for the music vs. programming, and what young producers should be doing to get ahead.
Certified classic beat maker (Miles Davis, Notorious B.I.G., Craig Mack), Easy Mo Bee talks about his very first job, getting started as DJ, and making the move to production. He also tells some great stories about work with Puff and B.I.G., making Craig Mack’s "Flavor In Your Ear" in his underwear, and musical changes in … Read more