Monday, 18 January 2010 06:03 Last Updated on Monday, 01 March 2010 15:48
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This interview is actually long overdue. So, let's jump right in! If everyone can introduce themselves and let the people know your role in The Soundkillers and what brought you all together as a team?
REO- Producer/writer/Co CEO
REO: First and foremost i believe steph and i were looking for passionate people who do this for the love and not for the fame that can come with it. Its very important to maintain a level head at all times in this business and that’s very important to us. I also feel that we all share a standard for quality over quantity whether it be in music art or fashion and that is what has drawn us to each other and kept us working together.
PHOENIX: What’s up DP This is Phoenix, Producer for the Soundkillers.
DION PRIMO: My name is Dion Primo and I'm an Artist/Songwriter for Soundkillers. I've had a relationship with Phoenix prior to joining Soundkillers. He was one of the first producers I've worked with when I made the transition from being a Battle MC to Songwriter. When I met REO in Florida (we both lived in the same city) it was only right for Phoenix to come along on board so we could form this killer team.
Now REO, we know that you're a DP OG, as we affectionately call our Alumni, how did you first find out about Dynamic Producer and what made you get involved?
REO: I met a few other DP members when i was at an event in Houston Texas. Mainly a guy named Drewski (good dude) who talked it up and I was able to keep in touch with him and a few others through the website. It was also a great community that made you feel like a part of a group of people that all had the same goal. So when you had bad meetings or even writers block, you knew that you werent the only one going through it. and on top of that they always had something to submit for which kept you working even if u had no contacts of your own. which is a very valuable asset in my opinion. Â
One of the reasons we're profiling you, is because Dynamic Producer was a major assist in helping you get to this level, but, not necessarily in the way that most people might assume. Tell us how being a member of Dynamic Producer made a difference for you?
REO: For me being able to go the conferences and see people that were in the industry doing what i wanted to do was a HUGE deal. I had a chance to talk with them afterwards and get answers to questions that you cant just find online. Hearing peoples individual outlooks on what it takes to make it and what they had to sacrifice in order to get to the spot inspired me to work harder. Another big part is the comradely that comes with being amongst other really talented producers and getting to see the fact that the hard work does pay off. I remember hearing about all of the dope stuff Wrightrax was doing and seeing how hard those guys have been working, it really inspired me to do my thing heavy.
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Let's take a turn onto The Soundkillers Expressway. Of your recent accomplishments, which are you most appreciative and why?
REO: I think Beyonce being nominated for Album of the year was HUGE for me. To be apart of that album seemed like a dream a year ago but for it to actually be a reality and then be nominated for a Grammy is incredibly surreal. I hope she wins but, even if she doesn’t, the fact that i am a part of that is an amazing accomplishment.
Many producers have said that they see sounds. And REO, we know that you went to art school. Do any of you see music? Talk to us about your creative process, what's the best environment for you to work in? What comes first when you're composing a song?
REO: I definitely see music in palettes of colors...the colors depend on the emotions the music makes me feel. Lately I’ve been seeing music videos in full vivid definition which drives my interest to start directing. I don’t really have a favorite environment that I like to work in as long as I have my headphones on. My creative process is pretty consistent across mediums..... Just like in my artwork, I like to work out a ruff sketch of what it is I want to do and I build up from that...you wouldn’t look at a painters pencil sketch and judge the final painting on that would u? Same with music for me. I’ve seen guys who can create a beat in 5 min and that’s amazing but, that’s just not how I do.... so I like to wear headphones to work out the good and the bad and hear everything properly first. My creative process almost always starts with a melody that I hear in my head and save in my phone. Then when I get to the studio I just listen through them and start working on whatever one that inspires me the most and sometimes its just a sound that I really want to use that I just keep playing around with until I find something that jumps out at me.
DION PRIMO: Before moving to Atlanta I would usually work out of the house. It's totally different in the house, you can relax...take a break and come back to something while creating. Once I made the transition to Atlanta I found myself put in session with the Artist more often. It's totally different than recording by yourself at home. My first "on the spot" session was with Plies. I was a bit nervous at first but once you start the process everything else fades away. I still prefer working at home but when you're working with the artist that record is cut on the spot. There are no E-Mailing Songs, Taking Meetings, etc. I think of the Concept first before anything. The Soundkillers are definitely "Concept" Guys. A Dope Concept is needed before anything. Sometimes REO will come to me with a Hot Concept and Melody for a Hook already. He's definitely a Great Songwriter as well.
How important do you all think it is for producers to also wear the songwriter hat and why?
REO: I’ve heard stories of producers loving everything that they hear on top of their beats and that scares me. I believe when u make the track you should have a concept or at least a direction of where u hear the song going. The songwriter hat is useful when you are sequencing the track as well. Knowing how you would like the song to be structured and built up is very important. I’ve heard a lot of times my tracks are set up in a way that they don’t really even need words cause you feel the journey that the music takes you through until the very end. This is something I didn’t even realize I was doing until someone pointed it out. I just personally feel that it should tell a story before a songwriter heard it. Similar to how the sculptor Michelangelo said that he didn’t carve anything into the marble he was just carving away the excess of what was already there. I think that’s how a songwriter should feel about your track. The are just enhancing what emotions you have already placed in the music.
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DP's Founder, FBI, always says that "Great minds don't always think alike." As producers grow, I believe we can all agree that having full songs is very helpful. Tell us what makes working with a songwriter a dream vs. a nightmare?
REO: Being able to handcraft a song for an artist is a huge advantage over just sending a track. Working with someone who is just as talented at writing as you are making music is a perfect way to start creating a sound that is recognizable. If you get lucky and are able to find someone who writes and sings as well, then you have an even greater advantage. Not all songwriters sing so you have to find a reference singer and sometimes that can get costly but if you believe in the song...trust me it’s worth it. The bottom line is ...presenting the label with an amazing finished product is the quickest way to get a placement. If they can hear their artist singing YOUR song in THEIR head then you have a lead. Also when you find a good chemistry with a writer make sure you maintain that relationship and things can really take off. Examples.... Tricky and the Dream... Missy and Timbaland.
PHOENIX: I remember the very first time I actually worked with Dion. He showed some of his work and I was impressed. I gave him about 5 tracks to work with. Not even 24 hours passed and I got those tracks back and they were crazy. That’s a blessing to find that quickness and quality work in a songwriter. Unfortunately working with some other writers that turnaround isn’t always there which can be frustrating when you feel you got a big record just waiting to go.
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Which areas are you all looking to grow in creatively and also from a business perspective?
REO: We are looking for a couple of artists to establish a "sound with at the moment". To me it’s very important that you have a very distinguishable sound that people can come to you for. I don’t want to be the camp that can give you a song that sounds just like the number one song at the moment. I want to be the avant guard company that changes the idea of what’s "hot" or "in style". I want people to expect greatness from each and every one of the people we represent. With that said I believe the business will grow into a stable brand that represents an ideal standard of talent.
PHOENIX: I’m looking to have some music in a new BET reality show “Model City” coming out. TV, movies and commercials is an area I want to explore some more. It’s definitely a lane that I think is overlooked initially by a lot of new producers. Although the notoriety might not be there that check can be just as nice as or even better than that placement.
DION PRIMO: I'm looking to build my catalog with just as many Full Songs as Hooks this year. A lot of people think I'm just a "Rap Hook" person, but I can definitely hold down a full song any genre. I would love the chance to get an entire song placed this year to showcase my full songwriting ability. We also use the phrase "TSK Record" in our discussions. A Soundkiller Record is a Record like No Other. We are definitely trying to bring more TSK Records to the front in 2010
Knowing that you live and breathe music, do any of you have a favorite genre? If so, which one and why?
REO: I believe I love very epic rock/piano driven ballads i.e. Coldplay, the Fray. There is just something about the passion in their music that makes me stop being a producer and just be a fan.
PHOENIX: My playlist goes from Jeezy to Justice. John Mayer to Jay Z. From Coldplay to Curtis Mayfield. I tried but can’t pick a favorite child.
DION PRIMO: I love Westcoast Rap from the Early 90s. I'm from California originally so it wouldn't be a surprise to hear "Doggpound - Dogg Food" playing in my car. Hip Hop is definitely my favorite genre but I love R&B, Oldies, Electro/Funk, and "Pop".
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Who is one major artist that you'd like to go in the studio to work with and why?
REO: I would love to work with Isaac Slade of "the Fray". He is an incredible songwriter and piano player. I think we could come up with some amazing stuff together. Epic. Timeless. Music.
PHOENIX: For me it would either be Andre 3000 or Santigold. You know if you’re in the studio with those artists you’re going to challenge yourself and they’re not to type to be afraid of going left field with a record.
DION PRIMO: Drake, without question. He's one of the most talented Artists in the game right now. I say the word Artist because he's definitely someone with a vision, he's not just rapping over beats. I think me and him would come out with something crazy if we went in.
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Now granted, you all enjoy composing for major artists, but let talk about a possibly guilty pleasure? We hear you're working on an EP, Johnny Famous and the 15 Minutes? Enlighten us!
REO: Johnny Famous....This is a project I’ve had for about a year and a half that I’m going to put out this year. I can’t say too much but expect it to be incredibly fun to listen to. haha
We've always believed that talent is just a pre-requisite. So, we're going to give you 3 words that lend in the plight for producers trying to get to the next level. Tell us what comes to mind when you hear these words.
REO:
Word 1 - Location
Location is important so that you are able to meet the people that have the power to put you in the places you want to be. Once someone sees you enough they are gonna start wondering what it is you do and how it is that you are always around. Especially if you’re not constantly nagging people and you build true relationships with people instead of sounding like a salesman. Being "around" has gotten some not so talented people a shot much quicker than the talented guy in an email.
Word 2 - Politics
You can’t really worry about this or it will take your love for creating away. You just have to focus on making the music that you love to hear not what you THINK the public wants to hear. I think the politics of this game have made everyone lose their "voice". It seems that no one is making music from their own perspective anymore its always what they think the public wants to hear them sing about....I say follow your heart. Make the music you and your friends love and push.
Word 3 - Limit
Limit is what YOU put on YOURself. What you say you can’t do, you won’t try. Reminds me of the quote.... "What would you do if you knew you could not fail?" my answer..... The same thing I’m doing now.
PHOENIX:
Word 1 – Location
Thanks to internet Location doesn’t have to be plight or at least as much of one. Phoenix in NY can send some great drums to Reo in La who adds some great chords. Reo in LA can send that beat to Dion Primo in Atlanta and have amazing record written all while communicating face to face to via Ichat.
Word 2 – Politics
That’s the equivalent to blaming it on the refs to me. Dealing with politics isn’t going to be something unique to you so you can’t allow yourself to continue to use it as an excuse.
DION PRIMO:
Word 1 - Location is everything in this business. The internet is a great way to setup a relationship but that face to face meeting is going to make it flourish. If you're not in a location that doesn't have a huge scene, utilize social-networking websites, and make trips whenever you can. Once people can put a face to your music everything else will fall into place.
Word 2 - Politics, you mean Politricks? LOL. Unfortunately like everything in life politics plays a huge role in the Music Industry. I would love to tell people that your Music is all that matters but that wouldn't be the truth. From my experience I've learned that the best way to maneuver through these politics is to learn who the key players are first. Find out who's who, what position they hold, and play ball from there. This is nothing more than a game, sometimes you have to get played yourself to fully understand the game. I think everyone takes hits when they first start out due to these politics. It's like a tollbooth on the road to success, eventually you will have to pay dues to make your way through it.
Word 3 - When I hear the word Limit I feel like there isn't any. Everything is attainable with hard work, vision, dedication and knowledge.
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For all the up & coming producers and songwriters reading this. Give us your Top 5 Industry Commandments from the perspective of The Soundkillers.
DION PRIMO
- Find a Songwriter or Producer who you have chemistry with. Just because their tracks or songs are hot doesn't mean the stuff you create will be the same. Find someone you can have a distinct sound with and build on that. Don't be so quick to work with any and everyone, there is a fine line between Networking/Getting Out there and over-extending your sound.
- Never surround yourself with people who are not working as hard as you. Inner-Camp Competition makes the team strong. Greatness is never achieved alone.
- Never Burn Bridges, it's cliché but very true. Relationships are everything in Business.
- There is nothing wrong with giving away your Music if it's being put into the right hands. When you're upcoming your resume is very important. This also goes back to developing relationships. I'm not saying do everything for free but sometimes a free song can be a stepping stone to landing a check. Â
- Study, Study, Study! Pay Attention to your competition at all times! I'm not saying worry about the next man but you definitely need to know what's going on. It's important to check how your work measures up against the rest. You're chasing the same projects the Major Producers & Songwriters are also chasing. Remember, it's all a Game...scout your competition! Never stop being a Student.
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For info on the SoundKillers check out there profile at www.dynamicproducer.com/thesoundkillers. Thanks guys!
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written by Lindsay Blohan, January 21, 2010
Inspiring read, much success to the Soundkillers!
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written by Serge "Jay$Money" Ngatta, January 21, 2010
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written by tDJeniffer, February 05, 2010
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Dope interview kid! We go way back with REO! He was KILLIN' it from way back when we first connected in H-Town. Not only is he a SICK producer, hellava nice guy to!
All the best to The Soundkillers!
Peace,
TGC