The makers of West Coast Theory went in-studio with Aftermath producer Focus. The producer offers a peek into his recording environment and explains his approach to creating music, thoughts on software, and experience working with Dr. Dre.
Throughout the interview Focus illustrates his process of crafting a beat from working with the original sample to layering drums, recording, and playing live bass.
Sometime I do sample, but I try my best to stay away from it cuz I just know it’s a pain.
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BLVDST interviews DJ Toomp to add his thoughts to the never ending hardware/software debate. Toomp explains his personal preferences for a number of studio items used most frequently and offers insight into his ideal sound.
I still just like to blend the two of them together. It’s hard and software together. Software got its own thing. You got Reason, you got Logic, Cubase, a few other programs. One thing I can say is I love the strings that come off most of the software.
Producer 9th Wonder discusses auditioning beats for Jay Z, working with Erika Badu, and teaching music history. Later 9th goes on to talk about the importance of saving older work and doing other thing besides making beats.
I made the actual beat for Erykah Badu’s honey seven years ago. That’s why I say, everybody save your beats, because you never know who’s gonna like what.
I tell beatmakers all the time, you gotta do more than beats. If you want your career to go right, you just gotta do more than beats.
DJ Revolution performs a live set while artist Chadwick paints in the background. Revolution then goes on to explain how he became involved in DJ‘ing and his all time favorite DJ, Jazzy Jeff.
This right here is dedicated to all my old school electro-funk heads.
For more info from the DJ, read the Crate Kings interview with DJ Revolution.
Fool’s Gold co-founders DJ A-Trak, Nick Catchdubs, and Dust La Rock discuss the founding and evolution of the label while offering a glimpse into the day-to-day activities and responsibilities of running a successful business.
Famed DJ’s and crate diggers Kon & Amir dig for disco and more at Amoeba Records. The duo shows off a number of finds, including Michael McGloiry, Kellee Patterson, Zingara, Googie and Tom Coppola, Lorraine Johnson, King Tutt, Herbie Hancock, and Willie Bobo.
