Friday, November 21, 2008

to find a sound or sound a find????

I often find myself at a crossroads when it comes to producing... There is an expected formula in the industry...

Big drums...

Lead...

Pad...

Lots of low end (bass)....


and a groove that people can at dance or at least nod to...

Both aspiring and professional vocalists (rappers) have been socialized to develop their approach based on this formula. It's understandable...

As a result I am often faced with the dilemma of fitting myself to this formula (sounding a find) or completely rejecting it (finding a sound). What's most difficult is that in the eyes of the consumers and industry professionals alike, I am a nobody. This makes it extremely intimidating to explore approaches that are somewhat foreign or unexpected...

It's funny... the beats that I really like are usually rejected by clients and come with comments like,

"bro... you really think somebody could rap to that?"

or

"bro that's cool music and all but I want something hot.."

I can make "HOT SHIT", but to be honest it kind of bores me... I'd rather make something that people have to settle into. Something inventive and new... Luckily my labels first vocalist (rapper) is the type that says things like,

"I never heard a song, country or big band, that I couldn't rap to..."

Spread's first MC is in prison until February 2009... I think that his time (8 years) has taught him to appreciate the beauty in all music. I dig that.. I think that we both aspire to explore the limits of genre. However, is it possible that our exploration may prevent us from "breaking through?"

Question is....

Should I find a sound?


or

Sound a find?

-Dekk-

3 comments:

Timothy Moore said...

Expect an email tomorrow sir.

Anonymous said...

make whatever u feel

i used to make regular "Hot" beats and then gradually started pitchin my more left field beats to artists... now that the ish i been doin is becomin more popular they come to me for that 'sound'

35ozNin said...

I understand your dilemma, me and my ace have these types of convos all the time. U know the answer tho, if u conform u'll jus blend in with the rest, if you create your own sound you'll create your own lane and legacy.