DJ Menic Interview - The Next Big Thing in Progressive House and Dance

Who are you, what do you do?
My name is Menic, I am 23 year old progressive producer and DJ.

What is the reason you picked the name Menic?
Well, I originally picked it because it was the last few letters of my real name. It kind of has this mysterious feeling to it, but it also is an awesome sounding stage name.

What sparked DJing for you and did you ever want to do any other type of music?
I originally started out listening to old school Benny Benassi and Louie Devito house tunes in 2006. I was so intrigued by it that I started going onto a private forum called clubbers.pl and searching for different electro songs. Eventually, I gained an ear for progressive house music and started listening to Tiesto's Club Life Podcast every week. I started studying all the transitions between each song and loved every minute of it. I noticed the structure of the music and where to drop certain things before I even set foot into the DJ realm. I picked up some speakers and a cheap Numark controller and started mixing up songs from there -- I was pretty natural at DJing progressive music.

Who are your favorite DJ's/producers?
As of now there are so many talented artists out there, but artists like Armin Van Buuren, Steve Angello, Axwell, Sebastion Ingrosso, Dada Life, Tiesto, Alesso, etc, are all in my list of top DJs.

Which DJ would you aspire to be like?
In the industry you really have to do something different to break out, so I am mostly working on my own sound and mixes, but one of my biggest inspirations is the trio, Swedish House Mafia. Many people think they are mainstream now, but they've been doing this for years and still put on one of the craziest performances I have ever seen live.

What is some of the gear that you use?
For live performances I use Pioneer CDJ 1000's and 2000's and the Pioneer DJM 800 mixer. In my studio I'm using Ableton Live and Logic Pro with Focal speakers and an Apogee sound card.

What goes into the process of creating a song?
Each song is different for me, usually when I go through the day I have blips of ideas that come into my head so I record them and jot them down into Ableton Live. Otherwise, I'll start usually with my drums, then build a bassline, melodies, bridges and transitions last.

How do you go about preparing a set, and do you test songs on crowds?
I usually get some of the latest music and incorporate it into my sets, but I love throwing in classics to spice it up a little bit. Also, a bunch of edits and mashups that I made are in all of my sets. Obviously when you're live you have to adjust to the crowd so I tailor my set to how the crowd is reacting.

What is the best and worst feedback you've ever gotten?
The best feedback is when people are dancing and the worst is when they're not, but you just have to learn to adjust when you are out there.

What are your realistic goals in music?
Well, I have always set huge goals for myself and with hard work they will come. I am working on perfecting my image as an artist because that's important. Once I gain an image as a producer I plan on sending demos to a bunch of contacts I have made in the industry. I want to take over the scene by storm.

Anything else to add?
Look out for Menic in 2012!

http://www.menicmusic.com
http://www.soundcloud.com/menic

http://www.twitter.com/menicmusic

http://www.facebook.com/menicmusic

http://www.youtube.com/officialmenic

Interview with ChasingSound Blogger Brian Sutich

Where did your passion from music come from and how did you know you wanted to be involved with it?

I've loved music for as long as I can remember. I remember wanting to be involved with it at different steps in life.  Playing piano, switching over to guitar, becoming an engineer.  There were certain bands I saw or studios I visited, and I just knew, no matter what, that in some shape or form I wanted to be involved.

What do you enjoy doing more, playing and creating music or engineering?

That's a hard question. There's nothing like the feeling of playing a great show, and there's nothing like having completed a CD. Both things are very therapeutic for me. Whenever I play a guitar, I am calm.  In the studio it can get stressful at times, but it's so rewarding.

Have you produced anyone of note, and who would be your dream production job?

I've been blessed to work with so many great artists. I've worked with everyone from They Might Be Giants to people on Blue Note, local NJ bands, and more. I really don't care who the band is, I take every session seriously, because who knows who's going to blow up next? My dream producing job would probably be producing someone like Metallica, The Chili Peppers, Taking Back Sunday or anyone really who looks like they have a good time in the studio. Makes the process so much easier.

Tell me a little bit about your band life? What were your bands, where'd you tour, how successful were you?

While I've been in a bunch of bands, I've been in two that have really done some special things. My biggest two were Fakeknife and Emergency Now. Fakeknife was a punk rock band in the style of Fat Wreck type bands. We toured the country twice, played all the biggest places in Jersey, including the Warped Tour. With that band, we were just 20-something's travelling the country as best friends and constantly playing shows on the weekends. That was my favorite part of that band. I still really consider everyone in that band some of my best friends.  

Emergency Now took this a step further. Me and one other guy from Fakeknife met a singer/songwriter and we started doing pop rock. Emergency Now had some great songs, and I loved creating with those guys. We played Maxwell's in Hoboken, my hometown at the time, and it was tons of fun. Somewhere down the line, I see myself working with members of both bands on some project. We shall see!

What do you do now as a profession, and is it hard to balance a music life with that of a professional/husband/father?

I'm actually doing social media for this company Wine Library. One of my heroes in the social/entrepreneur field, Gary Vaynerchuk was nice enough to have me on the team, and I am eternally grateful for that. Everyone who works there is extremely talented and amazing. I really enjoy connecting with people every day. I do my best to balance my day job with my true love, music. I try and combine the two in my own blog. Being a new Dad has it's challenges, but my wife is amazing, and I couldn't live without her! Every week I still mix, record, and work on projects. So far, so good!

Is your blog a good outlet to keep your creativity flowing and have any opportunities come from it?

It helps in such a major way. The main reason I started the blog is because I hate people in professions who keep secrets. That's the total opposite of what I'm about. I want people to learn from me. The more people know, the better music people they will make, etc., and maybe I'll hear that music one day, and directly benefit from it. I'm a huge tech/social nerd.  I'm trying to combine the best of both worlds on Chasing Sound.  The blog has been giving me opportunities here and there, and I think it's on it's way to becoming something really special.

Where do you hope to see yourself in the next five years? As a blogger? As a engineer/musician? As a person?

I hope to see myself with a happy wife, and happy son (and maybe another kid?...ssshh!)  I see myself writing a lot of music at home, working on tons of projects. I want to keep blogging, not only for Chasing Sound, but guest blogging and more. Music saved my life, and is in my blood, so in some shape or form, I'll always be doing something musical. If time permits, I'd like to mix as much as possible each week.

How do you feel about the state of music today, and do you think it's heading in a good direction or a bad one?

I think the state of music is great. What I really think is that bands and labels have to change their strategy, and change it now. They should have changed a while back seeing where the industry was going. Labels complain that people aren't buying CD's in stores. Direct your songs to iTunes and Amazon, where people most definitely are buying songs. Bands have to engage with their fans. They can't just put out a CD and hope for the fans to come to them. People want to interact with you, so go for it. Make a FB page, make a Twitter account, and really interact with people who like your music.  The state of music is 'great' for bands. They have more opportunity than ever before.

Top five bands or or artists?

Another really difficult question for me. I'm legitimately into pretty much every genre of music. I'm always trying to find the good in every style, so it can inform my mixes in interesting ways. Plus, I feel like if you limit yourself to liking only one style of music, you're really missing out. I can tell you what bands I'm listening to a lot this week, and some are my all time favorites. Listening to a lot of Soundgarden, Taking Back Sunday, Porcupine Tree, The Roots, and Deadmau5.

Anything else to add?

Thanks so much for the interview. Anyone who wants to catch up, talk about music, or more, should hit up ChasingSound.CO or follow me on Twitter - @BSutich  Plus I'm literally all over the web. If there's a new social app, search my name, and I'm probably on there.  Today, rather than worry about yourself, do something nice for someone else, teach someone, help somebody out! It's good for your soul.

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Interview with Producer Vin Major from Staten Island

Vin Major is NYC hip-hop producer who raised himself in hip-hop culture and tries to embody the sound of genre with every beat he makes. His production is top notch, and is planning big things in the immediate future.

Who are you, what do you do? 

What's up world? My name is Vin Major, I am a producer/beatmaker from New York.

Tell me about Get Major and how did you get started? 

Get Major was my initial independent production label that I created years ago while in the process of evolving my music and business opportunities. I have branched off to starting my own production team known as The Tune Doc's represented by 523 studios/records.

How long have you been producing and did you ever explore other things musically? 

I have been producing music for roughly eight years with a few long hiatuses here and there. I have never limited my creative opportunities and experimenting with other genres has always been my sole goal. I am currently working on a instrumental album which consists of many different genres from trip hop/ funk/soul/electronica and rock all mixed in one.

What do you feel is the connection between good rapping and good beats? 

They go hand for hand, but I feel sometimes you have to know the artist you are working with and arrange music accordingly...where the artist and beatmaker do not fight to out shine each other. Many artists lack substance in certain departments of lyricism where the beatmaker would have to emphasize more characteristics in an individual track and visa versa. Sometimes the beatmaker adds too much, he leaves no room for the artist but I think you should know the people you work with and know their strong points as an artist. I know how to create music with enough space for them to be as creative and comfortable as possible.

What gear do you use and how do you go about creating your beats?

I started on Acid Pro and until this day I still swear by it. My current set up consist of a Macbook Pro, Logic Pro 9, Reason 6, Akai Mpk 25, a MPC 1000, and a bunch of midi controllers, keyboards with a lot of custom sounds and samples on my hard drive.

Who are your favorite producers and rappers? 

I change my mind every day, but as far as producers I've always been a Dr. Dre fan. I admire his perfectionist craft, DJ Khalil (Not to be confused with DJ Khaled), Nottz Raw, Hi Tek, Alchemist... too many to name. I'm definitely feeling the new kids, my guy Arrabmuzik, Hit-Boy, Frank Dukes, Jhalil Beats, Cardiak, just to name a few.

Who would you aspire to sound like and have you gotten any comparisons? 

I try not sound like anybody, I do not think any two artists or producers sound the same. You can deliberately tell when there is a carbon copy or one producer influences the other, but everything I do is based on feeling and the atmosphere or my mood; so I basically arrange my mood and emotions. It's still me to the core.

What rappers have you worked with, and are any of them famous?

I have worked with a few artists in the past: Big Lou (former Street Sweepers artist), Bodybaggs (Champion Muzik),  Grafh (Black Hand), Cash NY, and featured tracks with Kool G Rap, Nino Bless, Joell Ortiz, and Styles P. They've gone uncredited due to legal issues and some paper work, but that's the game...I am focusing on my own project now and the artist I am working with now.

Where do you hope to take your music?

Right now I have a bunch of projects in motion. Me and my partner/engineer Mike Checks of 523 Records have been working hands on and trying new things out in the new studio. Shout out to Mike Checks, he's a very dope engineer and we have this in studio chemistry that I feel is bringing a lot of my creativity back to life. He knows exactly how I want my stuff to sound from a mixing stand point and his ear for music is phenomenal. In the long run I am just trying to create good music and leave something for people to remember me by. It's my art, it's my vent, so regardless how far it goes I just enjoy making music.

What is your take on today's hip-hop? 

It's evolved for better and for worse, technology evolves, trends fade, fads have a short life span and we just entered a different age. I just take it for what it is.

Anything else you'd like to add? 

Look out for my Tune Doc Saints instrumental LP. There's a few things I want to keep quiet that I can't speak on, but I am very excited about Broken Records Collective, we'll just have to wait and see (laughs). Also my future project with Drow and Damier of the Cypha, I have been working heavy with them and I think they have a bright future in this game.

Shoutouts to: Mike Checks, Hoffy, 523 Records, Bareknuckle Mafia, and SiK Boi. 

Contact me on twitter @Vinmajor

Interview with Producer Joe Josh

Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Joe Josh. I'm a banker by day and music producer by night.

What is your background in music?
I first played piano at 6 years old by ear...then starting learning how to read music. From there I began playing in recital's in front of hundreds for the next couple of years. I got bored fast playing other people's music...I wanted to make my own songs. At 20 years old I started learning how to take my piano skills and make songs using computers and programs. Now I'm working with more and more artists every day and the names are getting more and more famous.

How long have you been producing beats and what drives you to do so?
I've been producing beats for almost 8 years now. I started making House/Club music with VTone, a friend/ major DJ in the Club Scene. Everything I do drives me to make a song out of it...I listen to all genres of music, I think its all work of art.

Who are some of your influences in production?
Some of my influences are AraabMuzik, Timbaland, Dr Dre, Scott Storch, Ryan Leslie, and many more but those stick out the most. You can listen to a track and like it...but when u listen to a track and it gives u goosebumps and moves you–that's what I strive for in my music.



If you could produce for any well known rapper, who would it be and why?
I would want to work with every mainstream artist available but what really matters to me are the artists that have the talent to take our songs to the next level and put in the same amount of love, sweat and tears I put into my music.

What gear do you use?
I use an iMac and a M-Audio midi keyboard. On my iMac i have thousands of dollars of sounds, plugins and effects, but you never have enough. From there I will go to my studio where I can mix and master my beats.

Where do you hope to take your production work?
I want to hear my music on the radio, TV, and Internet. I want to have such an impact on music that people will automatically know when they are listen to a jOE jOSH production. I want to be surrounded by music, whatever it is!



Where do you see yourself in five years as far as music?
5 years from now I can see myself working with major artists in the game...helping the hip hop/rap genre come back to life. Bringing back the talent that this industry is missing.

Top 5 best rappers dead or alive?
Eminem, Biggie, Jay Z, Drake, Big Pun.

Anything else to add?
I do this because I love to do it and I'm going to continue making HIT after HIT. So either hop on for the ride or GET RUN THE F**K OVER!



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Joe Josh is the newest member and official producer for the Broken Records Collective.

Interview with Hip-Hop Producer and Model K. Scott

Why stick with your name as a producer name and not come up with something different?
The Reason I stuck it out with my real name is because when I’m older I wouldn’t want to be know by some obnoxious nickname that'll be with me to the grave,  also it’s more professional.  

What inspired you to make beats, and is there a moment in your life when you said, "I must do this?"
I’ve always had a real love for music,  it’s the basis to everyday life.  Most people start the day with a song that puts them in a certain mood, and for me I grew up listening to a lot of reggae music so my mood was always relaxed.  When I moved to America and got introduced to Hip-Hop music at age seven and was blown away by the contentious style of the artist that were out and it’s similarity to reggae music, I was instantly hooked.

Who are some producers you that influence you and if you could aspire to be like one who would it be?A lot of music producers inspire me, but one of my most influential musicians would have to be Swizz Beatz. Through his years within the music industry,  he’s always been behind the scenes making hits and establishing power in the entertainment industry. Later on within my career I would love to be in the same sentence as the musical milestone Quincy Jones,  I’ve got a long way to go.

''Serenity'' (Prod-K.Scott) Sample Clip from ♚K.Scott♚ on Vimeo.


Where do you draw your unique sounds and music from?
I draw my sound from the Native American people, the chants, the instruments and belief system that they bring their culture.

If you could make beats for one artist today who could really go well with your beats, who would it be?
The one artist I think would be perfect for my sound would have to be Drake, because his music symbolizes spirituality and with my rugged creative abilities mixed with his musical strengths we’ll make greatness.

What is some of the gear you use, and how long has it taken to you to get to this point now?
I’ve been making music since I was fourteen and I started with a program called Fruity Loops and then later on I was introduced to Ableton Live, it’s one the easiest programs to make music.


What do you plan to do with your music and where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I aspire to evolve the hip-hop culture, and take my music global to inspire generations to be whoever and whatever they want to be in life.


You are also, model. Tell us a little about that.
Music and fashion has always been in the same realm when culture and art come into play, and modeling is a way that fans can interact with me on a artistic level.

Pros and cons of both, and how can they work hand in hand?         
It's More exposure when you have a certain presence in the music and fashion industry, but when it comes down to business its always stressful when your in high demand.



''Night Air'' (Prod-K.Scott) Sample Clip from ♚K.Scott♚ on Vimeo.



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''Chief'' (Prod-K.Scott) Sample Clip...Sold# from ♚K.Scott♚ on Vimeo.

An Interview With Professional Music Engineer Gary Atturio

I have heard horror stories from other bands and musicians about the misadventures of recording, especially for the first time. My band actually went through this when we originally went to record. We realized early on that it would not work, and cut that deal off. We found out the initial go around as a musician is always a learning process no matter what you claim you know or don't know.

Fortunately for my band and I, this was an easy learning experience as we transitioned from rookie recorders, to slightly knowledgeable of what we were doing. Lucky for us we had the privilege to record with Gary Atturio of Galuminum Foil Studios in Brooklyn.

One of the first things Gary told us was the kind of producer he can be. He said, "I could be the guy who just pushes record, or I can give you my professional input and advice." We went for the latter figuring his experience would benefit us greatly, and it sure did. In the long run we were extremely happy with our time at the studio, and grateful for everything Gary taught us and implemented in our music.

I decided to email Gary for a brief Q&A on his insight on the music industry and life as an engineer.

Q&A's

J- What is the "official" name of your job and how long have you been doing it? Brief description of what you do...

GA- I'm not sure there's an official name to what I do. I make music with people for a living, whether it's engineering, playing bass, or producing.

J- What made you choose this direction of profession? (Any life changing experience or was it a simple choice?)

GA- I've played music my whole life. After graduating college, I moved to New York, and went on a corporate interview. It made me realize that I could never handle working in that type of environment for the rest of my life. I ended up working at a really fun, low-paying day job while playing in bands and touring a bit. I got hooked up with a great studio, and since then have met many amazing people.

J- What is your musical background? (What do you play, what's your favorite type of music to play or listen to, how long have you been musically inclined?)

GA- I began studying classical violin when I was about 6. Around 10, I started playing piano and guitar. I started electric bass around 15, and studied some upright bass in college. I can play the drums, but I am probably the world's 5th worst drummer. I wouldn't say there is a specific genre of music I prefer to play, but more than anything I like making music with good people. It just makes the whole experience so much better.

J- What's the best thing about being a producer, what's the worst?

GA- I wouldn't say there are necessarily good and bad things about being a producer. There are some days that are more rewarding than others, but every day spent working on a record is valuable. Even if things aren't going quite smoothly, the artist or the producer is probably learning something that will help them further on down the road.

J- What's the best thing about playing live, what's the worst?

GA- I love playing live, but it's not for everyone. Touring can get tough, but as long as you keep a level head and respect the people around you, it should be a piece of cake. Also the worst experiences usually make the best stories. Once while touring in Scotland, our band's hostel room in Glasgow was attacked by the hostel owner himself, who was completely blacked out drunk! Luckily no one got hurt, we got a free room that night, and we all had a good laugh the next day.

J- What's your crowning achievement as an artist/technician?

GA- Most people in my line of work, including myself, are constantly trying to better themselves. I have had many great moments over the years. I hope that every day I continue to spend making music, I learn more and more, and achieve greater things.

J- Could you see yourself doing anything else with your life? (Why?)

GA- No, because I would make an awful bartender...

J- Where do you feel the music industry is moving towards today? (Mainstream or underground circuit)

GA- Music is in a more exciting place now than it I think it ever has been. Music is more accessible than ever, which is pushing the envelope for developing artists. On the other hand, there is very little money left in music. It becomes harder and harder to make a living in the music industry. 20 years ago, record labels had much more money to spend on artists and studios. These days most artists are taking a more "do it yourself" attitude, which is great.

J- Who's the most famous or successful person you have worked or played with?

GA- Haha, I guess Ricky Minor, musical director of American Idol. He threatened to steal my bass guitar...

J- What's your biggest rockstar moment? (Made you feel like you "made" it)

GA- I appeared with a band a couple years back on national television. At the time I felt like I "made it", I guess. However, I feel about 3 billion times more fulfilled today making music on a small scale for people who really appreciate it.

J- Did you ever work with anyone who just blew your mind or you eventually became a big fan of?

GA- This happens often. I am amazed at the amount of talent I am surrounded by. I think one of the most important things any person can do to further improve themselves as a musician or artist, is to go out and find these people. Surround yourself with them, close your mouth, and listen to what they have to say. I guess it's kind of ironic that I'm preaching this.... I'll shut up now.

I would like to thank Gary for answering all these questions honestly, and for getting back to me so soon. Gary is an amazing sound engineer that I highly recommend to any band looking to record. I would also like to thank Galuminum Foil Studios for housing my band and putting up with our noise. The rates for the studio are fair and they are willing to work with you on a deal or package. For contact info go to--

http://www.galuminumfoil.com/index.html