YMMI Interview

What inspired you to start creating music? How long have you been creating music?

I was raised on music. Even though my family is from the North, we have Southern roots and a strong musical background. On my seventh birthday, my mom gifted me a Casio keyboard, and I became obsessed with it. It had a few sounds, but it became an integral part of my life. I was surrounded by soulful and gospel music at home, thanks to my mom. It was an immersive experience, and as a young child, I was a fan of artists like Michael Jackson, MC Hammer, and Criss Cross. Seeing how people were moved by music, something intangible, captivated me. It became my first love in the world.

Have you had any placements and with whom have you had these placements?

I've worked with several producers, and around 2005-2006, I started producing music directly for the database at a platform. I've had a long-standing relationship with them. In the world of music licensing, I found early success, which allowed me to pay my bills and make a living. I've had over 1,900 placements in commercials, video games, and more. It has been a blessing, and I entered the industry when it was on the rise. I became the go-to person for big companies when they needed help with clearances or difficult records. Building relationships, taking care of the people who gave me opportunities, and always having an abundance of music has been crucial. I truly live and breathe music, and as they say, if you love something, it will find a way to sustain you. I might even have some platinum plaques by now, and there are more things in the works. The universe has taken care of me through music and other means.

What samples do you normally like using when creating your own beats?

I'm not in the creative space to create music; instead, I focus on creating sounds. I can spend up to 10 hours going through sounds, manipulating them through sound design, and experimenting with various plugins and gadgets. I also surround myself with friends who are geniuses in different crafts, especially musicians who play instruments like keyboards, pianos, guitars, and harps. I seek out these musical geniuses in every realm and make them my friends. Collaboration is a beautiful and spiritual thing. I'm glad that the world is starting to recognize the magic of collaboration, just like Quincy Jones and other brilliant producers did in the past.

What was the vibe that you tried to create with your sample pack?

With this pack, I aimed to create ear candy. It's meant to be something you can go crazy with. I believe some amazing collaborations will come out of this pack. My intention was to provide sounds that are delightful to the ear, with a little touch of quirkiness. I want it to spark creativity for many individuals.

How do you see other creators using this pack?

I believe this pack can serve as a source of inspiration. Whether you're going through a dry spell or looking for something outside of your usual sound, this pack will come in handy. Noise Land is suitable for beginners as well as seasoned geniuses in the craft. It offers sounds that you might not be accustomed to, with unique manipulations and sound designs. As a producer, I always start with a melody, something that captures my ear. Then I build around that foundation. In this sample pack, I wanted to provide people with melodies to wrap their creativity around.

Do you have any tips or tricks for creators using this pack?

My tip for making great music that excites me is simple: don't think, feel, and execute. Avoid being too mathematical about it; instead, let your emotions guide you. When you do that, you'll be amazed at what the universe brings forth.

What piece of advice would you give to upcoming creators?

Don't focus solely on making money right away; that's not the right approach to taking your craft to the next level. Love is the key. It's special when you do things organically, without expecting compensation. The love for what I do has always guided me, and if I could give any producer or aspiring creative one piece of advice, it would be to love it, and the universe will support you.

Who are your top three producers of all time?

Timberland is definitely one of my top producers. His sound manipulation, unconventional methods, and creativity during the '90s and 2000s inspired me to pursue music without limitations. I consider him my musical father; his beats used to evoke visions in me. Next is Max Martin, a producer who excels in his simplistic approach. He can take simple ideas and make them huge. And finally, Dr. Dre has a talent for transforming the simplest sonic structures into something grand. It's like watching a movie unfold, with every moment carefully crafted, and sometimes, there's a pivotal moment in the second verse that you just have to experience.

What is your favorite studio snack?

Mexican food is my absolute favorite. I enjoy shrimp tacos, fish tacos, guacamole, and some delicious Mexican salsa. It's the perfect fuel for the studio.

What's your dream collaboration?

Honestly, I'm eagerly awaiting the day when Timberland and I are in the same room, doing what we do best. It's going to happen; I'm claiming it now. I've been saying it since I was young, and I know I have to get in the room with Timmy. Together, we're going to create some magic.

Interview by Sean P. Jones

You can check out YMMI's sample pack here.