Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

This week's guest is MonkeyRascal. Known for his bold, genre-defying sound, MonkeyRascal shares the story behind his name and how it reflects his mischievous and playful approach to art. From his early experiences with psychedelics to his fascination with wonky, heavily swung drum grooves, he reveals the personal journey and creative process that shaped his unique style.

MonkeyRascal talks about his love for unconventional sounds, like crunchy, saturated drums and "crummy" samples, and how he balances experimentation with anchoring grooves to keep listeners engaged. We compare his music to Cubism, explaining how fragmented and refracted elements create a “hall of mirrors” effect in his tracks. From layering reverb tails to building unconventional grooves, he reveals how his unique approach to sound design makes his music both quirky and immersive.

The conversation touches on everything from the melancholy influence of Radiohead and Flying Lotus to the clever experimentalism of G Jones and Mr. Carmack. MonkeyRascal shares how negative space, tension, and unexpected drops add emotional depth to his music, making it perfect for dance battles and headphone sessions alike. He also reflects on live performances, the evolution of bass music, and the delicate balance between chaos and structure in electronic production.

📌 Support the Podcast: Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth artist interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the music industry!

🔗 Links & Credits

📲 Follow MonkeyRascal: https://soundcloud.com/monkeyrascal?ref=clipboard&p=i&c=1&si=4C5D329E56C044B78FB739C4C94F2DF4&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

🎧 Listen to Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

This week's guest is the multi-talented producer and artist Backpack Beatz. Backpack shares his journey through music, from his early days playing in church bands to becoming a respected figure in hip-hop production. He opens up about the philosophy behind his craft, including his “No More Free Beats” ethos, which underscores the importance of valuing one’s work and setting professional boundaries in the music industry.

Backpack reflects on his experience with “Non-Stop November,” a self-imposed challenge to create a beat every day, and how it sharpened his discipline, creativity, and ability to push through exhaustion. He emphasizes the role of accountability, the strength found in collaboration, and the importance of authenticity in an industry often dominated by surface-level relationships.

From sharing stories about his work with legends like Ghostface Killah and Kanye West to his aspirations of being part of a Grammy-nominated project, Backpack Beatz offers a wealth of insights for aspiring producers and music lovers alike. Packed with tips on building community, staying inspired, and navigating the evolving music landscape, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art and culture of hip-hop.

📌 Support the Podcast: Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth artist interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the music industry!

🔗 Links & Credits

📲 Follow Backpack Beatz: https://linktr.ee/back_pack_beatz

🎧 Listen to Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and "No More Free Beats"

05:40 - Motivation, Inspiration, and Community.

14:17 - Early Influences: Big Sean Concert & XXL Freshman Era

19:57 - Reassessing Success Metrics Beyond Money

25:37 - 🎶 CJ Fly - Left Get

28:00 - Church DNA and Musical Foundations

34:14 - Gear and Growth in Music Production

41:24 - 🎶 UFO Fev - Mr. Nice Guy

45:30 - Stylistic Influences: Rockefeller, Just Blaze, and Bink

53:15 - Church Performance as Creative Training Ground

59:22 - 🎶 Backpack Beatz ft. Villa G - World Won't Change

1:02:31 - Venturing into R&B

1:03:56 - 🎶 Jocelyn Hart - My Girls

1:08:00 - Non-Stop November Challenge

01:13:59 - Greatness Comes From Working Tired

01:15:03 - Accountability, Consistency, and Social Media

01:16:19 - Bandcamp and Grassroots Support

01:19:21 - Personal Preferences and Dislikes

01:29:00 - Authenticity in the Music Community

01:34:14 - The Ghostface Killah & Kanye West Placement

01:39:02 - 🎶 Ghostface Killah ft. Kanye West - No Face

01:43:47 - Extensive Beat Catalog and Quality Control

01:49:11 - A “Kill Bill” List of Chicago Artists

2:07:42 - 🎶 Backpack Beatz - Pack Van Exel

02:10:30 - Drumless Beats and Versatility

02:17:43 - Future Goals and Legacy

02:24:00 - Impactful Performances and Influences

02:27:01 - Closing and Shout Outs

Curated by KARE

00:00 Intro

01:22 Craig J https://www.instagram.com/creg_j

13:55 Emmies Band https://www.instagram.com/emmiesband

30:13 Pete Mac https://www.instagram.com/petemacbeats

45:54 Jay Vinyl https://www.instagram.com/emptyphonebooth

1:02:01 King Chemist https://www.instagram.com/king_chemist

1:15:46 Cozycole.g https://www.instagram.com/cozycoleg

1:31:10 Thelonious Martin https://www.instagram.com/kingthelonious

1:45:55 Monkey Rascal https://www.instagram.com/monkey_rascal_

1:59:09 Tango. https://www.instagram.com/tango.wav

2:13:06 BuuGee https://www.instagram.com/buugee_

2:27:55 Omari Jazz https://www.instagram.com/omarijazz

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

This week's guest is Torcha, a trailblazing producer making his mark in the dubstep and bass music scene. Torcha opens up about his journey, from spending countless hours perfecting tracks on Ableton to hitting the road for his first tour. He shares how Toronto’s eclectic music culture and his live performances shape his creative process, blending influences from metal, hip-hop, and horror films into his unique sound. Along the way, Torcha reveals the lessons learned from field-testing tracks, collaborating with other artists, and pushing the boundaries of his craft.

Get an exclusive sneak peek into Torcha’s unreleased music and upcoming collaborations, plus hear his take on the evolution of genres and staying authentic in the industry.

📌 Support the Podcast: Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth artist interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the music industry!

🔗 Links & Credits

📲 Follow Torcha: linktr.ee/torchadub

🎧 Listen to Poducer: linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:48 - Torcha’s Journey: Touring and Finding His Place in Dubstep

02:34 - Creating Music Inspired by Live Performances

05:54 - First Concert Experience: Slipknot and Metal Influences

13:18 - The Revival of Dubstep and Evolving Genres

21:41 - Teasing a Collaboration with Zeds Dead

24:54 - Big Names Playing Torcha’s Tracks

29:52 - Horror Movies as a Musical Influence

37:38 - Balancing Family Support and Pursuing Music

58:26 - Torcha’s Favorite Festivals and Career Milestones

1:11:43 - Patreon, Bootlegs, and Building a Fan Community

1:29:08 - Reflections on Growth and Creativity

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

This week's guest is Criso! We discuss his standout experiences at festivals like Infrasound Equinox, where boutique sound systems and intimate setups take the energy to the next level. Criso also shares his thoughts on the essential role of MCs in live performances, their historical significance, and how they enhance the crowd's connection to the music. With a focus on respecting the roots of dubstep and pushing its boundaries, Criso gives listeners a glimpse into the artistry behind his tracks.

Criso previews some unreleased music and reflects on his upcoming shows, including a major back-to-back set with Youngsta at Mission Ballroom. He opens up about his creative process, the importance of networking, and how his new management and agency have fueled his rapid growth.

🔗 Links & Credits

📲 Follow Criso: https://linktr.ee/crisosound

🎧 Listen to Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

📌 Support the Podcast: Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth artist interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the music industry!

🔗 Links & Credits

📲 Follow Sling Wave: https://linktr.ee/Sling_Wave

📲 Follow JoeBig: https://linktr.ee/JoeBig

🎧 Listen to Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

📌 Support the Podcast: Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth artist interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the music industry!

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Die By The Sword to unpack the journey behind his music and creative process. The conversation dives into the inspiration for the name Die By The Sword and the personal philosophy behind it. We explore the intricacies of mixing and engineering tracks, the balance between simplicity and complexity in music production, and how festival culture influences the way we consume live music.

Beyond the technical side of music, we discuss reflections on artistic identity, balancing exposure with authenticity, and the evolving landscape of electronic music. DBTS shares insights about his upcoming releases, collaborations with prominent artists, and the visual storytelling behind his latest EP. Adding levity to the discussion are tangents about browsers, candy nostalgia, and even Lady, the podcast's canine co-host.

🔗 Links & Credits

📲 Follow Die By The Sword: https://linktr.ee/dbtsbass

🎧 Listen to Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

📌 Support the Podcast: Like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth artist interviews and behind-the-scenes insights from the music industry!

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

0:48 - What’s in a Name? The Story Behind Die By The Sword

2:53 - Lady the Podcast Dog Makes an Entrance

4:23 - The Philosophy of Living by the Sword

8:27 - Music Influences: From John Mayer to Eric Prydz

12:11 - The Cost of Festivals: A Rant on Ticket Pricing

16:13 - Chrome vs. Safari: Browser Preferences Get Heated

19:36 - The Art of Mixdowns: Perfection or Obsession?

21:03 - 🎶 "Dusted Dub"

24:19 - Building Complexity in Simplicity: A Producer's Take

25:39 - 🎶 "District"

29:12 - Scoring Soundscapes and Creative Inspiration

36:29 - How Virtual Tools Shape Music Creation

44:11 - Festival Choices and Economic Realities

51:31 - Artist Strategies: Quality vs. Quantity in Releases

59:28 - Signature Sounds and the Importance of Engineering

1:06:31 - The Value of Taking Time with Music

1:07:38 - 🎶 "Empire Business"

1:10:40 - Reflecting on EP Visuals and Releases

1:14:09 - Balancing Exposure and Artistic Vision

1:18:22 - Lady’s Compilation: The Podcast’s Loyal Guest

1:21:47 - Ableton Tips and Plugin Hacks

1:25:31 - AI and the Future of Music Production

1:33:02 - Great Songs vs. Great Mixes: A Producer’s Dilemma

1:40:57 - Relationships and Music: Finding Balance

1:44:42 - Sweet Tooth Confessions: Snacks and Nostalgia

2:06:25 - Influencers in the Wild: Social Media Observations

2:09:52 - DJing and Performing Tracks Live

2:14:11 - Shoutouts: Upcoming Releases and Family

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

DJ and producer Alex Kislov dives into the creative journey behind his new album Dream Sequence, a project inspired by precognition and déjà vu. Alex explores how he crafted dream-like, atmospheric sounds to evoke different states of consciousness

Beyond the album, Alex opens up about his unique background, from practicing martial arts as a second-degree black belt to his experiences at Burning Man and his love for dog boarding on the side. He reflects on Chicago’s music scene, its historic venues like Spy Bar and Radius, and the tight-knit, emotionally driven community that has shaped his career. Alex shares the highs and lows of life as an independent artist, emphasizing the importance of community, self-discipline, and staying true to his unique sound. Join us as we dive deep into the music, philosophy, and passions that fuel Alex Kislov’s artistry.

Follow Alex Kislov:

https://linktr.ee/AlexKislovMusic

Follow Poducer:

https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

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Affiliates:

https://www.lalal.ai/?fp_ref=poducer

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

UK-based Tearout producer Nimda discusses his musical journey and distinctive heavy sound. He shares anecdotes about engaging live performances, including interactive crowd moments and his signature shirtless sets due to the intense energy and heat. Nimda delves into his early influences and highlights the importance of experimenting without overthinking. He touches on challenges like obtaining a U.S. work visa and contrasts European and American audiences' reception of heavy dubstep. Additionally, he talks about touring with Kai Wachi, the significance of physical fitness for mental clarity, and offers advice to upcoming producers on building an online presence and focusing on quality music over frequent local shows.

Follow Nimda:

https://linktr.ee/nimda_uk

Follow Poducer:

https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

QUAKE Earplugs

Use code "POD15" at checkout to save 15%

https://quake402.bigcartel.com/product/dub-mufs-v2

Affiliates:

https://www.lalal.ai/?fp_ref=poducer

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiOSmsCsEmw&ab_channel=Poducer

CoryaYo, a multifaceted music producer, sound healer, and visionary artist from Chicago. They explore his artistic journey in music production, touching on genres like hip-hop, ambient music, and meditation music. The conversation delves into spirituality, mindfulness, and personal growth, highlighting how these influence his work in sound healing and visual art. Topics include the impact of ayahuasca on his creativity, the role of meditation in his life, and the intersection of creativity and healing music.

This episode offers insight into how CoryaYo intertwines personal growth, spirituality, and artistic expression to create unique and healing experiences through his music and art.

Follow CoryaYo:

https://linktr.ee/coryayo

Follow Poducer:

https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

QUAKE Earplugs

Use code "POD15" at checkout to save 15%

https://quake402.bigcartel.com/product/dub-mufs-v2

Affiliates:

https://www.lalal.ai/?fp_ref=poducer

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Housekeeping

01:20 - The Art of Framing and Its Relation to Mastering Music

06:04 - Early Musical Influences and First Concert Experiences

11:05 - Starting in Music Production

14:10 - Early Projects and Collaborations

24:56 - Introspection and Spirituality

33:23 - Sound Healing and Healing Instruments

36:11 - Experiences with Ayahuasca and Plant Medicine

46:45 - The Role of Intention in Healing and Music

58:41 - Mindfulness and Personal Growth

01:02:06 - Healing Trauma and the Continuous Journey

01:09:09 - Visual Art and Visionary Art

01:21:23 - Eye Health and Healing Eyesight

01:34:41 - The Importance of Mindfulness and Being Present

01:41:05 - Sampling and Music Production Techniques

01:46:17 - Significant Live Performances

01:52:19 - Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

02:02:06 - Shoutouts and Closing Remarks