SXSW Pop: What initially sparked your interest in music production, and how did you begin your journey in this field?
DJ PRO LBC: Growing up in a neighborhood rife with crime and gang activity, my interest in music production was initially sparked by a desire to create a positive outlet. My parents' support was crucial—they allowed me to establish a recording studio in our backyard, affectionately named the Suga Shack. This space became more than just a studio; it served as a sanctuary, a safe haven from the surrounding violence. Through music production, I found a means to unite the community, transcending the threat of violence. The power of music to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or affiliations, fueled my passion. As the producer and engineer, I became a catalyst for collaboration, drawing both friends and foes alike to join in the creative process, fostering camaraderie through our shared love for music.
DJ PRO LBC: Growing up in a neighborhood rife with crime and gang activity, my interest in music production was initially sparked by a desire to create a positive outlet. My parents' support was crucial—they allowed me to establish a recording studio in our backyard, affectionately named the Suga Shack. This space became more than just a studio; it served as a sanctuary, a safe haven from the surrounding violence. Through music production, I found a means to unite the community, transcending the threat of violence. The power of music to bring people together, regardless of their backgrounds or affiliations, fueled my passion. As the producer and engineer, I became a catalyst for collaboration, drawing both friends and foes alike to join in the creative process, fostering camaraderie through our shared love for music.
SXSW Pop: Can you describe your typical music production process, from the initial idea to the final mix and mastering?
DJ PRO LBC: My music production process typically begins with defining the tempo and groove of the track, deciding whether it will be fast-paced or slow and determining the genre, whether it's rap or R&B. Next, I consider who I'm producing the track for, shaping the composition to complement the artist's style and vision, building around their strengths and preferences. When it comes to the mix, quality is paramount. Growing up working in prestigious Hollywood studios like Paramount Studios, I honed my skills on analog boards, developing an ear for a distinct sound. Now, I incorporate a blend of analog and digital techniques, striving for the highest possible sonic quality in the final mix and mastering process.
DJ PRO LBC: My music production process typically begins with defining the tempo and groove of the track, deciding whether it will be fast-paced or slow and determining the genre, whether it's rap or R&B. Next, I consider who I'm producing the track for, shaping the composition to complement the artist's style and vision, building around their strengths and preferences. When it comes to the mix, quality is paramount. Growing up working in prestigious Hollywood studios like Paramount Studios, I honed my skills on analog boards, developing an ear for a distinct sound. Now, I incorporate a blend of analog and digital techniques, striving for the highest possible sonic quality in the final mix and mastering process.
SXSW Pop: Your music often incorporates a mix of various genres. How do these influences shape your unique sound, and how do you continue to evolve as a producer?
DJ PRO LBC: I'm always listening to new sounds, studying different techniques, and collaborating with other producers and artists to keep pushing the boundaries. Must importantly removing fear with sharing new creative ideas to the world.
DJ PRO LBC: I'm always listening to new sounds, studying different techniques, and collaborating with other producers and artists to keep pushing the boundaries. Must importantly removing fear with sharing new creative ideas to the world.
SXSW Pop: As a music producer, how do you balance your creative vision with the expectations of artists or labels you work with?
DJ PRO LBC: As a music producer, balancing my creative vision with the expectations of artists or labels is always a collaborative effort. I firmly believe that all opinions matter when we come to the table, as we're all working towards a common goal: success. To ensure alignment and accountability, I'm a huge fan of using vision boards. By laying out a visual plan with both short and long-term goals documented, we establish a roadmap that guides our creative process. We can explore limitless creative possibilities as long as we collectively agree on a budget that accommodates our vision. Starting with the end goal in mind and working our way backward ensures that every decision we make contributes to the realization of our shared vision.
DJ PRO LBC: As a music producer, balancing my creative vision with the expectations of artists or labels is always a collaborative effort. I firmly believe that all opinions matter when we come to the table, as we're all working towards a common goal: success. To ensure alignment and accountability, I'm a huge fan of using vision boards. By laying out a visual plan with both short and long-term goals documented, we establish a roadmap that guides our creative process. We can explore limitless creative possibilities as long as we collectively agree on a budget that accommodates our vision. Starting with the end goal in mind and working our way backward ensures that every decision we make contributes to the realization of our shared vision.
SXSW Pop: Social media plays a significant role in promoting music producers today. How do you use these platforms to showcase your work and connect with your audience?
DJ PRO LBC: As a former street team and club promoter, I understand the power of social media as the new streets. Today, it's all about constant updates and staying connected with your audience. Social media platforms have become invaluable tools for showcasing my work and engaging with fans worldwide. With just a push of a button, I can reach people across the globe, marketing and promoting my music to specific communities and consumers who crave what I have to offer. Social media allows me to stay at the forefront of trends and updates, ensuring that my audience never misses out on what's happening in my world.
DJ PRO LBC: As a former street team and club promoter, I understand the power of social media as the new streets. Today, it's all about constant updates and staying connected with your audience. Social media platforms have become invaluable tools for showcasing my work and engaging with fans worldwide. With just a push of a button, I can reach people across the globe, marketing and promoting my music to specific communities and consumers who crave what I have to offer. Social media allows me to stay at the forefront of trends and updates, ensuring that my audience never misses out on what's happening in my world.
SXSW Pop: Collaborations with other artists or producers are common in the music industry. What has been your experience with collaborating, and how do you believe it has impacted your growth as a producer?
DJ PRO LBC: Collaborations have been instrumental in shaping the success of my career as a music producer. They've facilitated exponential growth in terms of fan base, exposure, and awareness, while also enabling me to forge valuable new relationships within the industry. Working alongside other artists and producers has not only expanded my creative horizons but also enhanced my credibility. Fans and industry professionals alike appreciate seeing a strong collaborative track record, which in turn fosters trust and paves the way for more fruitful creative partnerships. Ultimately, collaborations have played a pivotal role in propelling my growth as a producer, both artistically and professionally. Collaborations with artists like Mani Coolin, Daytone 500, and Dnyc3 allow us to create timeless music that our fans can enjoy forever.
DJ PRO LBC: Collaborations have been instrumental in shaping the success of my career as a music producer. They've facilitated exponential growth in terms of fan base, exposure, and awareness, while also enabling me to forge valuable new relationships within the industry. Working alongside other artists and producers has not only expanded my creative horizons but also enhanced my credibility. Fans and industry professionals alike appreciate seeing a strong collaborative track record, which in turn fosters trust and paves the way for more fruitful creative partnerships. Ultimately, collaborations have played a pivotal role in propelling my growth as a producer, both artistically and professionally. Collaborations with artists like Mani Coolin, Daytone 500, and Dnyc3 allow us to create timeless music that our fans can enjoy forever.
SXSW Pop: Managing your finances and maintaining a sustainable career in the music industry can be challenging. How do you handle these aspects of your profession, and what strategies have you implemented?
DJ PRO LBC: Managing finances and maintaining a sustainable career in the music industry can indeed be challenging. To handle these aspects of my profession, I rely on practical strategies. Firstly, I recognize the expense inherent in the music business and utilize tools like spreadsheets to maintain financial discipline while staying focused on creativity. Understanding the value of my craft is crucial; ongoing evaluation helps me grasp its monetary worth. Much like someone needing an appraisal before borrowing against their home, I regularly give myself a financial appraisal to comprehend my current conditions and future potential based on my trajectory. This approach allows me to navigate the financial landscape of the music industry more effectively, ensuring a sustainable career in the long run.
DJ PRO LBC: Managing finances and maintaining a sustainable career in the music industry can indeed be challenging. To handle these aspects of my profession, I rely on practical strategies. Firstly, I recognize the expense inherent in the music business and utilize tools like spreadsheets to maintain financial discipline while staying focused on creativity. Understanding the value of my craft is crucial; ongoing evaluation helps me grasp its monetary worth. Much like someone needing an appraisal before borrowing against their home, I regularly give myself a financial appraisal to comprehend my current conditions and future potential based on my trajectory. This approach allows me to navigate the financial landscape of the music industry more effectively, ensuring a sustainable career in the long run.
SXSW Pop: How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your work? Can you share a time when you faced such a situation and how you responded?
DJ PRO LBC: I have never been one to fret over negative criticism or feedback. I firmly believe in protecting my peace and staying true to my creative vision. Ultimately, I recognize that my talent is a gift from a higher power, and I don't need anyone's approval to share it with the world. One instance that stands out is when a critic slammed one of my tracks for its unconventional structure and experimental sound. Instead of dwelling on the negativity, I chose to focus on the positive feedback from fans who appreciated the track's innovative approach. I remained steadfast in my belief in my artistic vision, knowing that not everyone would understand or appreciate it, and continued to create music that resonated with my own truth.
DJ PRO LBC: I have never been one to fret over negative criticism or feedback. I firmly believe in protecting my peace and staying true to my creative vision. Ultimately, I recognize that my talent is a gift from a higher power, and I don't need anyone's approval to share it with the world. One instance that stands out is when a critic slammed one of my tracks for its unconventional structure and experimental sound. Instead of dwelling on the negativity, I chose to focus on the positive feedback from fans who appreciated the track's innovative approach. I remained steadfast in my belief in my artistic vision, knowing that not everyone would understand or appreciate it, and continued to create music that resonated with my own truth.
SXSW Pop: Music production can be a powerful tool for social change and addressing important issues. How do you incorporate these themes into your work, and what messages do you hope to convey through your music?
DJ PRO LBC: Hip hop, rap, and music in general have always served as a potent vehicle for expressing one's environment, past, present, and future. While not every song is explicitly aimed at sparking social change, each track reflects my current mindset and tells a story. I believe that social change can manifest in unexpected ways, and music has the power to morph into something transformative. It's a gift I never take for granted, especially knowing that the next generation of youth is listening. Through my music, I aim to convey messages of empowerment, resilience, and social awareness, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a collective dialogue that fosters positive change and uplifts communities.
DJ PRO LBC: Hip hop, rap, and music in general have always served as a potent vehicle for expressing one's environment, past, present, and future. While not every song is explicitly aimed at sparking social change, each track reflects my current mindset and tells a story. I believe that social change can manifest in unexpected ways, and music has the power to morph into something transformative. It's a gift I never take for granted, especially knowing that the next generation of youth is listening. Through my music, I aim to convey messages of empowerment, resilience, and social awareness, inspiring listeners to reflect on their own lives and the world around them. Ultimately, I hope to contribute to a collective dialogue that fosters positive change and uplifts communities.
SXSW Pop: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring music producers who are just starting their journey in the world of music production?
DJ PRO LBC: To aspiring music producers embarking on their journey, I would offer the following advice: Remember, the world is yours, and in the near future, it will be the universe! Stay open to collaboration and embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Flexibility is key; never get tunnel vision and remain adaptable to new trends, technologies, and creative possibilities. And most importantly, as you climb, don't forget to reach back and lift others up.
.png)
