Logo

(Is it just us or is the Bay Area on fire right now?!) In the forefront of the new generation of producers coming out of the Bay is where you will find Nima Fadavi, already creating a buzz on the West Coast live performance circuit and juggling several projects including his own solo debut album.

He has built up quite an impressive resume, having produced tracks for the likes of: Andre Nickatine, Del The Funky Homosapien (Hieroglyphics), The Grouch (Living Legends), SAB (formerly MUSAB), Knowble (Serendipity Project) and many more. As well as, performed and toured with artists such as Collie Buddz, Immortal Technique, Dead Prez, Aesop Rock, Devin The Dude, Tech N9ne, and KRS-One to name a few.

Always a hip-hop fan, he traces his start back to 2 of the 4 original elements: graffiti writing and break-dancing. His love of the culture and its music led to him playing the piano and the guitar. Being a producer "was a way to be creating hip-hop music, which was what I really liked and listened to" says Fadavi.

But, realizing that the air "outside the box" is fresher, Fadavi doesn't define his sound as strictly hip-hop, nor confine it to one coast, instead describing it as universal. "I don't want people to hear a beat and automatically know it was me. I like to have a very diverse sound but still have my own style."


EK: Do you remember why you wanted to become a producer? Was there a particular song?

NF:There wasn't necessarily a particular song but more so music that influenced me in general. I was really into a lot of underground hip hop and I wanted to be a part of it, but I definitely wasn't going to start rapping. Already having a somewhat of a musical background, I naturally grew into producing.

EK: Producers generally fit into 2 broad categories. Those who, if you have the check, they have the beat, and those who if you have the talent, they have the beat. Where do you fall?

NF:I don't work with just any artist unless I like their music and believe they have talent. When people hit me up to produce tracks for them I always have to hear their music first to make sure it's someone I'd like to work with. I like to have a reputation as being a producer that only puts out quality music.

EK: I can definitely respect that. So, what is the best-produced album you've heard so far this year?

NF: Pep Love - The Reconstruction. It's not out yet but I've heard it and it's one of the best produced albums, let alone one of the best hip hop albums I've heard.

EK: And all those new fans and/or artists looking for a beat, where can they find out more about you or hear your music?

NF: nimafadavibeats.com, myspace.com/nimafadavi, twitter.com/nimafadavibeats, youtube.com/nimafadavi

EK: Do you have any projects already lined up?

NF:Upcoming projects I'm working that are going to be released soon are Sincere & Nima Fadavi album "The Calm Before the Storm," and Sunspot Jonz & Nima Fadavi album "Sandman Killa." Thank you to Ineffable Music Group, Stussy, Original Normal, Acrylick, and Danksquad.

As an artist making plans to be successful in the business, the hardest person to find, is the one who not only truly loves music the way you do, but also, understands it, and isn't pigeon-holed by one sound or genre. And as a fan, we all love the opportunity to say, "I was up on that dude back when…" So, don't miss your chance! For more information on Nima Fadavi hit up his website, www.nimafadavibeats.com.

The next producer spotlight belongs to none other than Montster Productions. The man behind the company, Tavaghn Monts, traces the company's beginning back to 2005 at Clemson University. It was there that he started planning and hosting parties and events, under the name, Montster Entertainment. 

While directing a commercial for one of his events, a friend of a friend, begin playing music through the monitor, one thing led to another, and by that night Monts had discovered software called Fruity Loop 5, and within an hour produced 10 songs. His god-given talent coupled with a little encouragement from his room-mate, who told him to "do whatever he had done the night before and keep making beats", lead Monts straight to our ears, and now yours as well.


Influenced by the likes of Timbaland, Missy Elliott, DeVante Swing, Curtis Mayfield, Prince, and "anything that he hears for the first time that raises the hairs on his arm", Monts' style sets out to do some hair raising of its own with a sound that will send your feet running to the dance floor.

EK: I've asked a lot of different producers, and I always get a different answer, so I will extend it to you.  Out of all of the different aspects of music to contribute to, why producing?

MP: I would say production chose me. I am a natural leader and visionary. I've always been able to see the big picture and be able to let others tap in to see and feel what I saw and felt. Through production it allows me to do more than just make beats, it allows me to use the extensions of my personality and go head in first into the music. The foundation of my music is feeling, the vibe. So through production I build the arenas for an artist to go in and lose their mind and I LOVE that!

EK: Let's talk about your sound.  It definitely seems like your songs come with a mood in mind.  What, where or who do you draw your inspiration from?

MP: When it comes to my sound. I am a sponge. My vibe and process of going into a track is very unorthodox. I will draw inspiration from a conversation to a fly landing on your hamburger, lol.Whatever it takes I am going in!

EK: How invested are you as the producer in the final edition of a song?

MP: It depends on the project at hand but to me it matters A LOT. I want to be involved in as much of the track as possible. If the artist doesn't "get" what I had in mind for the track that's ok, I want to hear what they have in mind because that alone can spark another creation. You never know where the next hit will come from.

EK: What if the final product stinks?  I mean your beat sounds just as good as the day you birthed it, but the artist over-estimated their talent, or comes up with lyrics that are just plain horrible.  Do you keep it as they created it, or try and gear them towards how you think it will sound best?

MP:  I feel I come to you and you get 1,000% of me on every track. I expect nothing less when you breathe on my production. It's bigger then you and me, it's for every ear that decided that they will listen to what WE created. If an artist comes subliminal on a track, I WILL talk to them and tell them to go back to the drawing board and come right. It has to be a marriage between me and the artist. We can't outdo each other that is not fair to the listeners.

EK: How do artists connect with you?
MP: Email: tmonts@gmail.com , Twitter: www.twitter.com/Montsterr , Phone:  you can call me at 404.939.1472 & when you call state your name. All these outlets go directly to my blackberry.

EK: Any current/upcoming projects or any acknowledgements?

MP: I thank God for every adversity He has put me through because it's been molding me into the Montster you all hear and feel today. I thank everyone who ever said to themselves I feel Monts and I believe in him. SPECIAL THANK YOU to S. Moore http://www.twitter.com/eardrumkrushez for giving me this opportunity. Thank You, you #MontsterThat ;-)

Understand I came to Atlanta 1 year ago with no car, the clothes on my back, a friend's laptop and a controller with fire burning in ever molecule of my body waiting to erupt like the Hulk was inside me. I am here on a mission and it's bigger than me. Don't follow your dreams, walk side by side with your dream. You and only you alone have to make things happen. Failure to prepare is preparing for FAILURE. #Montster That!

Check out some of music coming from Montster Production below and tweet with Monts (his tweets are becoming legendary) to hook up with him and your next hit, or just to get a better view of a success story in progress. Comments? Leave them below!

LexZyne Productions is a 2-man production team made up of producers, Lex Luthor and Dyzne. This duo creates beats with samples from songs that most self proclaimed music lovers aren't even familiar with. Each beat is a celebration of the past and a nod to the future. The time they take to perfect their craft keeps the quality of music that these two produce 'elevated', and after listening to their forever expanding catalogue, you will have no choice but to agree!








As far as their influences go, "I enjoy finding a way to bridge the gap between my parent's generation and my generation." said Dzyne. He is also "extremely influenced by the music" he samples, ranging anywhere between "Journey and Hall and Oates, to The O'Jay's and The Delfonics".

Lex Luthor takes his inspiration from daily life, everything that he sees and hears, as well as his brother, Dzyne. After him, he says, "Premiere is probably one of my biggest production influences followed by 9^th wonder".

During their work the duo has acquired a lot of affiliations, stating that "we feel if you use or have used any of our beats, we are affiliated with you". They are also a part of several crews including: BoyEarly Productions, F.A.I.M.ous Beats, Tha Organization, Geak Skwad, and Team Triumph to mention a few.

Lex, who describes himself as "an extra terrestrial that resides on earth that wants to affect the world with good music" loves the "in the background" comfort that being a producer brings, admitting that he "loves to be heard and not so much seen". Just consider them both "the Chad's of the group". For the hip-hop newbies, Chad is a member of the production group, The Neptunes, who for most part prefers to remain in the background.

EK: What made you start producing?

Dzyne:  I started out as an artist first. I could not find the sound I wanted and producers were charging entirely too much money…so I decided to learn how to produce…so I didn't have to depend on anyone else

Lex Luthor: Dzyne caused me to take it seriously.

EK: How did you two come together?

Lex:  It was chance and fate. We were introduced by a family member who was really close to both of us. He introduced us and the rest is being written as we go.

Dzyne: It was my cousin Leandre "PC" McCoy… He told me that he found an emcee who was better than me … and that he was family… we got on the phone and start basically battling with punch lines…and somehow instead of becoming a rap group we became a production company

EK: And how does that work? Do you collaborate on a beat, or you individually make beats and then come together?

We make beats individually. We started out using the exact same sample to make two separate tracks. He would do his thing, and I would do my thing, then we would release them both. They produce two different sounds but great feels. We DO give suggestions to each other, but whether we listen or not is a different stor

EK: So, you "proof" each other's work to maintain a certain level of quality?

Dzyne: Yes, we are very hard on each other… if a snare is being used too often…or a bass line is out of key…we tell the other...no slacking…

Lex:We listen and if something sounds off, we say it. We both demand quality from ourselves so that's not an issue.

EK: You both have several songs I really like, but let me ask you individually, how you thought of those samples you used. I mean do you go browsing through old music and wait until something sticks out, or do you walk in with it already in your head?

Dzyne: On "If you were here tonight" 

With this sample, I wanted to make something that had the soul of LexZyne production, however the sound of radio. When I came across the sample it stuck out because I noticed many of the words didn't rhyme, which is perfect for vocal chopping. I then researched it and found that it was a hit in the UK but never in the United States, so I knew it would be easier to clear. Many people don't know who Alexander O'Neal is...lol

Lex: On, "The Introduction"

 We do a combination of both. For the most part though, I like diggin' for golden tracks. Nothing feels better than finding that one track where everything just "fits". 'The Introduction' was a result of digging. It just jumped out of the speakers when I played it. After I was done with it I felt proud of it. It lay dormant for a long period of time because at that time no one was really fucking with us like that. A few months down the road that commercial came out. Go to http://www.lexzyne.com/ to listen to 'The Introduction' and you will know what commercial I'm talking about. I was salty about it at first, but then I just let it go.

EK: How long does it take on average for you to create a beat?

Lex:Each one is different. Some just work right away and don't take too much time, while some take quite a while. In other words I can't really tell you. You wouldn't believe me either way.

Dzyne: I agree with Lex… Some beats are made before I chop the sample while others take weeks…sometimes months to piece together…

EK: How do artists or fans get in touch with you?

Website: http://www.lexzyne.com/

Email: beats@lexzyne.com , dzyne@lexzyne.com , lexluthor@lexzyne.com

Twitter: @Dzyne_BoyEarly; @LexZyne

MySpace:  www.myspace.com/lexzyneproductions1

BBM: 20DD3FEF

NO EXCUSES!!

EK: What do us fans have to look to forward to?

Dzyne: We have many projects that feature our instrumentals coming in the 4^th quarter of 2009 and many more in 2010. The upcoming projects that have the "TRUE" LexZyne stamp however include Brown Baby by LifeUnda, Innovative 2 by Radamez, and The Opening Act by Johnny Flow. Projects that are currently out with major production from us are Inauguration by LifeUnda, Pistol P Street by Street Ranga, and C.P.R. (Conveying Personal Reflections) by Dzyne (myself).

EK: Any "Thank Yous"?

Dzyne: Thank yous are overrated…but mainly God… shout outs to Seany D and Concrete Beats, Ahbyans Records, and everyone supporting Good Music.

Lex:This is the perfect opportunity to name drop, but no. If you are reading this, we want to work with YOU too. I want to thank everybody listening and the people that have been down from jump street; they already know!

EK: Last Words?

Dzyne:We don't claim to be the best… but we offer our souls on these beats… for little to nothing…so there is no excuse for not at least taking time to check out our catalog. God Bless

Lex Luthor:All I really want to say is please just listen, and thank you GOD!
http://www.lexzyne.com/! Leave a comment below!

I seriously don't think I could write anything to top their last words, so I will exit on that note. Remember to check out LexZyne Productions catalogue at http://www.lexzyne.com/.

This is our 2^nd interview with The Collab Lab, formerly known as SonikBoom Productions. During the first interview we introduced you to the woman behind the company, Cali. Well, she is back not only with a new company, but also with new music. The sound is a smidge different, but the high quality you've come to depend on is there. Still steep in the groove of the grown and sexy, her style has found a hip-hop edge, and opened itself up to a whole different branch of fans. 



EK: What led to the name change?

TCL: The business has changed. I no longer have a business partner, so I had to change the business model from front to back, including name, logo, website, you name it. What a pain in my butt. LOL

EK: Your sound often takes many forms. 

TCL: I still have a jazzy sound, but it seems to be gravitating towards R&B and Hip-Hop, which is not a bad thing at all. 

EK: Last time we spoke you were working on "JazzticFusoAtmosphericology Vol 1". Any new info on the project?

TCL: I'm glad you asked that. Because of the split with my business partner, the album has been pushed back. I am now working with a new songwriter/artist – Reese Gamble on the new titled debut album – Collaboration Vol 1. There should be 6 songs on it. (yes, it's tiny)

EK: I love the Intro song, specifically the sample you used. 

TCL: I wish I knew which movie, but I'm glad you like it. I bet you know why I used it huh? There's a message behind it.

EK: Speaking of which, as a woman producer, have you noticed artists or fans react to you differently than you think they would a man?

TCL: Oh Yes, fans are supportive and surprised in knowing that I'm a woman producer, and I love them all for the feedback. Artists and other producers act differently, when approached online, they have no idea I'm a woman, until I tell them. I did have someone tell me that it's very sexiest in the music industry. I guess as long as a woman is shaking her butt, then she can get a cut. But God forbid if you try to produce something, and kick it up a notch. I guess woman are not suppose to be mechanically inclined or tech savvy, especially with all the new programs, and gear out here. Hello, remember what James Brown said, "This is a man's world, but it wouldn't be nothing without a woman or a girl." The truth of the matter is woman get no respect when it come to doing what I do. No one wants to really work with us.

EK: Just in case people forgot where can artists or fans find you and your music?

TCL: You can find my music at www.thecollab-lab.com or www.reverbnation.com/thecollablab but 2 singles will be on iTunes real soon, like within weeks.

EK: Message to the people?

TCL: Always follow your dreams, it doesn't matter how old you are either. 

EK: What's going on in terms of upcoming projects and/or acknowledgements?

TCL:  I would like to dedicate this first album to my brother, who passed away this year, miss you big brother. Right now I'm working on material for upcoming albums. I have enough music to put out several, and I many several albums. I'm currently working on a project with Reese Gamble.  

I would like to thank God for my talent that I've had since I was 2 ½ years old. I'm not gonna name everyone, but thanks to my family (Dad, and my Husband) for being patience through all of this, Carroll Johnson (CJ) (advisor), Reese Gamble (songwriter/artist), Eardrum Krushez, Alunda Smith (advisor), and Beverly Evans (advisor) for helping me with the upcoming album.


Make sure to look out for Collaboration Vol. 1 coming out in 2010, and the singles that will hit I-Tunes soon! With big things in the plans and new opportunities arising daily indie artists do well do get with The Collab Lab, while the opportunity is still there. For a list of the upcoming producers for the week, check out this page.