Producer Spotlight: The Collab Lab
| Equipment: | Ableton Live 8.04 w/ Live Instruments, ProTools-M 7.4, M-Audio Fast Track Pro, M-Audio Fast Track USB, M-Audio ProKeys SX, M-Audio Axiom 25, KRK Rokit 8's, KRK Rokit 10S, Berhringer BCF2000, Mackie CFX20 mkII Mixer |
| Open to Work with Artists: | Yes (hence the new name The Collab Lab) |
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.
Introducing: SonikBoom Productions
SonikBoom Productions is a company hailing from Solomons, MD, but coming to you live from Baltimore. Helming the music production company is Cali, a woman too gifted to get anything less than your undivided attention, and a moment of your ear’s time. Our interview with Cali (below) should be of special interest to all of the jazz/smooth R&B artists and fans out there, if that’s not your taste, don’t be dissuaded, SonikBoom Productions has a little bit of everything for everyone.
EK: How long have you been in the music industry?
Cali: Depends on what part of the industry you’re talking about. Yes, I have jokes. As an artist producing music 2 years. As a musician, since I was 2.
EK: How would you define your style?
Cali: Jazzy, Urban, Fusion, Atmospheric, R&B, Ambient, with a touch of Neo-Soul (chords)
EK: What or Who inspires you to make music?
Cali: You know what? It’s in me. I’m been playing the keyboard and organ by ear, ever since I was 2. It has always been in me, I don’t know where it comes from, but I know how it got there. It’s a gift. We’re all born with a gift, mind just happens to be creating and playing music.
EK: Who are some of your influences?
Cali: Wow, Chick Corea, Blue Six, Acoustic Alchemy, Patti Austin, Phil Perry, Royksopp, EWF, ELO, The Rippingtons, The YellowJackets, Stevie Wonder, Najee, Norman Brown, Art of Noise, Ella Fitzgerald, George Duke, KEM, Musiq Soulchild, Lalah Hathaway, Queen, Quincy Jones, even Bach (Air to G).
EK: If you could work with any artist right now, who would it be and why.
Cali: Quincy Jones, Royksopp, or Lalah Hathaway. The reason is simple really. It combines Traditional, with the present along with technology. If you still don’t know what I mean, go listen to what they have done, and you will hear what I mean.
EK: Have you worked with other artists? If so, who was your fav and what was the song?
Cali: Unfortunately, no. Now, that’s not saying I’m not available and open to working with others. I’m always looking for serious minded people to collab.
EK: What is your objective in reference to music?
Cali: To create a euphoric mood with my sounds.
EK: Has your music changed since you first begin? If so, how?
Cali: Yes, oh yes. When I first started, my music was very dark. Industrial jungle, if you will. It was almost death like. When you would listen to it, it made you feel like doom and gloom, or hostile in some way shape or form. It just wasn’t me.
EK: Do you have a record label, or are you apart of any music groups?
Cali: No record label. I belong to no one but myself.
EK: Where have you performed?
Cali: I don’t perform, but I have gotten inquires about my tracks for use with groups that do perform. I don’t do shows.
EK: Do you have any upcoming releases?
Cali: Yes I do. The release of my debut CD “JazzticFusoAtmosphericology Vol 1., which is due for release in the Fall of 2009.
EK: What is 1 song you have, that you would like fans to base their opinion of you on?
Cali: Yes actually, my track called Right, Right (Instrumental Version). It’s very laid back, and the bongos will take you away.
EK: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website?
Cali: Many ways, they can go to the website which is www.sonikboomproductions.com and click on the icons on the first page. Or that can go to www.reverbnation.com/sonikboomproductions, or www.myspace.com/sonikboomproductions .
EK: Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge?
Cali: Oh yeah, God, for giving me this gift (remember earlier I said I know where it came from?) My parents for putting me in front of the Keyboard and Organ when I was 2. My husband for his understanding about my late hours. LOL. My Best Friend Alunda for the encouragement to keep going. My Cousin Carroll, who critique every track I made. My extended family and acquaintances. My Twitter peeps, especially Yanadew and DiversEvents.
With life being so hectic, its hard to find the time to just chill, we strongly suggest you let SonikBoom Productions, be your oasis of serenity amidst the chaos...listening to Cali's creations, you dont have to worry about trying to find that time to chill...her music creates it...and it envelopes you. Remember to check out her website! And share your thoughts below.
