Another Warbeats family member who is on his grind and making moves working with artists like Lil Wayne, KDE shares some of his knowledge with us.

The Preview Snippet contains snippets of tracks he's done with Lil Wayne and shares these exclusively for warbeats.com (minus "Loser Remix" which has already been released).

The Snippets on the preview mp3 in order are

Braggin - Cassius Feat. Lil Wayne
Loser Remix - Raje feat. Lil Wayne and Tyga
Mama Said - Ashley Nikole Feat. Lil Wayne and Raje
What It Meant Instrumental


Tell us your name and where you are from?

My name is Kevin Beggs aka KDE and i am from Cupertino California a suberb of San Jose, which is part of the Bay Area. I am also part of a production team named Keep Bangin Production which some you may have know of from soundclick.com.
 

How long have you been a member of warbeats?
 
I think since early 2007 or maybe late 2006.

How did you get started in producing and when did you start taking it serious?
 
My brother had a FLStudio. He taught me how to use it and from there I improved my skills and knowledge though sites like warbeats. I started taking it serious when people started emailing me offering to buy my music.  From there i started seeing music as being a business and started selling beats online through soundclick.com.

Is having a management team an important part of the equation for you? If so why?
 
Yes its very important because building your own connects could take a lifetime. If you are looking to make moves fast and get somewhere managment is essential. Im managed by A.S.A.P Management a division of Jazzy Management which is one of the top management companies in the LA area.

Warbeats has members from every corner of the world. Have you worked with any names we might recognize?
 
I've worked with Lil Wayne, Tyga, Raje', Yung Pop, Phil Da Agony of Strong Arm Steady, and Planet Asia.

What are some accomplishments that you are most proud of in the production game?
 
I am most proud of a track called "Mama Said" with Ashley Nikole featuring Lil Wayne and Raje. The song has the possibility of being of being a hit. Ashley is amazing and did a great job on it.

Who are some of your regular collaborators?
 
A rapper named Raje' is one of my most regular collaborators. He is used signed to Young Money West/A.S.A.P. I've been working with him since February of 2008 and he is Vice President of Young Money West. He's the one who offered me the position on Young Money West.

What production software/hardware do you use most often?
 
I use FLStudios the most because it is the quickest and most easy way to make beats. I do mix and master in Protools because all artists record in it. I know how to use Logic, Garage Band, Reason, Audition, and Sonar because I've taken production classes. As far as hardware i got an axiom 25 keyboard controller, axiom 61 keyboard controller, Bx5a Studiophile Monitors, and a M-Box 2.

What are your thoughts on the "Hardware vs. Software" debate?

I think software is the future. Hardware is quickly moving out as software gets better and better. Honestly software is probably the best and most cost effective way to go. If you go the hardware route you will spend a couple thousand dollars on a keyboard that has sounds that everyone else in the industry has and have overused. I would experiment with some vstis pick a set of vstis that makes your sounds unique so that in turn your songs sound different from the norm.

Do you sell your beats online, face-to-face or both? And do you have a preference? Why?

I prefer sell them online. Whenever i try to sell face to face i always tried to get bartered with. Online you have a set price and then people pay it. Its annoying when someone is try to talk you down constantly.

What factors do you consider when charging for a beat?
 
Try to keep your prices the same because you want the seller to understand that all your beats are the same quality. If you price on beat high then another then the seller thinks that that beat is better then the others when your quality on every beat should be around the same.

Any tips you can give us mixing a beat?

EQ everything. Always high pass all instruments around 100-150 Hz. You should also high pass your drums. Your snare at 150hz and your Hi-Hat at 300hz. Make sure every instrument has its own space sonically. If you boast a lead melody at 300hz and you have a background melody make sure you make a cut at 300hz on that background melody to make sure that your lead melody has its own space.

Everyone wants their drums to bang. how do you do yours?
 
Compression them and of rising your low end on your kicks on the EQ. That's the most effective way of doing it.

In your opinion, what types of things should the new/young producer concentrate on most to develop his/her skills?

Im only 17 years old so i guess im a young producer myself but a young producer should focus on learning the basics of his program. Once you under stand how to fully utilize your program i would then focus on composition. Study song structure and understand how to build your songs. I would then focus on mixing.

One of the biggest challenges is promoting one's self. How do you do that and what advice can you give our readers on that?
 
Promotion does help but as a producer it is not as important. If you ever get management they will basically become your promotion as they will get you spots on peoples albums. If you are trying to be an artist it is a completely different story. Also if you are trying to sell beats on the internet on sites then promotion is essential. Getting a VIP Sounclick will help get you on the charts. Myspace is also essential for promotion also. I've personally made a lot of contacts on myspace. Also just putting your beats on what ever site you can. I've personally joined tons of producing forums and websites and just post up new beats i make for freed back. This will help by getting opinions of your peers and also will get your name out there.

What other producers (mainstreem or underground) are you feeling the most right now?

I think Dj Khalil is one of the best beat makers in the game. He is still coming up but he is definatly on some new stuff. Definatly feeling Drumma Boy as far as South Beats go. I still love to listen to Kanye's old albums they are superb. His new one is alright has acouple good songs. I also like alot of Linkin Parks/Fort Minors beats, Mike Shinoda is one of the best producers ever in my opinion. The best in the game has to be Dr. Dre. The Quality of his beats are beyond anyone elses in the game.

Do you have any upcoming projects you'd like to let us know about?
 
Look for the singles I did:
 
Braggin - Cassius Feat. Lil Wayne

Mama Said - Ashley Nikole Feat. Lil Wayne & Raje'

I Make It Hotter - Yung Pop Feat. Tony Yayo & 40 Glocc
  
Also look out for track produced by me off of Raje's Album "Your Welcome", Tygas album "The Introduction", and Lil Waynes album "Carter 4". I am producing for all 3 of them currently. Hopefully i can make the Carter 4 final cut because that would be a blessing all in  itself.

Before we leave you, where can we get more information about you and/or hear more of your music?
 
www.myspace.com/therealkde