Dae One Interview
Dae One has worked with many well known West Coast artists coming up in the New West Movement but has also worked with some of the classic West Coast artists like Snoop and Xzibit. In this interview he blesses us with some information about himself and the production game. Plus he's repping my city so you know he's got mad skillz ;)
Start the track and read on....
From what I know, you work with West Coast artists, can you tell us where you are from?
I'm From Hawthorne Ca. Its in Los Angeles county. Yep West Coast!!
How did you get started in producing and when did you start taking it serious?
I've always had love for music but I would say in about 98-99 i took it serious. I study hip-hop so im a real Hip-hop head.
Do you have a management team working for you? If so how important part of the equation is it towards your success?
umm as of now yes but just not for years!!! Me and Bishop Lamont have the same managment. It plays a big part but at the same time you as a Producer/Artist has to make a situation to be managed. Like just dont
get a manager just because. Do your own foot work 1st.
What are some accomplishments that you are most proud of in the production game?
Ummm......Working with Alot of Artist whom's music i have bought just as a fan, Like Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Ras Kass, King T, David Banner, Lil Flip, ect.
Who are some of your regular collaborators?
Well My Team WarDoggz, Bishop Lamont, Taje, Noni Spitz, Mike Ant, Chevy Jones, Roccett, Sir Jinx, Diverse, Butch Cassidy, Glasses Malone, ect.
Your work on Taje's last mixtape was really good. Do you just make the beats and let the MCs pick and choose or do you target your beats specifically for the MC?
You know it all depends, With Taje Most of the time we Lock Our Self's up and cook up magic. I try not to make music with a artist in mind, I just Go Off How i Feel cause alot of my music is based off my feeling at the time. And i have notice when i make a beat for an artist theypass on it so i just do me when im making beats.
What production software/hardware do you use most often?
MPC 2000xl. Always
What are your thoughts on the "Hardware vs. Software" debate? Do you have a preference?
Yeah Im a Hardware cat. Im not into the software that big. cause i like to move fast and when i use software it takes me to long LOL, now it can be cause i dont know my way around the software as much as the mpc. but i try every now and then to play with software
Do you sell your beats online, face-to-face or both? Can you tell us which you prefer?
I do Both. But im not heavy on Line with getting beats off. But its a good hustle im with it. But as of now more in person.
What factors do you consider when charging for a beat?
The time it took to make it & how hot i know it is.
Any tips you can give us mixing a beat?
Thats A good question ummm.... Make sure your snare is almost cutting through the track!!!
Everyone wants their drums to bang. how do you do yours?
I Make sure my Kick Leads the track. And that my Bass sits right up under it. I Also like to feel the speakers with my thumb to see whats on top (try it)
Most of the Dae One tracks I've heard are sample based. Is that your main style?
No Not at all I did start off sampling then i didnt sample for like 2yrs, but i dont mind sampling and adding to the sample now
Can you tell us briefly what things you might hear in a sample that triggers the thought "I can do something dope with this!" ?
it has to sound cutting edge, Or Soulful if it give me that feeling of ummm??? i wonder... then 9 times outta 10 ill play with it.
In your opinion, what types of things should the new/young producer concentrate on most to develop his/her skills?
Well if there doing Hip-Hop Music start with sampling. Because Sampling is the main Element in hip-hop music, and it will never die. If there doing R&B Learn your keys!!! takes lessons. And if you wanna kill the game Master BOTH
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?
Think of yourself as a business. Market your self like a product. Like picture Johnson & Johnson. Your the bottle, give out samples in the stores (Metaphorically Speaking) Let people know about you dont be scared to
give a lil to gain Alot. If you think a artist is hot and you believe they got something in them, don't charge them for everything. Relationships can take you a long way
What other producers (mainstream or underground) are you feeling the most right now?
I'm a J-Dilla fan til death, i like the Norm, The Dr. Dre's Timaland, 9th wonder, Diverse, JRK, Pete Rock, Dj Khalil, Oh No, Ervin EP Pope, Dame Taylor, The System, Black Milk, Clinton Place 9, Jelly Roll, Kanye West,Hi Tek!, Will i Am Terrace Martin,1500 or nothing man,its too Many!!!
Do you have any upcoming projects you'd like to let us know about?
yeah . The new Tupac Movie Assassination Sound Track,Butch Cassidy's Album, Bishop Lamont & Black Milks CALTROIT coming out on 10-31-07. Me And Noni Spitz in the studio now doing A Colabo Record Called NO-ONEAnd Glasses Malones New Blu Division Tape Called the Electric Chair.
Before we leave you, where can we get more information about you and/or hear more of your music?
check the Myspace page its: www.myspace.com/120daeone