18 years old LA-based producer, a gifted up and comer talks about his new track “Somebody You Knew”, accomplishment, and downtime.
Interview
CR: Growing up who was your biggest inspiration and how that impacted you as a producer?
MB: My biggest inspiration was my grandfather. He’s responsible for sparking the music bug in me from a very young age. However, Seven Lions, Porter Robinson, and Deadmau5 have always made a huge impact on my music style and vision. I pull inspiration from the old and the new, always trying to learn and soak in new material.
CR: We know that you have been learning musical instruments from a very young age, did that help in honing your sound as a producer?
MB: Absolutely, I would say so. I do write a lot of melodies and chord progressions on my guitar and play very minimal keys which also helps write ideas faster and more organically than just noting them into a program. Having some kind of understanding of music theory and performance has been a huge help for me producing tracks.
CR: How did ‘Somebody You Knew’ came to be? The lyrics, vocals, and planning of it?
MB: I wrote the track earlier in the year, the song was about my relationship breaking down. I didn’t just want to write a generic “heartbreak” song, I wanted to do something different and come from another angle. I really think a lot of people can relate to this one.
CR: Who is your biggest supporter as a Producer/ DJ?
MB: Without question, it would be my dad. He’s put in an insane amount of time and effort into me and I’m beyond grateful for everything he’s done. Also, the rest of my family will always be my biggest fans which means a lot to me that they’re so supportive.
CR: Since it is getting close to Holidays/ Christmas, what will you be doing during that time?
MB: I’ll definitely be writing a lot. In LA it’s going to be all rainy and gloomy which is the perfect time to stay inside and write a ton of sad music. One of my favourite things to do, as dull as that sounds lol!
CR: If you can collaborate with one big artist? Who would it be?
MB: I would have to say Seven Lions because he’s a staple in melodic EDM music and I’d say we have very similar visions as far as our music goes. I would also say Kill The Noise or AU5 because they’re also some of the best producers from a technical perspective and write some of the coolest bass tracks.
CR: What is one subgenre you think doesn't get the attention it deserves?
MB: I think there’s a whole community of talented young producers on Soundcloud that are constantly pushing boundaries when it comes to subgenres. Some of my favourites are Former Hero, Yitaku, Jaron, and Moore kismet. I think what makes them all so special is that they don’t necessarily align to any subgenre but their sounds are so distinct that they are their own subgenres.
CR: Which festival is your dream festival to play? And why?
MB: For me, I would have to say Ultra because it’s a festival that I’ve always dreamed of playing since I was little. Also, EDC and Countdown would be a dream come true to play at.
CR: What do you like to do during your downtime other than producing music?
MB: I play a lot of Pokemon. I’d say that takes up a lot of my free time lol. Other than that I’d say I’m either on Soundcloud or youtube looking up new music content.
CR: Since we are getting to the year 2020 what were some of you highlights and accomplishment for 2019?
MB: Some personal highlights would be graduating high school and moving to North Hollywood. I had the honor to support Wooli at Avalon in August which was one of the favourite shows I’ve played. I also threw 2 of the biggest parties in my home town, Palos Verdes. I threw and DJ’d a new year’s party where I got to play for roughly 450 people all crammed into my own living room.
CR: What can we expect from you in 2020?
MB: Tons of new music. Some melodic stuff, some heavy stuff, some dreamy stuff. Stuff that’ll make you headbang and cry at the same time. Working on getting a lot of shows lined up. DJing is my favorite thing to do and I’m just itching to get back up to the booth soon.
Don’t forget to check out his new track “Somebody You Knew” being released on December 12