Hello there!
Hi!
Could you introduce yourself? Tell us your name, your hobbies and interests, any elements that could define you…
Hi. My name is Made. My name is derived from a passage from the Bible Psalms 139:14. “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” My main mission is to help people identify with ego their true self is and why they were created to be.
At this moment I’m not sure if I have any hobbies. Every hobby I’ve started has become a business, honestly. I love filming and editing anything that I can get my hands on. I am a child of the arts at heart. As long as I can express myself creatively – that’s what matters the most to me. Traditionally I’ve done music, but I got into film about a year ago pretty heavily and that’s been a new passion for me.
I think there are a few elements that define me. The biggest one that I hope people acknowledge is that I aim to encourage people on a daily basis. It’s imperative to lift others up even when you don’t feel elevated yourself. There’s something special about seeing another person thrive. When one person wins, we all win.
When did you start producing music?
I started producing music around the age of 13. My mom and dad were very active in the church and together, they played every instrument. I’m the last of five children and, being the youngest, I always heard my siblings and parents singing around the house, so naturally, I picked up on it pretty easily. Music was always expressive for me. It allowed me to be who I truly am without being judged for my thoughts. Around 2010, I moved from Chicago to Orlando, Florida to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in music from Full Sail University and that’s when my journey truly started. I was a part of a healthy ecosystem that cultivated my passion for what I loved even more. I networked with students from all walks of life. Those two years in college were life-changing. Every student for the most part was on the same frequency. We all loved music and being in that environment was creative and fulfilling.
Which style(s) of music are you currently producing?
I am currently producing pop, hip hop, and R&B. We like to call it Trap Soul.
Why did you choose it/them?
This Trap Soul combination of traditional music genres was a perfect niche for me. It allowed me the flexibility that I craved as a rapper, a singer, and a producer to be able to flow seamlessly through my different talents. It also gave my creativity room so I would not be stuck to just one traditional genre.
In my discovery of this genre mixture, I’ve learned that the music I wanted to create was more than just the labels that were already popular. I’ve always been around hip-hop and R&B, but when I moved to Orlando, I was exposed to a lot more pop. There was always something about either genre that didn’t feel like me completely, either the message or the beats. When I began fusing the two, however, is when it started to click for me. My music, my creativity, my artistry didn’t have to be labeled and limited to this or that; it could be this AND that.
How would you describe your music in three words? Why did you choose these words?
Thought-Provoking – Motivational – Honest
Whenever I create a new piece of music, I want it to be something that challenges the listener. I want to make art that provokes emotion. I love making people feel certain feelings in music. The music I make is an expression and extension of who I am; hope and encouragement is what I do. It’s important to me to make sure that people walk away feeling different after they hear my music and that can’t be done without being honest with people about my feelings. Vulnerability is our greatest measurement of courage. It’s being all in together. There is an abundance of freedom that comes from vulnerability that can then be channeled into inspiration and I believe it’s one of the traits that make my music stand out.
Why are you producing music? And more globally, what does “music” mean to you?
Music was always there for me when I wasn’t there for myself. It allowed me to express myself openly without being judged. When I do music the world stops. It’s almost as if nothing else matters for the moment. Music has also allowed me to spread a message of hope and encouragement. It is a universal language that the world understands, because when words cannot speak, the instrumentals can.
What is one track that never gets old for you no matter how many times you hear it?
One of my favorite songs that never gets old is “Get You” by Daniel Caesar. It’s a love ballad that describes his relationship with a woman he is in love with. I personally love love songs; they always bring me peace regardless of what state I’m in.
How did your education help you (if at all) to develop in the music industry?
I have two Bachelor’s degrees in both recording arts and music production. While I believe that I learned the most while actually in the studio instead of the classroom, my education gave me a very successful network. It put me in the room with like-minded people who wanted the same thing as I did and who spoke the same passion language that I did.
How did you find your style?
I started off strictly rapping. I always knew that I could sing but I never felt confident enough to actually do it. Growing up, I listened to whatever my parents were playing, which was usually R&B and gospel, from my siblings I heard hip hop. I would say I found my style from being around my family. I also believe that my background in audio engineering helped me develop my sound. I worked and I’m currently working with so many different artists with different styles and in the recording studio, you hear music 24/7 which will influence you in due time. Sometimes, I love to do strictly R&B and some days I like to do pop. It’s honestly predicated off the vibe of the beat. I don’t believe as an artist that you ever really find your style because every day you’re morphing into someone different. Your experiences in life have to do with finding my style as well. At times you can hear the emotion from a situation. Or you might hear a love song influenced by my beautiful wife.
I grew up in a household of music; my parents play instruments and my siblings all sing. R&B, gospel, and hip hop were all staples in my home; these formative years played a big part in finding my style. When I began my career as an audio engineer it really pushed it further because I was now exposed to so many other artists with their own nuances and styles. Being around that much music brought me to be influenced by so many different people. I have to say, though, that my style changes as I change. Every stage in my life has me morphing into a different person and my music reflects these changes. My experiences and emotions shine through my music from each story and in each song.
Who influenced your music the most?
Kanye West influenced me the most. I will never forget when I bought his first album “ The College DropOut”.
Do you have any technical tips to share with us (composition, sound design, mixing, mastering, or anything else…)?
My background is in audio engineering, recording, mixing, and mastering. It’s important as an artist/producer to understand how you want the music to be felt by the listener. A huge part of that is painting a mental picture with the frequency spectrum. The mood of the song is the most important thing. From my experience in mixing, it gives me an opportunity to capture the spirit of the listener by adding and subtracting certain frequencies. Your song can be amazing but if it sounds awful, the listener will not be connected to it. I focus on quality more than anything. Amazing quality can turn a good song into a great song depending on the situation. Always take the time to make sure that everything fits together like a puzzle.
Do you prefer to collaborate with other artists or to work on your own?
When I first started off, I didn’t want to collaborate with other artists because I wasn’t inspired to work with anyone else. Now, I definitely love collaborating with different producers and other artists. With the uniqueness of my style, it can be difficult to find other artists and producers who can vibe well with it. In the past, I was super cautious because I didn’t want to collaborate with an artist or producer who did not catch the vision of the track. But now I love the producers who are willing to take the time to get to know me as an artist and vice versa. That experience has been priceless.
Do you have stuff in preparation, future collaborations, or personal projects?
On May 28th I will be releasing a new song and Music video called ‘Crossroads”. I couldn’t be more excited to share my vision with the world. I shot the music video in New Orleans, which is historic for music. I also collaborated with an amazing dancer who really captured my vision. I promise you guys won’t be disappointed. G-Hits really went all-in on the production. He is a visionary at heart and a great producer.
Any important people in your life you wanna mention, thank, or talk about?
First and foremost, I would like to thank my Creator. I can’t do anything without His empowerment and provision. I am nothing more than a vessel that’s willing to be used by God. Secondly, my beautiful wife and child are my greatest accomplishments on this earth. They inspire me every day to be a better husband, father, and person. Last but not least, I am beyond thankful for my friends who hold me accountable. They don’t expect me to be anyone but myself and I love them for that reason.
Anything you wanna add to end up this interview?
I have a new song and music video called “Crossroads” which will be released on May 28th. The song “Crossroads” is about overcoming bad choices and looking toward the future. It’s very motivational because it’s a story about redemption and development. My favorite part of the song is the chorus – it’s almost like a chant that people can relate to. I’m so excited to share my vision with everyone! You can check it out below:
Check out Crossroads:
Made:
Made is a singer, songwriter, and hip-hop artist born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. Oftentimes in the music industry, sonic trends dictate the direction of music, so it’s always revitalizing when an artist emerges with his own distinct style and perspective. The multifaceted Made has played by his own rules, offering his listeners a diverse musical palette that unabashedly spans hip hop, trap, pop, and R&B. His thought-provoking messages and passionate delivery are consistently relatable as they encourage fearlessness, hope, and overcoming all obstacles. He is inspired by God and through the difficulties that he has faced in the past. It is his dedication to his music and undeniable perseverance that continue to aid his success. His heart is set on producing nothing but positive and uplifting music for the world to hear.