L The Great’s Sound

 

 

 

When you do something that you love, you are often successful. You discography shows that you have worked with new artists, artists that are on the rise, and superstars. How did you end up working with Britney Spears and Flo Rida?

The Britney Spears situation came about when I was working with my old homie Matt who was an intern out Will Smiths’ studio out in LA. The studio head was looking for several tracks for Britney’s comeback album “Blackout”. I submitted a couple of tracks and was told that the studio head liked 3 of them. The songs didn’t make the album cut, but I ended up creating my own remix to the song “Give Me More” which blew up, and got me lots of attention. The Flo Rida thing happened when I was in D.C. celebrating Charm’s album release party. They played a couple of the songs I produced for Charm at the party and the manager of an up and coming R&B artist named “Kevin Ross” actually ended up liking a couple of the tracks. He was looking for tracks for Kevin Ross and he had a connect with a couple of Flo Rida’s people. I sent them tracks for Kevin and Flo Rida.

Based on your discography you are able to produce Pop, R&B, and Hip Hop which one is your favorite genre to work with and why?

R&B & Pop are probably my favorite genres to produce for because of the time that actually goes into those productions. Not only the time, but songwriting too. There’s just something special about being able to place a Pop or R&B record, it takes a lot more work. You have to think in concept of bridges and all when it comes to R&B & Pop. With Rap records, things are a little bit more simple.

There are not many producers that can operate successfully in Pop, R&B, and Hiphop you have. Ryan Leslie, Kanye West, Timberland, Missy Elliot, Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, and Kool and Dre, are a few others that have distinct sounds and success in many genres such as yourself. Please describe what your sound is, and what you want your sound to be known as.

I would describe my sound as a cross between all the genres you mentioned. I take bits and pieces of what I feel are the best of each genre, and utilize them into my productions. The end result is my sound. It’s pretty cool because my productions, whether they’re Rap, Pop or R&B, all work pretty well together. I also have a deep love for video game music which I also implement into my tracks. I love the dramatic scores in video games, they have a heavy influence on my sound.

By following you on twitter.com/lthagreat I have noticed that you are a humble person and not twitter celebrity/snob (that means only following celebrities not interacting with their fans). What keeps you grounded and motivated?

Well, I considered myself to be a normal human being, as I think ALL normal human beings should. Just because I’ve been blessed with a gift doesn’t mean that I have the right to act holier than thou. We all breathe the same air, and we all bleed red; so what gives me the right to think I’m above anyone or anything? I come from the same place as the people that love my music, so I’m able to connect with people easier than a lot of other producers or artist. Money changes a lot of people, but you can’t take it with you when you die!

In addition to being humble you offer your contact information for artists to contact you directly if they are an artist on the brink of actually cracking into this industry and need a little help getting started. That’s very generous action, and in addition you have started http://fruityloopsproducer.com/ to provide others with the same tools you have used to garner success. Please tell us about http://fruityloopsproducer.com/

Well, with flp.com I wanted to reach out to all the FL Studio producers who felt neglected by the music industry. Being an FL Studio producer comes with a lot of hate because you have those that believe that FL Studio is over saturating the beat game, and it is. There are those not willing to put in the same work as the big dogs. Even still, there are some pretty good FL Studio producers out there like 9th Wonder. I wanted to appeal to the FL Studio producers willing to work hard to make it to the top. We also conduct interviews on the site with FL Studio’s top big wigs. Over all I’m very proud of the site.

Why Fruity Loops and not Pro Tools or another program?

In my opinion, the functionality of FL Studio cannot be matched. I’m still discovering new things in the program and I’ve been producing with it for over 9 years now! The sequencer is still unmatched even with all the new DAWS dropping daily! The option to add VST plug-ins is a mega plus because you can turn FL Studio into a $20,000 + work station! Though I still use Pro Tools to track vocals, everything you can do with Pro Tools and other DAWS you can do with FLStudio, plus much much more! Lol sponsor me Image-Line!

What are a few of your favorites instruments, or sounds to be on a track?

Anybody that has payed attention to my production knows that I’m very heavy on synths, strings and 808’s. I layer a lot to get that big fat sound.

Who are few artists that you want to work with but have not gotten the chance to work with?

There are quite a few; I would love to do some records with Lady GaGa, I’m definitely digging her style and sound as an artist. She’s a breathe of fresh air. As far as the rap side goes, my dream would be to work with Jay – Z; if I was ever presented that opportunity, it would probably end up being a defining moment in my career. Lol what producer wouldn’t love to produce for Jay – Z? In the R&B realm, working with Usher would great.

If you had to produce an entire album for one rapper, one r&b artist, and one pop artist who would it be?

Lol pretty much the artist that I’ve already named, Jay- Z, Lady GaGa & Usher.

Who are a few new artists you suggest that we keep up with?

I’m going to name my big three! Jet Phynx, Synsayshun & Charm. Jet Phynx is going to be the next big thing in the pop world, mark my words! His style is unmatched and he brings something very different to the pop scene. I’ve been working with Jet for over a year now, and he is one of the most unique and humble artist that I’ve had the pleasure of producing for! A rare breed! Synsayshun is a rap artist from Ohio currently doing her thing down in Atlanta. I actually got in contact with her through Twitter. One of her good friends is one of my homies on Twitter and he told me about her, so I decided to check her out. I was blown away! I’ve yet to hear a female rapper rhyme as crazy as she does, and the great thing is that we’re just getting started! She’s going to be huge because we’re bringing a totally different sound for a female rapper. On the R&B side of things, the third artist I’m working with Charm is making pretty big gains in the contemporary R&B world. Her work ethic is crazy as well as her writing skills, she’s going to be a force to reckon with!

If you had to choose a song to describe your life what would it be?

Jay – Z “Lucky Me”. I won’t describe the song, just check it out. lol.

If you could remake the song “Self Destruction” By KRS ONE who would you put on the track?

Hmm, very good question; I would have to lead things off with Common, than I’d add Talib Kweli, Dead Prez, Wyclef, Will IAm & Nas.

Do you think music with such a strong political message will ever be that popular again?

In this musical climate, it’s hard to say. Would I like for a political song like that to be popular again? Hell yes! We need positivity in this very negative industry!

Do you use auto tune, or are you willing to use it? If so can I get on get on a remix with it? Hahaha just kidding.

I guess it would depend on the artist and the direction of the song. I’m not a big fan of auto – tune but I’m totally not in exclusive to it either. Lol auto -tune can make anyone sound good! So yeah, hop in your bag, meet me at the studio; and let’s get this money!