We caught up with the brilliant and insightful C. Smoov a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

C. Smoov , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I’m not so sure that there is anything you can do to speed up the process of learning to produce, or learning any skill for that matter. I believe that learning by trial and error, and never giving up is the best learning process one can endure.

One skill that I think would be very beneficial is having a solid understanding of music theory. In my opinion, if you have a good musical background, you can be further along than others. That being said, you don’t need a music theory background to start producing. I’m certainly no music theory wizard!

Some obstacles that stood in the way of learning more were normal life events. Whether it be going to work, relationships, or going out with friends. Sacrifices had to be made so I can learn and better myself. 

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I got started DJing and producing in my early 20’s when I was living in Phoenix, Arizona. There is a massive electronic music scene in that city and I had already been listening to a lot of electronic music for years at that point. After going to a few shows, it just clicked for me that this is something I want to do with my life.

I write a lot of different genres of music. Most of my releases have been House tracks or UK Garage tracks, but I don’t like to put myself in a box and say that is all I make. I’ll dabble in some other genres like hip hop or bass music from time to time.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I don’t treat DJing/producing like it’s some super serious, make it or break it type of thing. I approach it with creative freedom, and I don’t believe there are bad ideas. Music to me is my freedom where I get away from the rest of the world and nobody can tell me what to do.

I’m most proud of my progress in the composition side of producing. As time goes on, I notice myself getting better and better at writing music. When I was first getting started, I could hardly make an eight-bar loop, now I can write a full foundation of a track in a single session (most of the time).

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I would like to be able to support myself completely from music. I haven’t figured that part out quite yet, but it would be nice to work for myself.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect to me is having an escape from the world. Being able to close my door, turn off my phone for a while, and just get to work on some music, is so rewarding to me. It is equally as rewarding when someone tells me that they like my music!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/csmoovmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csmoovmusic1
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Csmoovmusic

Image Credits
Mauricio Ojeda (Candy Bar cover) Ian True Lewis (Drop the Top & To the Rhythm cover)