Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to MixedByKB . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
MixedByKB , appreciate you joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I began learning about Audio Engineering after I soon realized the Artistry side of my career wasn’t as promising. I knew I had to build value in myself and not be another cliche Artist with no value. The first step for me was to go to my Engineer and Producer at the time Lewade “Big Wade” Milliner to get the right guidance. After speaking with him an associate of mine had just recently landed a major internship in ATL and graduated from Audio School in Phoenix,AZ. I reached out and asked what his experience was like with school and his current internship. Eventually I was able to use him as a reference to get into the private program. It’s been history since then. In the Music Business there’s really no way to speed up your process. This is a you get what you put in industry. You can’t skip steps to be successful. You have to go through it all. The humility, doubt, anxiety etc. The most essential skill I can say I learned was to pay attention to details. Paying attention to details can save you lots of time, money and heartache. From recording records to mixing and mastering them it’s all about detail. Even in situations with contracts. Knowing the details is a must.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I got into the Music Industry simply because I knew it was my calling. Many people wonder why they don’t feel the satisfaction they desire and it’s because they haven’t discovered their true gift yet. Luckily I was able to find mine. The Music Business has always been a passion for me. I started out young as a Artist and kept feeding myself more and more knowledge on how to turn a once dream into a reality career. I attended Audio School in Phoenix,AZ to sharpen my skill set and expand my education. Things didn’t happen overnight and I had to sacrifice many friends, family and partners in order to pursue my goals. I will admit, without proper discipline this industry will tear you apart. You have to have thick skin and understand not everyone has your best interest. I offer many services for my clients. Being well known as a Mix Engineer has opened doors for me to offer other services that I am quite skilled in. I created my own Production Company (4orty2 Productions) as a umbrella for my services I provide out of G5ive Studios here in Dallas,TX. Clients can request Studio Recording, Artist Development, Mixing, Mastering, Beat Production and Songwriting. 4orty2 Productions also offers Commercial Audio and Jingles for businesses looking to expand and market themselves. One thing I can say that sets me apart is I offer my input into every session. I’ve had the opportunity to record and work with many people such as BG Lonnie Bands, SpotemGottem, Pooh Shiesty, OG Three, Scotty ATL, Treal Lee, Nia Kay Berner, Hoggy D and many more. I always want to make the best records possible. Some engineers may not offer that input or expertise in their sessions. If you’re looking to become the best artist you can be and get quality sound I am definitely someone you should be working with.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe people need to first understand that everyone has to start somewhere. Too many people believe that what they see on TV is real and easy to achieve and what’s in front of them isn’t. If they would take the time to understand the journey and grind it takes to reach those pinnacles maybe they would see, that one Artist just needed their support. A like, comment and share is fine but it doesn’t truly scream “ I support this artist.” As a creative, we can tell who genuinely supports us and whose doing it just to not look like their throwing shade etc. Be a true supporter of your friends and family. If you’re gonna like, share and comment do it more often. Not just the day they release a song or visual. You helping them expand and get known shows you care. Don’t wait until they reach a certain level that you think is successful before you take them seriously. Too many times we see people lean towards Artist with the jewelry, money and cars etc with no connections or actual resumes or value. Then they will see the person in a regular car with no jewelry and not even notice that person has real connections, real talent and is on the come up right before their eyes. Perception is deceitful sometimes.
: Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
One of my goals is to show people that you can do whatever you set your mind to do. At one point music wasn’t even a option for me to make a living in. With vision, work ethic and prayer I manifested it into reality. Overall my long term goal is to follow in Quincy Jones and Berry Gordys footsteps. I want to be a music mogul. A living testimony of what great minds can accomplish when surrounded by other great minds. Helping other reach their dreams is something I want to do no matter how old I get. It’s all about educating and uplifting the next generations. It’s up to us to push the culture forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.4orty2Productions.com
- Instagram: MixedByKB
Image Credits
JabzOne Films West Visualzz