We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Westtopher a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Westtopher, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I really started from scratch. Not knowing how to use any music hardware or software. Took hours and days of just figuring out how to make beats.
knowing what I know now, I would have invested in more Apple products, such as laptops or desktops. It has made my workflow way easier over the years.
The best skill that is essential when dealing with music is patience. You have to allow yourself time to learn the craft. You can’t rush the process.
Back when I started it was obstacles, based on trial and error. No one was able to show me how to use the hardware or software. You really had to figure it out. Now there’s YouTube tutorials and etc to help you learn quickly.
Westtopher, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’ve always been around music, from a very young age. With my father having a big 70’s soul vinyl collection. I got into doing music heavy my freshman year in college, at Appalachian State University. However, I didn’t take music seriously until 2014 when I won the Istandard Producer Showcase, Charlotte edition.
I’m pretty much ground level with most of the artists I have worked with. I’m providing the music and the direction of the record. Along with assisting with any writing of lyrics if needed.
I think what sets me apart from other producers is really getting to know the artist or target audience. So the artist is comfortable working with me. Along with knowing I’m going to challenge them to be their best in the studio or during the recording process.
I’m most proud of the responses from regular day people, once a record is done and put out on streaming platforms.
Seeing people comment or message saying how much they like a song, I produced.
Working with me (Westtopher) artists know you are getting a one of a kind sound. I’m true to being unique. Nothing that’s copying someone else’s style, also whatever beat I produce for a particular artist. It’s their beat and that point. I don’t re-shop beats to other artists.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, the main goal driving my career is to provide for my family, soley off the music I’ve made. Along with having timeless music that will still being played for years to come!!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect about being a creative, is seeing strangers or random people, approaching me and saying how much they enjoy my music or how they have a certain song repeat. So it’s always a great feeling knowing your music is reaching so many people from different parts of the world, in different ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://westtophermusic.com/
- Instagram: westtophermusic
- Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/westtophermusic?ref=py_c
- Twitter: westtopher1984