NATE OG @NATEOGDET INTERVIEWS DENVER BEATSMITHS THE ELEMENTAL PROJECT MY FAVE PRODUCION TEAM

 

1. I have known you a few years but for the readers that may be new to you and your work feel free introduce yourself. Who you are? Where your are from and currently reside and what you do?

We are Rayn, FMJ and J stylz. We are collectively known as The Elemental Project, Denver's Only All-Female Beat Crew. We hail from and live in Denver, CO (but Rayn is originally from Colorado Springs, CO!)

2.What was the event that made you say I wanted to be a producer and that you wanted to pursue it?

Each of us has a different story on how we got started. 

For Rayn, it all started in high school. "I was a DJ and loved to dance. I got frustrated, though, when I realized there weren't any songs that truly captured my emotions and life stories. I decided to become a producer and it was all downhill from there!"

For FMJ, her father was a popular musician from the country her parents are from.  "The apple doesn't fall too far from the tree I guess. He had a home studio in our house full of top-line equipment and so from a very young age, I've always had an interest in that stuff.  As I got older I started collecting my own equipment and instruments. Making music myself was natural evolutionary step to that."

For J stylz, "With a mom who play's piano and my dad who plays drums" Music was destine to be in my future... In my household I grew up listening to multiple genres. I always knew I would be doing something in music (I was in band and choir all through grade school) it wasn't until high school that I saw myself making beats.  I started making beats when I was15 (Casio keyboard with a mini tape recorder). Music is my life it just flow fluidly with who I am."

4.How long have you been producing?

We’ve been producing as a group since 2007, though we all started earlier in our lives.

5.What is the local music scene like where you live? I know in The Denver Colorado Area you guys have a plethora of talent such as you and your team, SP Double, The Procussions , DJ Low Key, Xperiment, Stro Elliot, and Boonie Mayfield to name a few?

It’s definitely burgeoning.  There are little collectives of people all around the city that are creating movements in and of themselves. We’re very blessed to be surrounded by such a talented group of people.

6. Does the current local scene effect how you create, what you create and the urge to create as well as how often you create?

We get inspired usually by hearing other producer’s creations either through cyphers, beat battles, showcases etc. The local scene doesn’t always necessarily influence our creativity. 

7. What is your creative process like without giving any trade secrets away just an overview of the process?

Sometimes we work separately and sometimes collectively.  When we work collectively we all put our own elements into each piece we’re working on i.e., one person will do the drums, another person will do the bassline etc.  We each jump in and add things and finish things at different times.  It’s all about the vibe when we work together. 

8. Now as a producer, I always love to know what other producers are using can you reveal your current lab set up and favorite pieces of gear to use and how it may have changed since you originally got started?

We are gearslutz, beat-machine addicts, tech-heads.  Between the three of us, we own 8 beat machines.  Currently Rayn and J stylz use The Maschine, while FMJ uses the MPC Renaissance.  We all started with different software years and years ago and have since been through different phases of programs and gear.  In addition to the beat machines we currently use, we also use sound modules (racks) and live instruments. 

9.Do you have any current or future projects in the works and which ones are you looking forward to most?

We are currently working with a few local artists and the different projects they have going on as well as a few artists out of state. As far as what we’re looking forward to?  Honestly, all of them.  We pride ourselves in working with the best talent we can find.  We always look forward to the exchange of artistic energy.

10. How can your fans or those interested in doing business with you keep in touch and updated on any new releases etc?

You can like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or check us out on YouTube and Reverbnation.  You can also reach us by email at: theelementalproject@gmail.com.  We’re working hard to get our website up and running.

11. Do you have any words of wisdom for new and aspiring producers pursuing this as a possible career?

Surround yourself with positive, quality people who are going to constantly challenge you and push you to be better.  Always allow yourself to be open to criticism and never give up.

12. Do you have any shout outs or people to show love to feel free to do so here

We’d like to thank all of our family, friends and anyone who has supported us on this journey.  And a special thank you to all the people that share with us creatively.