NATE OG @NATEOGDET INTERVIEWS MC/PRODUCER/CEO CHAUNDON @CHAUNDON 9TH WONDERS JUSTUS LEAGUE AND CEO OF GOLDEN ERA MUSIC INC

1. Whats good bro ? Now I know what you are best known for? who you are? and all the dope work and classic work I might add,that you have you have done,. Why dont you introduce yourself to the readers tell them who you are? where your from and currently reside? and what you do as  Profession  or special hobbies/interest? My name is Chaundon. I was born and raised in The Bronx, New York.  I currently reside in Raleigh NC.  I am a songwriter, producer, recording artist, and I run my own label, Golden Era Music Inc. 2. How did you get started for your career. what inspired you most to say I want to be a MC?Producer? I've been rapping since 1990.  The inspiration to start  my career as an emcee and producer was the local artists I grew up with in Hunts Point Ave.  They are Mike Smooth(R.I.P) and Fred Black.  Fred was the  1st one who got me to start rapping but it was Mike Smooth who inspired me to make a career out of it.   Back in the early 90's, Mike Smooth released his 1st single and the whole hood was rockin with him.  When I went to Flip Side Records, a local record store on Simpson Street in The Bronx, I saw vinyl with Mike's name on it and at that moment I knew it was possible for me to do the same. 3. How did you get your break or starting point as a Professional as far as the starting point that you realized that you  wanted to do this for a Career? Who gave you your break or how did it happen? No one gave me my break.  I earned my spot by putting out music with my old team,  The Justus League.  We made a name for ourselves in 1999 in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill  area by putting out music and doing as many shows as possible. Once word got out on the internet on what was going on in NC, the rest was history. 4. How long have you been An MC Professionally not trying to show age just curious of the start year up till now. You are one of my influences as an artist as far as being the caliber of a actual MC that I would love to work with and build with? I have been an emcee professionally since 2003.  When I released my 1st mixtape, "Slow Leaks", I made enough money to pay my rent, living in NY with out having a job. 5.Where you have lived and if its different than your current residence, what is the local scene like where you currently live? The scene here in NC is wack.  There are a lot of dope artists here but the shows are not as frequent as they used to be. 6. Does your residence affect your creative process as far as output releases or how often you create your art and how so? It doesn't matter where I am located.  I am a self motivator.  Plus my music is a  reflection of my life, past present and future.  Its easy for me to create.  Since I run my own label there isn't any pressure to put out music so when ever I feel like putting it out,  its out. 7.As an MC what is your creative process like as far as how you get inspired? My process is easy.  Play the beat and write the song.  The beat is the inspiration. 8.Now Mr. Chaundon, I know you have recently made the transition to Producer of which i must admit you make me hit the lab hard after I here your Gem Stones on Soundcloud,  What happened to spawn that transition or what inspired you to learn how to produce? I always had the skill with picking records to flip I just didn't know how to work with the programs and hardware to execute it.  Last year I was bored and decided to learn it.   Thanks to my artist, C-Minor, for teaching me how to use Fruity Loops 10 I've been on the boards ever since. 9.How long have you been producing and are you afilliated with any labels, tell the  readers about your new company Golden Era Music Inc and what inspired you or  made you want to have your own label and go the Independent route and your artist  and roster and label structure? I have been producing officially for 1 one year.  The inspiration for the creation of  Golden Era Music Inc. was the lack of quality music being released in recent years.  Instead of being the one to complain about the decline in music, I decided to be a  part of the solution by starting a label, sign talented artist, and release high quality  music.  Golden Era Music is not a hip hop label, it is a record label dealing with multiple genres.  We create music from the soul.  We are a reflection of the "Golden Era" of every genre. That means our music will last forever unlike the music that only lasts for 24 hours  on the blogs these days.  The artists on the label so far are Rome Clientel & C-Minor.  They are absolutely the best at what they do.  I am a fan of their work and I am 100% confident in the music they create.  They will assist me in solidifying the Golden Era Music Inc brand in the music industry. 10.What are some of your future plans or releases that we can look forward to that you have in mind and how can the readers and your fans stay updated or connected wit you, your label, and any future projects or just you and your label in general? The future releases are The Golden Era Music compilation this fall.  Rome, C-Minor, and I will be releasing our solo albums in 2014.  The fans can connect with us on twitter @CHAUNDON @RomeClientel @LifeInMyKey @GoldenEraMusic @THEGEMSTONES Also,www.goldeneramusicinc.com www.youtube.com/goldeneramusic www.youtube.com/chaundonhoj &soundcloud.com/gemstones 11.Thanks Mr. Chaundon for this interview and I sincerely mean that on behalf of myself and the DownrockRecords.com. Do you have any jewels or Words of Wisdom for Up and Comers or Aspiring MCs and Producers that you could pass along to the readers and your fans? Stay true to who you are and NEVER compromise your integrity for a quick check. 12. Do you have any shout outs or final words for the readers feel free to say them here? Shout out to Big Dho, Rapper Big Pooh, Kim of MAK MEDIA, Joe Scudda, ATG, Kuddie Fresh, Shuko, The Gunna, Family Biz ENT, Empire Distribution, Es-K, M-Dot, Ace Dizzy Flow & Too Soon Jones ofwww.THENQM.com Chaundon Recording Artist/Song Writer/Producer Golden Era Music Inc. 917.284.0527  www.goldeneramusicinc.com twitter: @Chaundon  BY THE WAY available on iTunes now https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/by-the-way/id595758049  THE JAMMINGTON IN STORES NOW http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-jammington/id502931471

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.