NATE OG @NATEOGDET INTERVIEWS INDIANA'S BEATSMITH WELL KNOWN TONE

1. Whats Good bro, I know you are dope at what you do but for those who may not know who are feel free to tell the readers more about who you are? what you do? and where you are from?

Whats good homie and thank you the opportunity. First off for those that don’t know me, I go by Well Known Tone. Im from upstate Kingston, New York, currently residing in Lafayette Indiana near Purdue University. I am a sample based hip hop producer and  full time Computer Information Systems student.

2. Not to show your age but when did you start producing and what was the moment that you decided to pursue music?

I officially started producing in November of 2012, so a little over a year as of right now. Back in 93 after listening to the first Wu-Tang record is when I knew music was what I needed to be doing. I started off emceeing and always had a fascination for rare beats. I collected gigabytes of rare instrumentals and was always intriguied by the construction of sample based beats.

3.What are some of your influences and what did you learn from each as a refection of your production?

My major influence was The RZA. I think I get a lot of my darkness in my beats from him. Pete Rock, Preemo, RJD2, Nottz, Dilla, Alchemist, Black Milk, ya know….the usuals.

4.What is the current scene like where you live?

Here in Indiana, my style of production doesn’t really have a place amongst the Trap Heavy scene. Not to say cats out here are not doing there thing. Lotta dudes out here have great work ethic and drive. Lots of local dudes doing shows on the regular.

5.Does the current scene in any way affect your creative process?

I am kinda out of the loop as far as the scene here goes. My name is out there and my production has gained a certain level of respect. The kids out here are just trying to keep up with the trends as far as music goes and my vintage sound doesn’t fit the bill for this demographic.

6.Im a producer as well but what is your lab set up and how has it changed over the years?

I started off with an akai mpk25 (which is still a staple in my setup) I didn’t wanna start off spending a ridiculous amount of money on gear and then lose intrest, but once I got in the groove and I fell in love and slowly started upgrading. I bought a lot of used gear to start off with. Now my studio consist of Maschine Studio, my MPK25, custom built desktop computer with all the trimmings I need to do what I have to do. I also have an ION iLP usb turntable that I use to play my samples on. KRK Rokit 8 studio monitors and a Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 interface. Im slowly progressing. 

7.What is your creative process i know sometime it changes but in general without giving away too many secrets?

Ususally I listen to old records all day, or when I learn something new I’m always anxious to get in the lab and try it out and of course that always gets my creative juices flowing. I pay attention to a lot of other artist and feed off their energy

8.As a producer what is one thing you hate to see  producers do?

Well, don’t discredit anyones crative process. Everyone is different and however you get it done is how you get done as long as the end result is dope, I tip my hat

9.Do  you have any jewels for aspiring producers that may want to pursue music that you would like tp pass along?

Don’t follow trends create your own sound. Every style has to be unknown before its hot. Perfect your craft and don’t be afraid to try new things

10.Do you represent any companies and if so who are they and how long have you been affiliated with them?

Right now I represent myself. Really just focusing on building my brand as a production company. I am an in house producer for NO PEACE MUSIC GROUP and that’s my squad all day.

11.Do you have any shout outs or special thanks if so feel free to do so here?

Definetly wanna shout out my NO PEACE family and the whole entire 845 Upstate New York.