An Ill Ear For Hip Hop

Seattle native, Ill Pill has always had a musician’s ear. Initially into Beatboxing during his middle school years he discovered the world of production in the later part of high school, teaching himself to play the piano during that time as well. An up and coming producer in the Northwest hip hop scene Ill Pill does not restrain himself to what is perceived as hip hop, rather he expands those boundaries by passing up an obvious sample and heavy drums in favor of something less known. Pulling from the 1960's and 1970's for inspiration, his sound is easy and laced with strong instrumentals. A fan of artists he has worked with like SOL, Grynch and Rockwell Powers, I was excited when he agreed to answer some question via twitter. Find out what he had to say about the production process, music trends, the Seattle music scene and more below.

Let’s start with how you got started as a producer

@illpill: Way back when I was in middle school I was actually into Beatboxing. I did that for four to five years, and performed a few times before a friend who had been messing around with music showed me my potential. Freshmen year of high school I started teaching myself piano and a few years later began picking up on learning production.

The piano is not an easy instrument to play. Did you learn to read music or did you learn to play by ear?

@illpill: True. Mostly by ear and I learned a lot by watching. And this was pre-YouTube days, now you can find tons of tutorial videos.

Were there any producers that inspired you early on?

@illpill: My biggest influences were Kanye and 9th Wonder when they started. [I] loved the 'Soul Sound' and 9th's style of chopping samples.

They both take [beats] to another level. So how does the production process work for you?

@illpill: I start by closing off all distractions and going through my vast music library for samples. When I look for samples I always try and sample music nobody would think about making it hard to trace it back to the song. My big thing with sampling is that if you can sample it, someone's heard the original. I want it to be fun to find. Once in a while I'll sit at the keyboard and play something I like, but I prefer the authentic sound of a sample.

I like that perspective. Is there a particular genre or period of time that inspires you the most?

@illpill: Yes, without a doubt a lot of my favorite music is from the 1960's and the 70's. No genres hate ever – lol – and lots of indie rock music these days because it's often so creative and raw.

Nah that's cool, sound has no boundaries. What is it about the sound from the 60's and 70's that you love so much?

@illpill: I grew up on a lot of it. It was all so creative [and] game changing, didn't seem as bound by insecurities as some current music.

That time period is organic in its sound, it's very free. Do you ever collaborate with other producers?

@illpill: I've worked a lot with my guy Messy, the friend who brought me into producing. I've worked closely with other artist, but I always feel more creative when working alone. It's a self-conscious thing.

So a beat is finished, how do you get it out - shop it around?

@illpill: It depends. At the moment I'm working closely with @rockwellpowers on our next project. But normally who I send it out to depends on the sound of the beat and how I and the artist can create the best song.

Would you say that your beats have a signature sound? How do you differentiate yourself from the rest?

@illpill: That's hard to say. My chill vibe shows in my music. I like to think my beats are very melodic and interesting that way.

And would you say that you contrast the Seattle music scene or is that melodic quality in line with what's going on?

@illpill: Oh yeah it's definitely in tune and that's what I like so much about what's going on here. We're more than just loud drums.

Give us a brief description of the Seattle scene.

@illpill: It's a scene that's really poppin right now. Everyone is very talented and diverse. There are too many artists to list with amazing potential.

Sounds like the place to be. Is there a favorite artist, someone who when you work together everything just falls into place?

@illpill: Yes working with @grynch206 is always a plus. I'm enjoying working with @solzilla because he's got a great vision for making music.

Two of my favorites - anyone you haven't worked with but would like to?

@illpill: Yes, without a doubt working with people like @macklemore and @prometheusbrown would be great opportunities, as well as other producers.

And what would be your favorite projects?

@illpill: It's probably a split between "Trust Me" with Rockwell Powers, "My Volvo" with Grynch and the instrumental track from my first project. Making each track was such a dope experience and each artist really surprised me with the way they took the beat and made them incredible songs.

So are there other projects you are or would like to get into outside of producing?

@illpill: Yeah, as soon as @grynch206 stops being a punk I'll hopefully get a verse on a song. But I'll stick mostly with producing. I did design me and @rockwellpowers webpage though.

Oh? Well we will be looking forward for Grynch to let you on! What in your opinion has been the best trend to come out of 2009 for music?

@illpill: In hip hop I'm diggin the out of the box mindset people have had. People are bridging across genres wonderfully. For example, the Blackrock project is really something to look forward to. There's a lot of collaborative effort which is cool.

And on the flip side, what would you say is a trend you would like to see fade out?

@illpill: The easy [target] is autotune abuse. It worked for some, however, I'm not a fan of how some think that what some artists are doing aren't hip hop because it's out of the box - progressive. I don’t know how being yourself can ever be a bad thing creatively and I think some need to get beyond that, if that counts as a trend.

All good points, and yes we'll count that last one as a trend. What can we expect to hear from you as the year closes?

@illpill: Expect a big track with @sky7th and @@DeacTheSneak before the end of the year. But my next project with @rockwellpowers will likely be out in 2010.

We will be waiting for that. Any last thoughts you'd like to share?

@illpill: Don't sleep on Seattle, and check my album for free at kidsintheback.com.

Many thanks to Ill Pill for his time and participation, all the best to him in his ventures, and we look forward to his upcoming projects. For more about Ill Pill check him out at www.myspace.com/illpillmusic.

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SOL Gets 40 Bars & A Mule

Unlike most 10-year-old boys who spent their free time riding bikes, playing ball or picking on the girl next door, SOL, Seattle based MC on the rise, was penning his own lyrics to the instrumental track of “Ghetto Superstar” featuring Old Dirty Bastard Pras and Mya. A decade later he can add an album “The Ride”, and his first video to his resume of accomplishments. Inspired by no one genre or coast, 1990’s hip-hop and his blend of Eastern Europe with Haitian roots SOL’s sound is one that I can only describe as uniquely familiar. I recently had the opportunity to ask the young MC about how it all got started, his recent video and upcoming projects via twitter. See what he had to say below.


Hello hello! First I'd like to find out how you first got on the scene.

@Solzilla: Hey. I been working at the studio since I was only 12.My people @Undercaste in Seattle took me in and put me through the ropes for 4 years.

So from 12 to 16? That’s some apprenticeship, what was the biggest lesson learned from that time?

@Solzilla: The importance of being an artist, not a rapper and I spent years learning music's rules, [because] once you know them you can break them

Yes few understand the importance of being an artist first. Now what about these rules, can you share one with us?

@Solzilla: learning the structure and groundwork that was laid before us (as artists) so that we have the tools to create something new. A simple example is being able to rap on beat, so that u then can choose to move "off" beat and navigate your space more freely.

OK so you recently filmed your first video. Tell us a little bit about the song.

@Solzilla: Right. It’s called "40 Bars & A Mule". It’s a mix-tape joint I did to the Jay-Z's "Say Hello". It will be a free download.

A play on 40 acre's and a mule, what does the song deal with?

@Solzilla: It’s an introduction of myself as an artist, its display a clever, but also sincere side of me. It’s a favorite of mine.

So how challenging was it to go from the studio to the set and put images to the words & music?

@Solzilla: I would say it was more rewarding than challenging. To be able to add another medium to my music is an exciting way to expand.

The song centers you the artist, in what ways do re-create that story for the video?

@Solzilla: The song talks about paying dues both as an artist & w/in the scene. We tried to recreate that w/ the shots and locations.

Right, right. So who worked with you one the video?

@Solzilla: This multimedia production duo called Made Media. Really talented young dudes who are just starting to get the work they deserve.

There's a lot of shared business going on these days. It’s refreshing that new faces are on the rise. So any premier plans?

@Solzilla: Thanks. I'm planning on launching the video along w/ my website.

Oh a website as well - is there a launch date yet? We will be watching out for that! What other projects are you working on?

@Solzilla: After doing shows and promoting “The Ride” for six months, I am now in my most productive writing stage in maybe years. So with that said, I have projects “on deck and in the
hole". I'm in love with this new music I'm making.

@Solzilla: Most Definitely not cultivated. Something I’ve always made sure is to be myself. If I could not longer be me, then I would stop making [music]. That’s why I go by Sol.

Elaborate on "SOL".

@Solzilla: Sol is my full, god given name. I chose to go by SOL [because] I don't need any alter ego or gimmick to make music.

Authenticity is always appreciated.

Many thanks to SOL for his time and participation, we wish him luck in his new ventures and will be looking forward to upcoming projects. For more about SOL check him out at www.myspace.com/solzilla.

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Quanstar Brings His A Game

 

One man juggling single parenthood, two jobs, and a dream struggles to make it as an independent artist in the world of hip hop. From planning the Bring Your A Game Tour to putting it all back together after sponsors back out, he who wants it does whatever it takes to get it. Whether it’s touring across the country in a car, or performing with a mic in one hand, son in the other - Quanstar is that dude, and “Do It”: A Documentary is his journey. Filmed over a period of six months the film pulls back the smoke and mirrors that has become hip hop.When Quanstar sent me the link for his documentary it was a couple of days before I actually sat down to watch it. I was in no rush. Didn't really think I was going to be writing because of it. But of course then I watched it. I had to write something and decided on a twitterview – this is what Quanstar had to say about the film.

"Do It": A Documentary, follows you for 6 months as you work toward achieving your dream. What made you decide to do it?

Quanstar: I wanted to show people what being an artist is really like: the hustle behind the image.

It’s a vulnerable position to be in. How often were the cameras rollin' during that time?

Quanstar: Pretty often. I think we had 245 hours of footage. If I had the budget, I would have run it all day. I wanted to be honest.

Did you ever wish that the camera hadn't caught something? Were there moments when you maybe weren't yourself b/c of the cameras?

Quanstar: Not really. There were a couple of conversations that didn't [make] the film, but that was more for other people than me. I am pretty much the same type of person all of the time.

So what we see is who you are; we meet your fam, your son, your mother - but there are others. How did you decide who to interview?

Quanstar: The only interviews that didn't make the film had horrible lighting, or ineligible speech, or [were] off the subject.

There were two that I kept going back to, but I'd like to know which were most important to the documentary in your opinion?

Quanstar: My mom and my son.

And while I can guess why, would you mind elaborating on what they bring to the film and also how they've impacted your decisions?

Quanstar: My sons are my focus. It is my obligation to show them if you want it, you could get it. My mother, and all my fam for that matter, is my support. They believe in me. That means a lot.

You’re very blessed to have a support system so strong!

Quanstar: I am definitely very blessed. That’s why I work so hard and won’t give up. I refuse to waist that faith.

There's a lot of discussion about what hip hop is, means, & all the double standards that go with it. What does it mean for you?

Quanstar: I love to hear folks dialogue about hip hop, even though I tend to disagree with what they say. Hip hop should inspire thought.

Is there anything you were hoping to say with the film that maybe didn't come across the way you wanted?

Quanstar: Not really. We made that film at the right time to make it. That was a crazy 6 months. It’s not always like that though. LOL

Nothing you would change if you had the chance, really?

Quanstar: No. Honestly, I haven’t even seen the movie since right before it was released. Should've and could've don’t get you anywhere

That's impressive. Can't move forward if you’re steady in the past! How about the folks who helped on the project?

Quanstar: The filming was done by only two people: myself and the film’s director, Anthony Neal. He also did the editing.

How was it working with only one other person?

Quanstar: Easy. Only dealing with one other opinion; we were pretty much were on the same wave length on what we wanted.

Okay so looking forward, what's next for Quanstar? You have some projects in the works.

Quanstar: My first book Water From Turnips will be out in November with the soundtrack that will be free to download.

Tell us briefly what the book is about.

Quanstar: It’s about how I went from being an under achiever to where I'm at now, the people that influenced, and where I came from

Definitely something to look forward too! Will you be doing another documentary in the future?

Quanstar: Yep. I should start a sequel to do it within the next year. Over the next 5 [years], Hip-Hop in Africa, an internet reality show, I have a few more projects that I'm working on

More than enough to keep busy, it all sounds exciting. To close, for those who don't know, who is Quanstar in 140 characters or less?

Quanstar: The hardest working MC most people have never heard of until they do. Then they’re tapped in Quandom.


Many thanks to Quanstar for his time and participation in this twitterview. For information on the Bring Your A Game Tour visit http://www.bringyouragametour.com/.

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