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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