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Behind the Boards: The Innovatorz Exclusive Interview W/ CHAMP Mag champ magazine CHAMPMAG.COM innovatorz
Behind the Boards: The Innovatorz Exclusive Interview W/ CHAMP Mag
Nathan “Hollywood” Adom
CHAMP Mag
CHAMP: We got the Innovatorz rockin’ with us right now. What’s goodie?
DJ: What’s good Hollywood!? From Bolingbrook (Illinois) to Canada! Thank you for the opportunity!
Pat: What up wit cha Canada?!
Will: What’s goody!!?
CHAMP: Now I got introduced to you guys off the banger “So High” with French and Curren$y, but how long have you guy been producing for?
DJ: The crazy thing about that beat is that I did that in 2006!…But I been producing since 2004.
Will: Been rocking wit DJ since 2005.
CHAMP: Where did the name The Innovatorz come from?
DJ: Well it used to be ThundaKatz Production, but didn’t really like the name so just changed it. Innovatorz is just what it sounds like, trying to bring something new and refreshing to music. When the name changed the sound changed, it just seemed like everything started to happen after that.
Pat: It was time for a change, plus that name was corny anyway lol
Will: Lol, new name, new sound, same game
CHAMP: Who’s part of the team and what does each person bring to the table?
DJ: I produce the music and I also do a little bit of writing for hooks and coming up with concepts. The grind never stops! I’m in the lab working everyday knocking out bangers.
Pat: I’m the network king! Straight up!! I’m up everyday and night hitting people on Twitter, sending out gmails, making phone calls, just doing what ever it takes to get connects to get this music heard. I got a good ear for music so I know a hit record when I hear it.
Will: I help DJ in the lab, he might be working on something and I may hear a chord in my head and we just vibe like that. With me playing pro ball I can’t be there 100% all the time, but when I am in there I help as much as possible.
CHAMP: Now how’d you hook up with French for that joint, and what was your reaction when he said he was gonna shoot a vid for that as well?
Pat: Well back in 2008, I was messaging him on MySpace back and forth and we exchanged information and I sent him a couple joints. When I found out they was shooting a video for it I was just like “Damn!” lol
DJ: Man I had the same reaction, just was a good feeling that they selected “So High” for it. I went straight to the lab and started banging out beats! It motivated me even more.
Will: DJ hit me like “Fam they doing a video for that “So High” joint!” For him to do a video for that record to me means that the people was feeling it super hard to the point where the video was a must.
CHAMP: What are some other joints you guys produced that people might be aware of?
DJ: Jim Jones “Penicillin”, French Montana “What You Know About It”, Sen City “Da Corner”, I-20 “My Way”, Ransom “Summa Love”
CHAMP: Are there any artists you guys are working with at the moment?
DJ: I-20 and Slick Pulla is all I can speak on right now, but it’s some other artists that we in the process of working with.
CHAMP: In terms of tools we can catch you guys in the studio messing with to chef up beat. What do you guys use?
DJ: Reason, M-Audio Axiom 49 Key MIDI controller, Cool Edit, Acid Pro, and a MPC 1000
CHAMP: Where do you guys stand in the argument of sampling vs. original based beats?
DJ: I love sampling! When I first started making beats that’s all I did. But as I got more advanced I fell in love with creating things from scratch. I still do sample, but now when I do I may replay the melody or just chop it up and throw some drums on it, all depends on the sample I’m dealing with.
Pat: Doesn’t matter really, if a beat is hot then it’s hot regardless if its original or sampled you feel me?
Will: Back in the day we was heavy in the Diplomats music so we listened to samples like all day everyday. Original beats is good but ain’t nothing like a good sample though…lol
CHAMP: Where can cats holla at you guys if they want a beat?
CHAMP: Any last words you want the people to know?
DJ: If u keep God first and work hard at your dream it can happen!!! You will be hearing a lot more music very soon!!! The Innovatorz brand is here to stay! Follow me on Twitter @DJ_The_Producer lol had to plug that
Pat: Stay tuned more heat will be on the way so get used to us!!!!!
Will: From the lab to the court I’m repping The Innovatorz all day everyday….. Welcome to Innovation!!
Keep doing yo thing famo…..your time is coming…
Hello, I just wanted to say that me and your mom so proud of you son(DJ).. many nites we hear your beats as you crank them out, we know that with your passion for music and education and your faith in God, you will go far… much Love son
Dad
Keep up the good work boys! I’m soooo proud of y’all! Muah :-*
-Big Sis
Great interview!! Much Love!!
Congratulations to all of you…i’m beyond proud!! With faith and determination, there’s no reason why i shouldnt see yall on top! Keep up the good work!
Da INNOVATORZ on some real shit