Music Production Tips from BL’EVE Brown
We connected with the multi-faceted musician, producer, engineer and rapper BL’EVE Brown to chat about his musical background. Here are some of the highlights from the interview where he breaks down one of his tracks and walks us through his creative process.
More about BL’EVE Brown:
BL'EVE Brown is a producer, musician, and artist with over 15+ years of experience in the music and tech business. He is an alumnus of the Institute of Audio Research with noteworthy credits from partnerships with brands like Def Jam, Epic Records, and BET. BL’EVE’s discography includes a range of production styles ranging from Hip Hop, Indie Rock, Reggae to Dance/EDM.
What brought him to where he is now?
BL'EVE Brown was born in Kingston, Jamaica and moved to Harlem, New York when he was five years old. He has always been interested in music because his Uncle was part of these sound clash competitions where he would be able to come down and watch the magic happen. He started seeing the music business at a young age seeing through his family connection. He also started playing the drums in middle school where he started to meet other musicians and explore an instrument that he was passionate about.
What tools does he use to create his music?
Maschine Studio for production, essentially a drum machine that connects via USB. The ease of use is what really made the difference when deciding what production software to use.
“Find something that works, and if it works for you, lock in and learn that the best you can.”
“When setting up hip-hop tracks, you want to find something that is looping and that is really memorable.”
How does he study his favorite artists?
Brown listens to his favorite artists’ music over and over again. And it's in stages. As a producer, he will listen to the raps, but then go back to the song and play it over and over to pick up all of the elements and how they complement the vocals. Even if you just study the style of one song, repeat it, and every time you listen to it, take your focus to something else. So the first time you listen to it, listen to the kit, and then move on to see what the synths are doing, then move on the bass, and then the vocals, etc.
If you get frustrated or stuck in the production process how do you power through that?
“I just move on, I’ll save it. Sometimes you have to step away and reset your mind.”
“You make the best music when you are having fun.”
How do you deal with criticism?
“There is criticism, and then there is constructive criticism. You want to find a circle of people who are qualified and respected.”