Tell us about your background and rise to your current position in the industry ?
I have a degree in animation but then I discovered music production and audio engineering and gravitated towards it in my mid twenties. My journey has taken me to living and training in the Caribbean, starting off as a studio assistant and then working up to being a producer and engineer. After 4 years abroad, I’m no residing back in the UK running a studio and also Lecturing at the Academy of Contemporary Music teaching music production and audio engineering.
Where are you from in the world ?
I was born in England, my mother is from Trinidad and my dad is from Mauritius.
When did you start music? and was it instinct ?
I have always been into music, that transformed into DJ-ing in my teens, but it was just a hobby. After obtaining my BA in Animation thats when I started to get into music production and I started taking it seriously.
How did you get into music? through other creators ?
After graduating with my degree in animation I was doing a freelance Job in Brixton. It was in a complex that housed many offices and studio spaces. A lot of then were occupied by creatives, from filmakers, dancers, music studio producers. I was at this job for like 8 months and got to know some of the music studio owners and one day I asked if I can have a dabble for a few hours. I instantly fell in love with it and the rest is history.
What is the most challenging thing you have overcome in your career ?
Being creative can be tough for anyone, I already had a degree and was very good at what I was doing with art and animation so for me it was uprooting myself to follow my dream and start all again to learn something different.
Are you signed or independent at the moment ?
I am an independent however I have a management deal with 1 2 One Entertainment.
Who inspires you to produce music ?
Tough question, but I think Bob Marley, Michael Jackson and producer Quincy Jones.
What do you want your listeners and fans to take away after listening to your music
That they have not just heard something I have done or something I have contributed towards, but they have experienced something about who I am.
Any new music coming out soon or any collabs ?
Yes! Working very closely with Krishane (son of the Reggae legend Barrington Levy). We have something we have been working on few things now for a while, things will drop as and when its ready, so watch this space, its happening soon!
What is your greatest achievement so far as a musician?
When I started teaching students at a degree level. I’ve not been formally trained in music, so I always had a self belief that I couldn’t teach it. Its very touching when some of these kids are so eager to learn from you.
Do you create your own music?
Yes, pretty much all of my music is created and mixed by me. I have worked and collaborated with other producers, I think more now than ever collaboration is important.
Who is your best artist you wished you could work with?
Ok someone who is no longer with us: Michael Jackson, I think doing a record with him will not just be the creation of something memorable, but I believe I would have been pushed and taken away some valuable lessons about music and life. The other person(s) would be the Marley brothers especially Jr. Gong and Stephen.
Tell us about any new music you have coming out? When is coming out? What is it about?
I have a record with Krishane called Lockdown that has been in development for a while now.
What does a day in your music life look like?
Always a cup of tea to start the day, after it all depends on if I’m teaching or not. If I’m teaching all day, I will very rarely end up in the studio in the evening unless its a must. I’ve started to value my down time as much as my time creating, that balance is important. If I’m not teaching, it all depends how I feel, I might make some music, or finish off any pending mixes, but if I’m not doing any of those things I dedicate time to learn new things about what I’m doing within music and audio engineering, this industry moves very fast and I think that its important to always be a student to your craft.
Do you like cooking ?
When I’m not in the studio I really enjoy cooking.
ONLINE:
https://www.instagram.com/iamsmash/