Commit to Content: An interview with Fuchi
“ Make those mistakes so you can learn and become better at it. If you sit there and wait for the right tool or the right time it’s just never going to happen. Everyone starts somewhere!”
Why did you start making music?
I have family members in the music industry on my mom’s side and instrumentalists on my dad’s. In the 90s I lived in New Jersey and frequented New York. My brother started rapping when I was like 7 in the 90s. My uncle on my mom’s side had the SP-12 and MPC-3K. So he, along with my uncle, put me onto so many obscure rappers and instrumentalists. I remember staying up late nights just to catch the Stretch and Bobbito show with my brother. Then visiting Fat Beats in the Village when I was a kid. Those things had a lasting impact on me.
So when I started making beats of my own in 2005 in Fruity Loops. I already knew I wanted to make hip hop beats for my brother to rap on. Then from there I started taking it seriously in 2009 when I met Andy (Ahrs Ahrtis) and Vic (Moby Vic) for the first time. Those dudes and RPDB have helped me come a long way when it comes to where I’m at as a musician today.
What is your creative process?
If I’m making sample based beats I like to always start with the sample. Then manipulate the sample as needed by pitching, filtering, chopping up, and adding FX. From there I’ll add drums and extra instruments.
If I’m looking to play synths I like to use Max for Live plugins like Euclidean Rhythms to come up with cool progressions. I’ll resample them onto some hardware then go from there. Once I determine the melodic section I’ll add the drum and bass to build up the rhythm section. Then from there once I’ve determined the key of the rhythm and melody I generally like to add chord progressions. My favorite synths to use are Analog Lab, TAL Juno clone, and Dexed the FM DX7 synth clone.
Your videos are inspiring loads of artists within the community. How do you keep your approach fresh, and avoid fatigue?
Thanks! I take time off from making music and pick up another hobby. Lately I’ve been getting into woodworking and gardening. Either that or I’ll take a trip somewhere I like visiting little beach towns here in Florida with my family.
Let’s get controversial. Beatmaking + production gear - which is your favourite and why?
Actually, I’ve been kind of selling off a lot of workstation based production gear lately. I started making beats on the MPC X and really felt like it’s the quickest way to get an idea out, when it comes to sampling… A lot of my workflow revolves around sampling. For me as a father, husband, and IT engineer, my time to create has become a lot more limited - so having something to get ideas out quickly is essential. So for me, the number one thing is being streamlined while keeping the same harmonics, warmth, mix, and dynamics in my final product.
My favorite production gear is the MPC X. But I use a lot of outside gear to sauce it up. With an example being the Ensoniq EPS or Akai S3000 for drums.
But I think the overall best production gear is the SP-404MK2.
Roland’s new MKii model of the SP-404 sampling workstation credit: Roland
How do you handle creative block?
Take a break!
Do something else. Play sports, go workout, leave the crib for a bit, go help someone, go plant something, etc.
The stream of creative consciousness is always out there flowing. Recharge that antenna B!
Next, let’s talk consistency.
What advice would you give to artists who struggle to promote themselves on social media?
I can relate to those who struggle to promote themselves regularly. The motivation doesn’t always come naturally but here’s a method I’ve come up with to help stay the course and maintain consistency:
That’s great! Thanks Fuchi. Finally, what’s an album recently which has changed the way you think about music?
I recently got my son into Weezer’s blue album. We love listening to Buddy Holly and The Sweater Song.
There’s actually a running joke in my group chat that I only listen to music I was introduced to in 2014 and before and honestly it’s kinda true lol. I literally listen to the same albums on repeat and revisit them whenever.
My personal top 5 in no order is. Madvillainy, 36 Chambers, LCD Soundsystem, Endtroducing, and Fourtet’s There Is Love in You.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve had to overcome as an artist?
Promoting my music projects. In a timely and orderly fashion!
You’ve grown a dedicated and supportive community around your music - how did you first get into the scene and maintain such a strong connection to the community?
I’m super thankful that’s there people that even take the time to watch my content or listen to my projects. Especially when I would be making these tracks and buying all this music gear without anyone even knowing my music exists.
It all started with watching the reels 8greg2, ohricky, impreshn, and Q-noise would put out and thinking how cool it looked. Also lofivibe posts always got me super inspired. I wanted to be a part of that.
As far as maintaining, I’ve just been consistent with my online presence. I also keep in touch with a lot of the creatives I met in the community.
What’s next for you in 2024?
Got a project with my bro Moby Vic! Not sure if we’re calling it 200X or 20XX yet lol.
It’s always been a goal of mine to release music or be a part of music encompassing every genre that I love. So I made a trilogy of projects SMOKE!, TURISMO!, and now RUN! the last project in that trilogy. This project is mostly rap with vocal appearances from my brother Miguel (Vivid), my good friend Vic, Brandon (Ghouls Anonymous), and I.
Then I got a couple of beat tapes coming out. Days of Future Past will be a continuation of my comic book style beat tapes. This will feature unreleased beats that I made last year. Then lastly I’ll be dropping Vol. X, which will contain a lot of the beats I’ve been making this year. Most of the beats were made on the MPC X and a few on the PO-33.
Find Fuchi on
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Create For Yourself First: An interview with Kilroywash3r3
“My one piece of advice would be to make samples and sounds that you enjoy. Make the sample packs for yourself first.”
What’s the thing that made you start making music?
I moved to Alabama, and I had no friends. So I decided to start making music to fill up my free time, and it quickly became my favorite thing to do.
What does your creative process look like?
My creative process usually consists of opening up an Ableton project and immediately working on a drum groove. Once I get a groove I’m satisfied with, I find a sample and try to look for moments that stand out to me. If can find a moment that sticks out to me, I’ll either chop or loop the sample. If nothing grabs me in the sample, I’ll find another to mess around with. That’s about it.
We've worked together on a Sample Flip Competition a while ago. Since then, you've been hosting regular beat battles on Instagram with your sample packs.
What's one piece of advice you have for artists who want to start creating sample packs?
My one piece of advice would be to make samples and sounds that you enjoy. Make the sample packs for yourself first.
The names of the files in your sample packs… they’re always completely unhinged and hilarious! Where do you find the inspiration for these?
The names come from whatever is on my mind in the moment. I’m a very ‘scatter-brained’ person, so there is a bunch of stuff just floating around in my head.
How do you handle creative block?
I usually take a break, try to push through it, or try something completely new.
You've got a strong sense of style. What aesthetics and visuals inspire you?
I just really enjoy the aesthetics of the 90s, so tv shows, movies, and music videos from that era are what inspire me.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve had to overcome as an artist?
Learning how to manage my time has been the most difficult thing for me as an artist, and it is something I have yet to overcome. Luckily, I’m getting better at managing my time and figuring out what is important.
What’s next for you in 2024?
I’m planning to get more music out this year. I have a project with Going Sumwhere that is very close to being complete. We just have a few things left. We’re actually planning to have some cassette tapes [for this album], so that is very exciting for me. I also just got a digitakt and I’ve been diving head first into it. There will be a lot more upbeat music made in this year for me.
Find Kilroywash3r3 on
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State of Flow: An interview with Madaliso
“Finding that state of flow, where everything flows together naturally, is the most important aspect of my creative process.”
What is your creative process?
Finding that state of flow, where everything flows together naturally, is the most important aspect of my creative process. The magic occurs when you're in that state of flow. When I have a significant amount of time to be creative, I set up my OP-1, Yamaha reface keyboard, SP 404, and digital camera to film the process. The sample chopping capabilities and audio processing of the OP-1 make it my ideal sampler of choice, allowing me to swiftly explore and experiment. It becomes my playground for slicing samples, igniting that first burst of creativity.
Your cassette player is a key part of your beat videos, what equipment do you use in your creative process?
When it comes to my creative process, I use a range of tools that help define the distinct sound and vibe of my music. At the centre of it all is my trusty DAW Ableton, which serves as the central hub for creating and producing. In addition, I use instruments like the OP-1 and SP 404 in my setup to add their own distinct flavors and effects to enhance the overall sound of my beats. Not to mention my love for cassette tapes! I have a couple tape recorders that I mostly use for referencing sounds and enjoying that warm, vintage tape feel that I like.
I use plugins and the Roland SP with its wild effects to enhance the texture and depth of my beats. At the core of it all, though, Ableton acts as the basis upon which I create the skeleton of my beats, assuring their structural integrity. Then I use my samplers, both hardware and software, to create additional layers that define the distinct character of my music.
The whole hardware vs. software dispute does not rule my creative process. What actually matters to me is discovering tools and techniques that allow me to immerse myself in that state of flow. Whether it's the tactile feel of the OP-1 or the flexibility of software, it's all about facilitating that flow state, when ideas flow and creativity thrives.
How important is the visual element of your work, (beat videos and album art) in conveying your artistic vision?
The visual aspect of my work is extremely important in communicating my artistic vision. Growing up in Rome with roots in Zambia, art has always been a deep passion of mine. Aside from music, I love films, cinema, and various forms of visual art. Recently, I've been diving into the link between pictures and sound, and how they complement each other in today's musical landscape.
I get my inspiration from watching independent African and Asian films, which typically have distinct storytelling and visual styles that speak to me deeply. Afro Surrealism, abstract art, and minimalism have also influenced my artistic outlook.
‘Afro Surrealism Cinima” taken from Aarklight Art
What I've realised is that my artistic vision extends beyond music alone. I strive to connect with people through various creative mediums, making use of the power of visuals to add depth and significance to my work. I am constantly looking for new ways to connect with and inspire others by exploring various artistic channels and challenging myself creatively. Art genuinely flows through my blood, and I am dedicated to expressing my artistic vision and connecting with people on a fundamental and meaningful level.
How do you handle creative block?
My biggest struggle isn’t really creative block, it’s more so finding a sufficient amount of time to create and enter the flow state. Back in the day though I did have creative blocks but the way I got out of it was to find other ways to channel my creativity. I have a real need to be creative, it’s what keeps me grounded.
What’s an album recently which has changed the way you think about music?
"Supreme Clientele" by Ghosteface Killah is one album that recently has had a significant impact on me and reshaped the way I think about music. I wouldn’t say it’s changed the way I think about music, but it’s had a massive impact for sure. I first heard it in December of last year, and it was a life-changing moment for me. I clearly recall being in Zambia, traveling through the stunning landscapes on my way to the Victoria Falls with my family while immersed in the album. The production, mixing and raps - my cup of tea, for real.
In addition to "Supreme Clientele," two more albums have lately been on regular rotation for me. "Off-Piste" by Greg Foat and Art Themen is the first. The second album is "11" by SAULT. This album is a genuine aural voyage, flawlessly combining genres and including thought-provoking lyrics. It has challenged my preconceived conceptions of what music can be and opened my mind to new avenues of creative expression.
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve had to overcome as an artist?
One of the most challenging things I have had to overcome as an artist is letting go of my ego. It was a life-changing experience that offered me mad blessings. By setting my ego aside, I've been able to discover true satisfaction in the creative process, free of the fear of competition. This does not imply remaining in my comfort zone; on the contrary, I am always striving to challenge myself creatively. I’ve been creating music in various forms since I was 11. Along the way I’ve faced a lot of external and internal pressure to "make it" in the industry. However, I've learnt that achieving balance is essential. Balancing progress and innovation while being faithful to my creative vision helps me to achieve fulfillment and delight in my work.
I once supported Oddisee in Brighton a few years back and something he said really stuck with me. “you'll know when you perfect your craft, it's not your peers that validate it nor those that you hold in high esteem.”
What's one useful piece of advice you’d share with other artists?
Never stop learning, and aspire to make sure you work towards having a clear creative vision. With that comes embracing and accepting change.
What’s next for you in 2023?
My main focus this year has actually been finishing music. I’ve got a harddrives worth of unreleased beats and raps which I'm currently working towards getting out into the world. Stay tuned. But for real, I'm trying to create and nurture creative connections with other creatives.
I'll be Dropping RIDING VOL II this year, the first single ‘Lusaka Nights’ is out now!
Find Madaliso on
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