Q+A with Super-Engineer Exit

We recently caught up with Akon's go-to engineer and ATLien Exit for a glimpse into the life of an engineer, working with legends and the benefits of having... no record labels in Atlanta?!?!



1. Let us know who you are, where you're from, accomplishments, etc.

Me? I'm Exit. That's short for DJ Exit. I used to spin, and that's how I got down. Everyone left the floor when I spun. Real talk! Now I'm a freelance engineer with Milk Money Consulting based in Atlanta. I've worked on a lot of big projects, so as far as accomplishments, you can say I've been around the block and done it all.

2. Coming up, what made you want to pursue engineering rather than more publicized roles (ie: vocals, production, staying with the dj thing)?

Engineering was really my calling. I'm a nerd at heart, and a very logical thinker, so the problem solving and methods revolving engineering were more attractive to me. I'm a behind the scenes person. I don't hop in videos, I don't get involved with hype. I'm about being involved with good music. I left DJing for engineering cuz DJing became too much of a hustle in a very saturated market. I was never really that happy doing it. Plus I was on the underground scene, and all the elite attitudes in that backpacker world dragged my positivity down. I fell into a strong camp at D.A.R.P. Studios (Dallas Austin Recording Projects) and never looked back.

3. What's the difference between coming up when you did as opposed to 2008 where everything is ProTools'ed and AutoTuned out?

When I began we were doing everything on two-inch twenty track tape. If you needed more than 24 tracks, we had to make 2 tape machines play together. I think there were more fundamentals put to work back then. These days people think they are engineers because they know something about Protools. I ain't mad at anyone for knowing a little something, but to call yourself an engineer you better be able to do some shit: solder cables, splice tape, repair computers, understand mic placement, understand signal flow.... But the other side of the coin is that in the engineering world you aren't supposed to follow the rules. If you break rules, you innovate. And a lot of the new guys do shit cuz they don't know the "right" way, but they end up teaching me stuff. So, it's an interesting time.

4. Polow Da Don has stated that there are no major labels in Atlanta yet all of hip-hop and r&b's superstars are coming from that area. What gives?

I have a funny take on this: Since there are no major labels based in Atlanta, we have less politicians and industry types roaming around. Because of that I think creativity isn't stifled. People aren't worried about Ron Fair or somebody coming into a session to wave their magic wand of hype and change vibes. Also, Atlanta is real ass place. People do what they do and don't really trip on other people. I think in LA and NYC the industry people are busy trying to keep up with eachother. I may be completely wrong, but I just know in ATL we all love eachother but at the same time could give a flying fuck what the next person is doing.

The other thing is that we had a strong influx of talent come in around 1995 (like me!!) that kind of set a new trend after Dallas and Jermaine's runs. And this new crop kind of opened up the field for everyone. You could get hot tracks, hot songs, from a variety of places, and everyone jumped on board.

5. Your myspace blogs are rather detailed, when's the book coming out?

Oh, you mean my blogs at myspace.com/exit1200? Yeah, I really put some time into them. As far as a book, it's in the works but I think I would like to get a couple more years of blogs in first then take like the 25 strongest and rework them a little. A lot of the blog stuff I don't say names in, cuz it's too close to my projects. But one day, I'll let it all out fasho.

6. Name your weapons of choice when going into the studio.

Red Bull. I think I need rehab for it. Actually, all I need is a good internet connection, Waves SSL 4000 and Renaissance plugins, VocAlign, Autotune, and the temperature at about 80 degrees or above. And no hot beats bein made in cold weather yo!!!



7. You've been rocking with the Konvict Musik crew (Akon, Kardinal Offishall) lately. How'd that come about?

I've known Akon for over 10 years now. We go waaaaaay back to the D.A.R.P. days. He always came around as a producer and worked on stuff. Around that time he was also on Elektra and trying to make "Operations of Nature" pop off. A couple years ago we did a few sessions together while he was starting the "Konvicted" album and he basically said I need to be in all of his sessions. Since then we've worked all over the US, London, Paris, Amsterdam, all over Canada, and a ton of other places. Let me say this about dude: he's one of the nicest and realest people you'll ever meet. If he wasn't, I wouldn't work with him as much because luckily I have a strong enough rep and mgmt team to keep me busy. But I enjoy working with the Dark Prince (a nickname given to him by his DJ) and and happy that we've done so much hot shit the last couple years.

8. Anyone you want to work with that you haven't already?

I worked with some major folks this year, but I definitely would like to work with Lionel Richie again. I would also like to do a session with Quincy Jones. I've worked on stuff that was for him, but I want to work directly with dude. Otherwise I'm just as happy doing an strong indy artist as I am Mary J Blige. As long as the check clears and the cash is green!

9. Grand Groove. Explain.

Until all my legal paperwork is done I can't talk about it... Sorry!!! Believe me I'll hit you back on that!

10. Any future projects we should look out for?

Actually, I would love to plug the Constellations project my boy Ben Allen is doing. He's the guy that recorded and mixed the first Gnarls Barkley. He's a super talented producer that works on a lot of rock and indy stuff, but some of his projects cross into a more eclectic vibe. Constellations is kinda like a Southern US version of the Gorillaz. I can't wait for it to come out. Also, look out for my boy Novel. He's a real talented dude. His album should be coming out soon. And of course I can't forget my man Kardinal Offishall!!! I'm really proud of dude's perseverance. His album is hot to me.

11. Your perfect breakfast?

Breakfast slows me down, but if I must, Focus Vitamin Water and a Greens+ bar.

12. What would you tell someone who wants to be @ your level of prestige or @ least "Paid and Popular"?

Stay out of the hype, surround yourself with positive people, and realize that smart work is always rewarded. It just might not come on the schedule you hope for.

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