Q+A with Dot Da Genius

In true PxP style, we had to sit down with up and coming producer Dot Da Genius. Showcasing fresh talent and watching them grow into future hitmakers and industry movers is part of what being Paid & Popular is about.

Watch and learn.

L-R: Dot Da Genius, Kid Cudi
1. Out of everything you could've been doing, why choose a crowded field like music production?



I love music, and my dad loves music just as much. He always wanted to play an instrument but didn't have the opportunity to, so he just made me and my siblings go to music school. I didn't really get into making my own music until freshman year in engineering school. My roommate actually produced techno music and he gave me the cracked version of fruity loops. Since then it's just really become an obsession.



2. Breakdown your current production setup.



I have the Korg Triton LE workstation, Yamaha motif, MV 8000 and the Novation synthesizer. I sometimes use fruity loops and reason too. I also have various virtual synthesizers.



3. How did you meet Kid Cudi?



We were introduced to each other through a mutual friend. He came to my studio and we worked on a couple of joints and the chemistry was crazy. We've been working on music ever since.



4. "Day & Night" is picking up steam single-wise yet it doesn't sound like the usual NYC mixtape track or southern club banger. Why go for a "stoner" feel instead of going straight pop?



Whenever me and Cudi get in the studio we try to make our own sound. Cudi especially is conscience of the music he makes, he tries not to listen to what's current so his ideas are all his. He came to me with the idea of the track and I just put the beat together.



5. Sampling in 2008. Good move or bad idea?



I do both, but I really try and chop the sample up so it isn't really recognizable. The majority of my beats are original though. I would say making original beats is a lot more rewarding and it also shows more creativity. I don't knock any producer that samples though; sometimes the only way to get a certain feel to a track is to use a sample.



6. Getting back to Kid Cudi, how does Fool's Gold and G.O.O.D. Music play a role in both his and your careers?



Fools Gold is the label ran by A-Trak who is Kanye's DJ. It just so happens that Cudi's manager is Plain Pat, who is Kanye's A&R. So there definitely is a G.O.O.D. Music affiliation. The affiliation definitely helps Cudi and Pat having the industry affiliations he has gives me the heads up on possible album placements.



7. As long as we're talking about careers, what's the next move for Dot Da Genius? Are we only going to hear your work on Kid Cudi songs or can we expect Mariah Cary duets and co-production duties with Akon featuring T-Pain?



Well I'm handling a major portion of production responsibilities on Cudi's album, but I'm also getting my music heard by the right people who have taken interest. So definitely expect major placements this year.



8. Take us through the beatmaking process Dot-style.



I would definitely say I'm more melody based then percussion, but that changes depending on how I feel. Usually I like to come up with a solid melody or an interesting sound and build my drums around it. If I sample, I start with the sample and build around it. I like to make a track so that if I remove the sample the track still feels complete, so I tend to do a lot of layering on my sampled tracks.



9. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to be "Paid and Popular" like you?



When I first started making music seriously I thought it would be an overnight success story. That is the story for some producers but to be a complete producer it takes years of working and perfecting your craft. I've been doing this for about 5 years and things are now just starting to pick up. Don't feel the rush to be successful right away. Take your time and make sure you really understand the art of making music and making a solid record. Most importantly keep yourself surrounded by people that believe in you and that have positive energy. There are so many people that destroy people's dreams with their words. Get those kind of people out of your circle cause that can only bring you down.



10. Plugs, shout-outs?



Shouts to my whole Headbanga Family, JR, Lex, Eva. Cudi's EP dropped on itunes on Feb 5th so go out and support it, look out for the album which should be dropping this year fourth quarter. Also stop by myspace.com/headbangamuzikgroup any artists that are tryna get their career moving holla at me!