The Airbit FreeGame Producers Podcast

On this episode of the podcast WLPWR and Brian Onrea once again discuss the happenings in the world of music production and business. Drake dominates the Billboard Music Awards and has been on the Hot 100 list every week for the past 8 years. Do great albums really matter anymore if you can create consecutive great moments? New music releases from Bryson Tiller, Snoop Dogg, Gucci Mane, etc Is the constant attention to drug use in music (Prescription pills, cough syrup) bad for hip hop? Discussion Topic: Mental Health in the Music Industry. What are the causes for depression, stress, and anxiety? What are the coping mechanisms besides drugs? Follow us: @WLPWR @FreeGamePodcast @BrianOnrea

On this episode of the Free Game Producer Podcast WLPWR and Brian Onrea catch up what’s going on in the music and business world. They discuss: The progress on the WLPWR / 808 Supply Co. / Grey Matter Collective facility buildout and fundraising activities. (check the link in @WLPWR IG bio) This has been a great year for album releases Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN platinum already and Logic sells 250k in his first week Is K.Dot’s DAMN actually 2 albums? The ongoing battle of new school rap verses old school rap surfaces again with attacks on Lil Uzi Vert and Lil Yachty (is there some hypocrisy going on?) Forbes Magazine released it's top 5 Riches people in hip hop. The race to become rap's first billionaire is heating up! LA Reid out at Epic/Sony. Was he a great executive? What should his next move be? Today’s Discussion Topic: What is your budget? As a producer, what should you charge for your beats? Is it ok to charge different prices to different types of clients? Example: Difference between what a major label pays, versus an independent label versus an independent artist with funding versus a self funded independent artist Is it ok to ask what is the budget of a potential client? Charging up-front fees versus getting paid on the back end (royalties and publishing) Thanks again for listening! Please share with anyone and everyone whom you feel would benefit from this FREE GAME! Follow us: @WLPWR @FreeGamePodcast @BrianOnrea

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea interview Grammy Winning, multi-platinum producer Symbolyc One aka S1 (Kanye West, Beyonce, Eminem, The Game, Madonna Drake, etc). They discussed: His musical influences growing up in Waco, Texas His early work as an artist working with The Strange Fruit Project Working with independent artist like Little Brother, Rhymefest and Braille The role that his personal faith plays in his career How a key decision he made with Rhymefest led to him producing “Power” for Kanye West How life changed for him after working with Kanye West What it was like producing for Beyonce (Best Thing I Never Had) Watching his son become a producer in the industry with multiple placements His family approach to his business His recent placements with Drake, Future, and Cyhi The Prince What advice he would give to up and coming producers facing challenges getting into the industry What to expect in the near future from S1 Follow S1 @symbolycone Also discussed this episode: WLPWR’s trip to LA to work with Travis Barker Recent new music releases including Kendrick Lamar’s new album Damn (on pace to sell over 500k with sales plus streaming) Prince’s music catalog deal with Universal Music Group possibly falling through? Coachella and other music festivals are well under way Follow us! @FreeGamePodcast @WLPWR @BrianOnrea

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea speak with Producer, artist, electronic musician, composer, DJ, remixer, and two-time Grammy nominee Carmen Rizzo. Carmen has had a very eclectic career, from writing, engineering and programming on Seal’s classic album Seal 2 to producing and writing for Paul Oakenfold’s Bunka album, and from collaborating with Tuvan throat singers Huun Huur Tu to co-founding the groundbreaking world music/electronic act Niyaz (whose three albums all debuted at #1 on the iTunes world music chart). Carmen is a frequent fixture in album credits, working with such artists as Coldplay, Seal, Perry Farrell, Alanis Morissette, Dido, Jem, AR Rahman, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Khaled, Michael Nyman, and Pete Townshend, as well as with record producers Trevor Horn, Rob Cavallo, David Foster and Marius De Vries. He has recorded all over the world, from Abbey Road studios (UK) and Studio Plus XXX (Paris) to Record Plant (L.A.) and Studio 301 (Australia), among others. As a composer, he is represented by the William Morris Agency. In addition to scoring films for acclaimed director Michael Apted, he composed the score for the forthcoming film Perfect Sisters with Oscar-nominated actress Abigail Breslin and Oscar-winner Mira Sorvino, as well as the end title for the acclaimed videogame Uncharted 2. As a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS – the Grammys), Carmen has served on the board of Governors & Trustees and on the Producer & Engineering Advisory Board. In 2005, he co-wrote and introduced the new category Best Electronic Album, as well as writing technical Grammys for Apple and Roger Linn. Carmen has lectured and spoken about music at such institutions as a TED convention, the Berklee School of Music, USC, UCLA, Los Angeles Film School, and the University of Audiovisual Arts – European Film Academy ESRA, in Skopje, Macedonia. On this episode he discusses Growing up in California and his musical influences Learning production and audio engineering at night while being a janitor in a music studio during the day How he developed relationships with artists like Coldplay, Alanis Morissette and Seal How he initially got into electronic and world music How he got into DJ’ing Releasing his own successful solo albums as a way to promote his production Forming the group Niyaz and traveling the world performing with them His experience being on the board at the Grammys and what his thought are on the current music industry and awards process His advice for up and coming producers and engineers What’s next for Carmen Rizzo Keep up with Carmen Rizzo! www.carmenrizzo.com @carmenrizzo Also discussed this week: The death of Roland founder and TR-808 creator Ikutaro Kakehasi RIP to West Coast hip hop pioneer LA Dre New music released from Kendrick Lamar, Kodak Black, Young Dolph and Freddie Gibbs Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo being the first streaming only release be certified platinum by the RIAA Universal Music Group and Spotify reach a long term deal This weeks podcast also includes a Vybe Tec segment with Multi Platinum engineer Matt Hayes. For more information on engineering courses offered by Matt, look him up at: www.udemy.com Follow us: @FreeGamePodcast @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @MillionDollarMateo

Episode 50 On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea interview super dope producer Sonny Digital. Sonny exploded on the scene in 2011 producing the song Racks for YC. He has produced hits for 2 Chainz (Birthday Song), ILoveMekkonen (Tuesday), Future (Same Damn Time) and 50 Cent (I’m the Man) In addition he’s made bangers from a who’s who in urban music including Juicy Jay, Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Wale, 21 Savage, and Gucci Mane among many others. In this interview he discusses: Being born in Michigan but growing up in Atlanta and what his musical influences were Being a rapper first and how that led him to make beats and produce Breaking into the industry producing the gold selling hit “Racks” for Atlanta rapper YC The story behind 2 Chainz “Birthday Song” and his history with him and Gorilla Zoe The story behind 50 Cent’s “I’m the Man” and the role that played in resparking 50’s music buzz His ambitions as a rapper and his dope 2016 EP G.O.A.T The role he played in the careers of many successful Atlanta artists including 21 Savage (Sonny produced his Free Guwop mixtape) Does he get the credit he deserves? How he stays humble What we can expect from him in the near future Follow Sonny Digital @SonnyDigital Also discussed this episode: New things popping with The Grey Matter Collective including news on Sky Morales, Eric Biddines, Laura Reed and Milk n Sizz Go to xxl.com and vote for Eric Biddines to be a 2017 XXL Freshman Drake sets a Billboard Streaming Song charts record New Music releases from Kendrick Lamar, Trey Songz, Raekwon, and Mike Will Please subscribe and share this podcast! Follow us! @freegamepodcast @WLPWR @BrianOnrea

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea chop it up with audio engineer, videographer and studio owner Amond “AJ” Jackson. This was recorded live in the studio that he owns, Salem Psalms in Atlanta. Salem Psalms is a full service studio and has been a destination for true hip hop royalty in Atlanta. In this interview AJ drops a lot of free game about building a career in the music business from the ground up. This discussion includes: Growing up in the New England area and his musical influences How he got into producing and engineering What brought him to Atlanta The concept behind Salem Palms and building the studio by hand Getting heavyweights like Phife Dog from A tribe Called Quest and Alchemist to come work Challenges in owning a full service recording studio His advice for artists and producers in having great working relationships with studios Follow AJ and Salem Psalms @AmondJackson @Salempsalms Also discussed this episode: Rest in Peace Chuck Berry: his impact on modern music is highly overrated New music releases from Rick Ross and Drake Rick Ross versus Birdman/Cash Money Is it a good idea to take sides in music industry disputes? Is Chance The Rapper really independent with $500,000 financing from Apple? Taylor Swift launching her own streaming service...good idea? If you find this podcast beneficial, please subscribe, rate, and share! Follow us: @FreeGamePodcast @WLPWR @BrianOnrea

On this episode, WLPWR and Brian Onrea interview multi-platinum, Grammy nominated producer Syksense (Drake, Bryson Tiller, MGK, etc). They discuss: His musical influences growing up in Nashville, Tennessee The hip-hop production scene in Nashville Getting discovered by super-producer Boi-1da at a beat battle The concept of being patient while being signed as a producer (it doesn’t happen overnight even after you get signed!) How developing a genuine relationship with Bryson Tiller while they were both unknown paid dividends years later The process of co-producing with Boi-1da His work on the new “American Teen” project from emerging artist Khalid What we can expect in the near future Follow SykSense @syksense Also discussed this episode: WLPWR/Grey Matter Collective moves into a new facility! Nicki Minaj releases 3 new songs Was the beat for Nas’ Ether dope? Lex Luger vs 808 Mafia & Metro Boomin Who are the Godfathers of Trap Beats/Production Mainstream Producer Battles Thanks for listening! Please comment, rate, and share! Follow us! @FreeGamePodcast @WLPWR @BrianOnrea

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea talk with producer Edsclusive. Coming straight out of Miami by way of New Orleans, Edsclusive had a break out year in 2016, producing the hit records All The Way Up (Fat Joe/Remy Ma) and Holy Key (DJ Khaled/Big Sean/Kendrick Lamar/Betty White). He is now Grammy nominated and multi-platinum! During this dope interview he discusses: His musical experiences growing up in both New Orleans and Miami How he linked up with Cool and Dre Meeting Fat Joe and how that changed the course of his production career (he shares a cool story) How the “All the Way Up” and “Spaghetti” came about for the Plata O Plomo album His approach to producing a record in terms of sampling or not sampling (he does both) How he came up with “Holy Key” for DJ Khaled His experience at the Grammys and what it meant to him His move to LA and what his future plans are His advice for up and coming talented producers Follow Edsclusive @edsclusive Also discussed this episode: Reaction from our first video recorded podcast with Isaac Hayes III The passing of Clyde “The Funky Drummer” Stublefield and Leon Ware New projects released from Fat Joe/Remy Ma and Future Remy Ms vs. Nicki Minaj Follow us! @FreeGamePodcast @WLPWR @BrianOnrea

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea welcome producer, songwriter, entrepreneur and voice over actor Isaac Hayes III to the show, live in studio! The son of the legendary Isaac Hayes, “Ike Dirty” has produced and composed records for Lil Scrappy, The Ying Yang Twins, Ruff Ryders, Too Short, Kurupt, and Redman among others. He also has music licensed in a variety of television shows, commercials and movie trailers in addition to lending his voice to several television spots for voice overs. If you think this is a lot, Ike also manages the estate of his father and is responsible for hundreds of unreleased Isaac Hayes records! There was a lot of free game discussed this lengthy episode. They discussed. The passing of Al Jerreau The winners and losers at Grammy Awards What the Chance The Rappers winning multiple Grammys mean for independent artists? Should artists and producers campaign for their music to win? The state of black/urban music Isaac Hayes III breaks down: Gems from his production career including how he came up with “Money In The Bank” for Lil Scrappy? How he got into the music licensing game and got so many placements on television How he obtained hundreds of his late father’s master recordings and what his plans are with them Marketing and promoting the Isaac Hayes brand to a new generation You want to press play on the episode ASAP and thank us later! Follow Isaac Hayes III @isaachayes3 @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast Our Beat Break Features a Song By Adrian Marcel ( @adrianmarcel510 ). Prod by WLPWR

On this Episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea welcome Producer/Engineer/Songwriter Chad “C-Note” Roper to the show. A Milwaukee native. C-Note earned a Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemical Industrial Engineering from Florida A & M University, where he met another Milwaukee native named Rico Love. He got his start engineering & vocal producing for Rico Love in 2005. Within his premiere year, Roper diligently worked with some of the music industries most wanted artists and producers including Jamie Foxx, Pleasure P, Michelle Williams, John Legend, Estelle, Nas, The Backstreet Boys, just to name a few. In 2011, he was nominated for his first Grammy for work done on Rihanna's Loud album. C-Note continues to work with the biggest names in the industry as well as dozens of independent artists every year. On this episode he talks about: His influences growing up in Milwaukee (Clark Sisters, Jodeci, Quincy Jones, etc) Learning how to arrange/produce vocals by singing in church Getting his foot in door through audio engineering and learning an early version of pro tools as a teenager The process of bringing together Developing a close relationship with Rico Love on road trips from Tallahassee, Florida to Atlanta while in college Working as a math teacher in Milwaukee during the week and flying to Atlanta every weekend to work on demos Getting his first industry paycheck from Jamie Foxx directly (cool story) How graduating from college helped him develop his consistency and work ethic The importance of keeping his work under wraps until it’s actually released His advice for up and comers in the music industry and where to begin “Treat the janitor like he’s the CEO, he just might be the CEO one day” Follow C-Note @chadcnoteroper www.bigsoundmusick.com Also discussed in this episode: Free Game takeaways from Super Bowl 51 (Never give up and Don’t get too comfortable) New music this week from Big Sean, Syd, Prodigy, and Slim Thug Music Publishing Basics What does a music publisher do? The functional differences between record labels, music publishers, and performance rights organizations. Who are the top music publishers by market share Benefits of a publishing deal Follow us: @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast www.freegameeveryday.com

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea interview multi-platinum songwriter Al Sherrod Lambert aka A-Rod. Lambert has written hit records for Jamie Foxx, Fantashia, Mary J Blige, Ariana Grande among others. In this very inspirational discussion he talks about: Growing up in Newark, New Jersey and beginning to come up with songs at the age of 4 His musical heritage (grandfather sang with Sam Cook) Growing up in the church and initially singing gospel. Graduating from college and eventually leaving his 9-5 job to pursue music full time (what do you do when you’re working a job that you’re not enthused about and want to do music full time?) Receiving his first big break working with Jamie Foxx on the Best Night of My Life project (Jumping on a plane to LA, being in the right place at the right time and playing your role) The amazing story of how Ariana Grande’s breakout song “The Way” almost never happened. (She hand-picked the song and murdered it!) What it takes to properly produce and roll out a record as a new artist Follow A-Rod @welcometotheav www.welcometotheav.com Also discussed in this episode: The Success of the New Edition movie and what this means for future movies being made about successful recording artists from the 80s and 90s Some of the issues that came up in the movie like recording contracts, production deals, and how to gain leverage as a newbie in the business. New music released this week from Migos, Bell Biv Devoe, Keishia Cole, Kehlani and Eric Biddness Follow us: @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea talk with Atlanta music staple and Producer DJ Burn One. They discuss: His musical influences growing up in Atlanta Getting his start DJ’ing while working in Supersounds record shop as a teen How he got the name “Burn One” How developing the right relationships helped break him into the industry Early stories of working with a young Gucci Mane and watching him blow up Forming his Five Points Music Group and what to expect from him in the near future Follow DJ Burn One: @djburnone Also discussed this episode: Streaming War update: Sprint buys ⅓ of Tidal! Why do artist still put out free mixtapes? Breaking down the producer/musician relationship and what is “work for hire” Follow us, subscribe and share! @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea talk with Kato the Producer (Dizzy Wright, Jerren Benton, Roscoe Dash, etc.) They discuss: His musical influences growing up in Virginia His brief stint as a childhood actor How he started producing music Moving to Atlanta and immersing himself in the music scene Getting signed with Funk Volume Records and working closely with Jerren Benton Starting his company NastyTrax and what his future plans are Follow Kato: @KatoProducer Also discussed this episode: WLPWR and Brian Onrea attended the Atlanta City Council vote on the proposed Sound Studio ordinance New Music released this week from Nick Grant, PnBRock, and Scotty ATL Drake and Future setting the records for highest grossing hip hop tour and how that compares to the music industry’s overall tour numbers Follow us: @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast

On this episode WLPWR and Brian Onrea welcome in-studio guests MILK+SIZZ. The Grammy award winning, husband/wife, songwriting and production team give an amazingly inspirational interview. They discuss: Growing up in different parts of New Jersey respectively and what their influences were Their unique individual stories of how they broke into the music industry How they randomly (or not so randomly) met in an airport Working on the Wisin vs. Yandel: Los Extraterrestres project that led to both American and Latin Grammy awards Their work in the sync licensing for various television projects The dynamic of working as a husband and wife team Their take on when to be diplomatic verses when to stand your ground in the industry Diversifying into business ventures outside of music What’s next for the duo Follow MILK+SIZZ @MilknSizz Also discussed this episode: WLPWR and Brian Onrea congratulate the Clemson Tigers and have a little sports talk New releases for the week (Audio Push mixtape, etc) Salute to President Barak Obama The importance of super-producer Pharrell Williams producing the movie/music for the film “Hidden Figures” Follow us! @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast

Happy New Year! On the first episode of 2017 WLPWR and Brian Onrea welcome Grammy Nominated, multi-platinum MMG (Maybach Music Group) producer Beat Billionaire on the show. They discuss: Growing up in Virginia and what his early musical influences were How he got into producing music How establishing relationships helped him break into the industry How he specifically linked up with MMG Producing hit records like MMG “Bag of Money” and the Rick Ross hit “Purple Lamborghini” The appreciation that he has for Rick Ross and how he’s impacted his career His up and coming artists from his new Billion Dollar Market company Follow Beat Billionaire: @BeatBillionaire @BillionDollarMarket Also discussed on this episode: New releases on Christmas and New Year's Day (Run the Jewels, Tory Lanez, etc) All producer sound packs aren’t created equal! Mariah Carey’s New Year's Eve performance More of what to expect from the podcast in 2017 Follow us on all social media platforms! @WLPWR @BrianOnrea @FreeGamePodcast If you find this podcast beneficial please rate, comment, and share!!