Collaborating happens when two or more artists get together to create. Some of the best collaborations have happened when artists from different perspectives musically and stylistically have gotten into the studio with each other. The art of collaborating is an important process to perfect because it can help an artist create groundbreaking, classic music. In this article we will discuss the art of collaborating and different ways you might be able to improve the process
One of the most important things I can do as a music producer is collaborate. Working with a wide range of artist keeps me diverse because it exposes me to different vibes. When thinking about making a track for another artist, I tend to think differently by trying to see from their perspective. For example, the flow and content of the emcees may inspire you to create a totally different sound. Collaborating as a producer is also a good way to grow by getting feedback from those artists in what they are feeling from your production. Certain artists will be pulling different things from the music and it is always good to know what is catching them.
Locksmith & Sol On Collaborating
The following are some Q&A from Sol and Locksmith, two emcees that are consistently doing tight collaborations with other artist and producers:
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Amp Live: What is the best part about collaborating with artist and producers?
Sol: I think the best music comes from collaboration. Creating alone, in a vacuum, we don’t get to bounce our ideas around and build off of anyone else’s energy. Vibing with other artists and producers definitely brings out something new from me and unique to that collaboration.
Locksmith: The best part about collaborating with other artists or producers is being able to exchange ideas. Naturally you can only imagine what another person is thinking but to actually have them tell you what they’re thinking only gives you more insight into their world. Which in turn broadens your perspective.
Amp Live: Is it easier to collab with another emcee or another producer?
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Sol: For me it is easier to work with a producer than another emcee. I have a lot of musical ideas but I don’t know how to use the software or play instruments very well so having someone who has mastered that side of things is essential to creating something. I like to work from scratch so I’m usually in the room with my producers from start to finish.
Locksmith: It’s all about vibes. If both parties are open to each other’s ideas and value one another’s opinion, it’s absolutely easier.
Amp Live: What makes is hard to work with someone?
Sol: Ego. If you don’t have trust and communication with the people you work with then it becomes really hard to push each other to make the best music you possibly can. Healthy collaborative relationships need artists to critique and challenge each other every step of the way without having to worry about hurting people’s feelings.
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Locksmith: Well, everyone is different. When collaborating you have to understand that. Just because someone doesn’t work the way you do doesn’t mean they’re wrong. It’s just different. You have to be flexible to some extent. If neither party is flexible it could be more difficult.
Amp Live: As an emcee, what are your best tips to collaborating with other emcees?
Sol: I think collaborating with other emcees is a great chance to get competitive in a certain way. Use that emcee’s energy and flow to push you to kill your approach even more.
Locksmith: The best tip when collaborating with other artists is to just be respectful and flexible. Embrace others and their ideas. Make them feel comfortable and they’ll be comfortable with you. That usually creates the best outcome.
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Amp Live: What is the best collaboration album you have heard?
Sol: Probably Reflection Eternal or Black Star. In both cases, the artists brought out the best in each other and complimented each other perfectly.
Locksmith: Of the top of my head… One of my favorite collaboration albums is probably Jay Z and R. Kelly’s Best Of Both Worlds. It was really different at the time. I also really liked Nas and Damian Marley’s project, Distant Relatives.
Amp Live: Is it important for producers to collaborate with other producers?
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Sol: For sure. I feel like that’s a super easy way to learn new approaches and little tricks of the trade.
Locksmith: I think producers collaborating can only enhance their sound and expand their creative boundaries. At some point you have to venture off and feed off of other ideas.
If you haven’t collaborated with any other artist yet, I strongly suggest you try to do so. Maybe find another artist that shares the same message as you. Also maybe find an artist you feel may compliment or elevate your sound. Just remember to stay open to new ideas and new opinions, because you never know what will happen when great minds come together.
On to reader questions from Everything You Need To Know Before Going On Tour…
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Reader Questions
“Hey whats up Amp? How do you choose what controller you use on stage and what controller you use in your studio?” – Jamarie Q
Hey Jamarie, thanks for asking the question. In the studio I usually use a keyboard controller. I won’t be specific with any names, but the brand changes from time-to-time. I use a keyboard because it is easier to play melodies on it versus using drum machine pads. On stage I use the opposite. I like to play beats live so drum pads fit a lot better. Thanks again!
Amp Live is one half of the Bay Area’s Zion I crew. For the past 15 years, the producer-slash-deejay has performed all over the world as part of Zion I as well as a solo artist. Follow him on Twitter @AmpLive. Submit questions to AskAmpLive@HipHopDX.com.
