Staying in northern Cali, I have to talk about indie HipHop producer “Stix.” He’s a classically trained pianist who KNOWS HipHop, and KNOWS how a HipHop track should sound. Because of his trained ear, many indie and mainstream artists alike go to him for production on their projects. Bay Area artists such as Too Short, B-Legit, and Keak da Sneak, have graced their vocals on Stix’s tracks.

The 31-year-old single father was classically trained at eight years old, and has been making Hip Hop beats since 13. This applied background gives him a wide range of tracks for any fans’ or artists’ tastes, from underground, mainstream, soulful, Hyphy, gangster or conscious. Stix took some time out to answer questions, giving us more info on his style.

THAAHUM: What is your opinion of the HipHop beats that are out today?

STIX: I think the beats are sounding better today than they’ve ever sounded. Hip hop keeps getting more versatile, from beats like Timberland’s to the chopped & screwed sound to the hyphy movement, there’s a lot more choices nowadays. That’s why hip hop’s bigger than ever. I think the lyrics were deeper in the old school, definitely sent a better message, but we’re talking about beats here.

THAAHUM: What style of tracks do you like to make?

STIX: The kind that get radio play.

THAAHUM: Who are your influences?

STIX: I’m influenced by the current sound. My job is to make hot production, so I have to be aware of trends and give the artists I work with the best shot at getting radio play. I can’t let my sound get dated – that’s when producers start showing their age.

THAAHUM: As far as producing goes, what are your long term goals and ambitions?

STIX: In 10 years I’ll still be in the studio. I know hip hop isn’t going anywhere. That’s the good thing about producing – you could be 60 and no one’s going to care, as long as the beat is hot.

THAAHUM: Where do you draw your inspiration from?

STIX: Sometimes I’ll hear something totally new and inventive on the radio and that’ll inspire me. Sometimes inspiration comes out of nowhere. It’s hard to pinpoint.

THAAHUM: What type of equipment do you like to use, and why?

STIX: When it comes to sounds, the sky’s the limit. I have a phantom, a motif, an ASR sampler, a Roland 8080, a trinity, and a Mo Phatt (these are all keyboards). Sounds are where it’s at. From the kick to the snare to the synth. You got to have the right sounds in hip hop.

THAAHUM: What makes your style different from other producers?

STIX: I think I have a different perspective from some producers because music didn’t start with making beats for me. I’ve been playing piano since I was eight. I’m still influenced by Chopin, Beethoven, Brahms & others. They had some gangsta azz music.

THAAHUM: Many hip hop fans only like tracks where sampling or live instrumentation is used. What do you say to folks who prefer sampling over using keyboards? Is one better than the other?

STIX: Sampling is good, but keyboards can still capture good sounds. Technology is getting better where keyboard sounds are sounding more authentic. Piano sounds on a keyboard sound just like a real piano. It is like using CGI for movies – just enough can enhance the film, but too much can make the film look too fake.

For more information and to check out sample tracks go to www.stixinthemix.com, and www.myspace.com/stixinthemix

-Copyright 2007 Keneteph Entertainment

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