The Producer from Cali
A note for Roy: The Roy Dean!! First off I want to thank you for being apart of this special segment on my website! You're such a cool ass person and so down to earth, I love it! You have a light about you that is very inviting and it makes people want to connect with you. Please, keep this light about yourself always because it's what sets you apart from so many other people. You have such talent both lyrically and musically and I am so excited to see where life takes you in the near future! Now lets get into this interview!
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born & raised in San Diego, CA. North County SD, to be exact. True SoCal guy 😎🌴
When you were growing up did you always want to be a producer/artist? If not, what was your dream as a youngin’?
When I was growing up, I was heavily involved in sports actually. I played Baseball & Basketball from a very young age, and that was my childhood dream – being an athlete. I even played basketball in college for a while. It wasn’t until I reached my teenage years that I started getting interested in creating music.
What is your favorite childhood memory that involved music?
I would probably say my Dad playing piano during the holidays. I specifically remember one year, for Christmas, a family friend gave us a Casio keyboard as a gift for the family (well…my Dad really ha). My Dad can play the piano like a champ which is probably where I get a lot of my musical influence from. He loved jazz & blues music as well, so I always remember being around and hearing that kind of stuff as a kid and being like, “damn, this is groovy!”
What was the first song/beat you heard that made you fall in love with music?
So many, kind of hard to choose but just overall music (no specific genre) that captivated me super young was actually Phil Collins – ‘Coming in the Air’… My mom played it for me for the first time & even before I knew the story behind that song, I could feel the ‘specialness’ & the power behind it. You can hear the emotion seeping through that record to this day. Everything about that song is epic ASF!!
What inspired you to become a producer? Where did your love and passion for creating a timeless melody come from?
I would again say probably my Pops & watching him/listening to him play the keys.
Going back to that keyboard we got for Christmas, I started to mess around with it here and there when he wasn’t using it. After experimenting with all the different sounds/instruments that you could load up on that keyboard, I was super intrigued.
You have to understand too that I was kind of a ‘latch-key-kid’ growing up. Both of my parents worked really hard and long hours so I would have a lot of free time to entertain myself after school and whatnot. I started to watch a lot of MTV, BET (hell yea I did! haha), and started getting into all the music videos and hottest songs that were out. I really gravitated to the music, specifically the beats/melodies in those songs, and then I’d go back to that Casio and try to recreate them. After a couple of months, I figured out you could sequence tracks on that keyboard too! You only had (3) tracks to work with (It was kind of a piece of shit ha), but I started coming up with my own little riffs and whatnot … adding bass, adding drums, etc. It was a WRAP after that … I was hooked!
What type of style do you think you’ve incorporated into your craft that derives from the places and/or people that raised you that sets you apart from others in this industry?
That’s a really good question. I would say first and foremost, where I’m from. Being from Southern California, there’s a very rich culture and history, especially within the music. Cali music (hip hop specifically) definitely has a distinctive sound/vibe that is prevalent in what I do – I’m very chill & laid back for the most part, and that definitely comes across in what I create.
Secondly, I’d have to once again go back to my Dad’s musical influences and tastes. As mentioned, him being into Jazz & Blues really put me on game to different musicians, sounds and grooves. Outside of Hip-Hop, Jazz is my favorite genre. I still sample a lot of stuff too – older jazz music, blues, soul, funk … even more obscure foreign stuff. So sometimes you’ll hear unique/vintage sounds in my beats mixed with that new-skool bounce. It’s a little different but that’s what I feel makes my stuff a little more unique.
Think back to the first song and or beat that you ever created and put out for the world to hear. Were you nervous? And if so, how did the feedback you received change your confidence?
Hell yea I was nervous, I was trash at first! haha I remember when I first start rapping, like really taking it seriously as an artist - writing, actually recording, stacking, doing doubles, etc … I HATED my voice so much that I’d intentionally try to make it sound edgier and it was just not good haha … To be honest, I really took me about 5 years to ‘find my voice’ but that certainly didn’t deter me. I think naturally as artists, we’re sensitive about our stuff, but there are a few people in my life whom I extremely value their feedback. I’ve listened to them, applied it & just did my own thing, and for the most part, I’ve been pretty good 💯
I've gone through your beat catalog and man let me tell you, I am thoroughly impressed! I love listening to beats. Sometimes I’ll go days without listening to music with the lyrics behind it and I’ll just listen to straight beats all day and night. I love your catalog! If I had to choose 3, I would choose Golden, Cadillac, and Soul Power. What is your absolute favorite beat you’ve put out and why is this one your favorite?
My beats are my babies haha … and I make a lot of ‘em haha so I honestly can’t choose a favorite. Shiiit, I don’t even really remember some of them … Sometimes I’ll go into my new beat folder on my hard drive and be like “when TF did I make this???” hahah … I will say one of my favorite songs I’ve produced was called “War Music” by an artist out of NYC named Diabolic. He was signed to Immortal Technique. If you know Underground Hip Hop, Immortal Technique is arguably at the tip top of the list in terms of success and notoriety. He even told me he was a fan of my sound which was pretty cool 😎
One of the songs I listened to of yours called “Progress” I can highly relate to, especially right now in this time in my life. I mean, if I had to choose a theme song for my life right now, this one would be at the top of my list. What inspired this song for you? In other words, what were you going through in life during the time you wrote this song?
A bunch of shit honestly - family stuff, money stuff, relationship stuff, losing friends, I was all over the place … & literally moving all over the place … different spots, different states … I was just trying to figure everything out. Sometimes we forget to pat ourselves on the back though. I’m horrible at that! But I just had to step back and tell myself “dude, you’re good .. at the end of the day, still your progressing, you’re getting better, you didn’t quit, you’re still here man” … that’s a W for me, I don’t care what anyone says. 💯
If I had to choose a song and video from your catalog it would have to be “The Guarantee” hands down. I love how short and sweet the song is but also packed depth and bars for days. You really are a gem out here, Roy! What would you say would be your favorite video you’ve made to date and why?
Thank you so much 🥲 .. Yea, that was a good one for sure and came out super dope. I wanted to highlight the artistry in the city of Las Vegas where I live now and match that up with the subject of what I was talking about – ups & downs of being an artist, chasing the dream & whatnot. My personal pick for my favorite video is “Key 2 Life”. My guy SyberianTyger who is a dope ass videographer friend of mine from SoCal shot that & I edited it. I actually edit all my videos. The reason Key 2 Life is my favorite is becuase it features a good friend of mine & artist ‘Truth’. We grew up together in San Diego. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2020, and I actually constructed that song from an old unreleased recording we did back in like 2010! I made an entirely new beat out of his acapella. Wrote my verse, did the hook and it fit perfectly! The last thing he said in his verse was “…Key 2 Life” so I thought it was only appropriate to go with that ya know?!
Obviously, he couldn’t be there for the actual video shoot but I superimposed some old clips of him rapping his ass off and placed them on the moving pictures on the wall, old TVs, etc. It’s a super trippy, super HARD-ass song. You gotta check it out!
Truth’ was the illest, most nastiest freestyle rapper I ever met in my life & he FREESTYLED EVERYTHING … 100% off top … CRAZY TALENTED! & he was coming for necks every time he spit a verse so I wanted to do a super cool, hard-ass, trippy video to match his energy. He loved that kind of stuff so I know he would have bugged out over it 🎤🙏🏻😇
I see that you have more than a few projects out and dating back to 2010. From “The Big Kid Project” to “Nobody Cares”, how would you say you’ve grown musically and personally? What changes have you made to perfect your craft just from having experience with creating music overtime?
I would say, honestly, I just grew up and experienced more life. I know that’s not the sexiest answer, but it’s true. You think you know shit when your 21-22 (that’s when I put my first solo project out), and you might, no doubt … but I guarantee you’re going to know MORE at 30 – 31 etc, and that’s just a fact … It’s not about old-head vs young-head, etc … You are simply going to go through more shit and grow and find out who you really are.
What I have done to perfect my craft over the years is really learn my workstation. I use FL Studio and can operate that bitch in my sleep! I have the FL Studio Logo tattooed on my arm … it’s serious over here haha … But for real, I really learned the program, learned the software ya know ?!?! Studied, watched hella tutorials. I learned how to mix & master on YouTube and added that to the tool belt. Video Editing as I mentioned earlier. I’ve just added more tools.
The other thing I’ve done too though is remained super open-minded to new technology, the new generation & new ways of doing things. Never have I ever been stuck in my ways. I make old-school beats, underground stuff, R&B, Trap. Shiiiit, I even produced Yoga music for this instructional video one time haha … I said in a line “You can get with the times or get left in the dust” it’s kind of true.
What was the most challenging thing you’ve faced so far in your career and how did you overcome that?
The most challenging thing I face is omnipresent. It’s not one specific incident or one specific thing. It’s something I’ve always struggled with & that’s the fear of the future, the fear of the unknown. I have a hard time with this, not going to lie.
I’ve been seriously creating and producing music going on 14 years now. I’ve accomplished so much and connected with so many people, met so many lifelong friends through this shit , produced for major artists, got 10s of thousands of streams on my own songs, learned all this stuff … but I still find myself saying … “What are doing with this?” and more recently “How long are you going to keep doing this?” I guess that’s just part of the game … I really do love this though … Music changed my life, and I don’t think I could ever just stop … I’m going be jamming out when I’m 60 like “This shit slaps youngblood, you don’t know shit!” 😂😂😂
What are your thoughts on the direction in which music is going? Hip Hop specifically, and is there a change you’d like to see in the future?
Very subjective question ha … Here’s my thing, I don’t hate the current state of Hip-Hop … There is still something for everyone no matter what sub-genre you are into … My personal favorite style of rap is that lyrical-miracle-spiritual (haha) Boom Bap, vintage Hip Hop vibe but, I’m honestly all over the palce with my shit at the same time ha … I listen to everything from Rakim – Juice Wrld … there are so many more flavors nowadays… you just gotta choose the one you like best or at least try a few … just cuz ‘purple’ is your favorite doesn’t mean ‘orange’ slaps any less ya know?! 🤪
Would you say you have more fun making beats or writing music? And which one of these are your go to when you’re feeling down and need to escape and put your feelings/energy to good use and create?
BEATS, I tell people all the time, I’m a producer first & foremost! That’s numero uno and my first love. I actually didn’t start writing and doing the artist thing until several years after I started making beats & working with other musicians.
I love writing & recording music though, don’t get me wrong. It’s a different mental exercise/outlet than sitting in front of a computer and cooking up a beat or whatever.
It’s made me a better producer as well. I can connect with artists better because I know how they do things. I’ll hear something they might not cuz I know what it’s like to lay a verse 17 times until it sounds perfect … Stacking hooks, ad-libs, and stuff like that … I can hear way better now because I do it myself.
When you hit creative blocks, what are some things you do to get your creative juices flowing again?
It used to be, smoke hella weed, take a couple shots of tequila, go to the club, buy dumb shit, you know, all the usual ratchet activities haha… While I still do those things 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 … I’m playing, but in all actuality, I have found exercise helps me … taking a break to get the blood flowing really helps with that … sometimes just taking a break and NOT TRYING TO FORCE IT .. that’s key!
Any big things happening in the future that you’re able to discuss that we should be looking out for?
Me and MeatSpady’s EP will decimate all … haha … but for real 😳 what else, been producing and talking to Mitchy Slick from San Diego, which is fuckin’ legendary … I got another EP project OTW very soon w/ my dude from Austin Texas named Shaun Solo … that’s going to be SUPER GROOVY … & honestly just working with a gang of rappers & singers in 2023. I’m really focusing my efforts on production this new year. I want people all over the place to hear that “Roy D-D-D-D-Deeeeaaaann” tag and know that a slapper is about to hit them in the face like a fuckin’ mack truck coming down the highway with no breaks haha … That’s my goal
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
I’m just thankful I’m alive and well. Thankful that I get to keep doing what I’m doing. Thankful for those Keto sweet treat peanut butter cups cuz yo, those are FIIIIRRRREE & I’m trying to lose weight right not but I have a problem hahahaha
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so, what are they?
I really enjoy the sport of basketball, I still play every once in a while. I’ve recently become a gym rat, so I would say that’s another hobbie of mine … and a healthy one at that, so props to me ha 👍🏻 .. I also really like shows and movies … I got all the streaming shits cuz I’m a baller 😂 … but for real, I don’t want to miss the boat on a new series/show or whatever cuz I really enjoy a good show.
What is the best advice you can give anyone who is also passionate about music and possibly becoming a producer?
Never stop learning your software of choice! Whatever you use – Protools, FL Studio, Logic … doesn’t matter … always be learning … always be watching YouTube Videos/ Tutorials on how to do things. Apply & experiment … figure shit out on your own is honestly the best way … You’ll learn to develop your own unique style that way and learn how to do things that fit within your style 💎
What is the ultimate message you are conveying for the people who love you and support you through your art?
The ultimate message I’m trying to convey is just DO YOU and DON’T QUIT. That’s a big topic that I talk about in a lot of my songs … just be consistent and don’t be a quitter … there are certain things in my life that I feel I gave up on in the past and it kind of haunts me to this day so I made a commitment to myself moving forward that I’m not going to give up on myself … shit gets tough, life happens, life changes but the show goes on, & we can’t throw in the towel.
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
You know, I’ve really re-evaluated and shifted how I think about the popular term in the music industry as ‘making it’. On the surface level, my ultimate goal & dream would to be financially stable as a full-time music producer. I’m not there yet but over the years, I’ve gained so much knowledge in the music tech space, networked with hundreds of creatives, made life-long friends through this shit, produced so many songs, made a name for myself (albeit not global but still), built a reputation, invested in myself & in my craft, I own & operate all my own high-end studio equipment right from my house so I can create whenever I want really. So when I think of it like that, I have to tell myself .. ‘shit man, you kind of already made it’ 💯 It’s just not the primary job or primary source of income currently. Maybe it will be one day, maybe it won’t .. and you know what … I’m at peace with that 😌 It’s honestly just a part of me at this point
Do you have any shout outs you want to give to any special people in your life?
Oh yea…disclaimer… We’re ending this on “petty level 1,000” 😈 I’d like to give an extra special shoutout to all my haters 😂 all the folks who said “you are wasting your time” … “You still doing your little music thing?” … “Good luck with that” & anyone who said I wouldn’t be shit … Thx for motiving me … Roy Dean out ✌🏻
I was born & raised in San Diego, CA. North County SD, to be exact. True SoCal guy 😎🌴
When you were growing up did you always want to be a producer/artist? If not, what was your dream as a youngin’?
When I was growing up, I was heavily involved in sports actually. I played Baseball & Basketball from a very young age, and that was my childhood dream – being an athlete. I even played basketball in college for a while. It wasn’t until I reached my teenage years that I started getting interested in creating music.
What is your favorite childhood memory that involved music?
I would probably say my Dad playing piano during the holidays. I specifically remember one year, for Christmas, a family friend gave us a Casio keyboard as a gift for the family (well…my Dad really ha). My Dad can play the piano like a champ which is probably where I get a lot of my musical influence from. He loved jazz & blues music as well, so I always remember being around and hearing that kind of stuff as a kid and being like, “damn, this is groovy!”
What was the first song/beat you heard that made you fall in love with music?
So many, kind of hard to choose but just overall music (no specific genre) that captivated me super young was actually Phil Collins – ‘Coming in the Air’… My mom played it for me for the first time & even before I knew the story behind that song, I could feel the ‘specialness’ & the power behind it. You can hear the emotion seeping through that record to this day. Everything about that song is epic ASF!!
What inspired you to become a producer? Where did your love and passion for creating a timeless melody come from?
I would again say probably my Pops & watching him/listening to him play the keys.
Going back to that keyboard we got for Christmas, I started to mess around with it here and there when he wasn’t using it. After experimenting with all the different sounds/instruments that you could load up on that keyboard, I was super intrigued.
You have to understand too that I was kind of a ‘latch-key-kid’ growing up. Both of my parents worked really hard and long hours so I would have a lot of free time to entertain myself after school and whatnot. I started to watch a lot of MTV, BET (hell yea I did! haha), and started getting into all the music videos and hottest songs that were out. I really gravitated to the music, specifically the beats/melodies in those songs, and then I’d go back to that Casio and try to recreate them. After a couple of months, I figured out you could sequence tracks on that keyboard too! You only had (3) tracks to work with (It was kind of a piece of shit ha), but I started coming up with my own little riffs and whatnot … adding bass, adding drums, etc. It was a WRAP after that … I was hooked!
What type of style do you think you’ve incorporated into your craft that derives from the places and/or people that raised you that sets you apart from others in this industry?
That’s a really good question. I would say first and foremost, where I’m from. Being from Southern California, there’s a very rich culture and history, especially within the music. Cali music (hip hop specifically) definitely has a distinctive sound/vibe that is prevalent in what I do – I’m very chill & laid back for the most part, and that definitely comes across in what I create.
Secondly, I’d have to once again go back to my Dad’s musical influences and tastes. As mentioned, him being into Jazz & Blues really put me on game to different musicians, sounds and grooves. Outside of Hip-Hop, Jazz is my favorite genre. I still sample a lot of stuff too – older jazz music, blues, soul, funk … even more obscure foreign stuff. So sometimes you’ll hear unique/vintage sounds in my beats mixed with that new-skool bounce. It’s a little different but that’s what I feel makes my stuff a little more unique.
Think back to the first song and or beat that you ever created and put out for the world to hear. Were you nervous? And if so, how did the feedback you received change your confidence?
Hell yea I was nervous, I was trash at first! haha I remember when I first start rapping, like really taking it seriously as an artist - writing, actually recording, stacking, doing doubles, etc … I HATED my voice so much that I’d intentionally try to make it sound edgier and it was just not good haha … To be honest, I really took me about 5 years to ‘find my voice’ but that certainly didn’t deter me. I think naturally as artists, we’re sensitive about our stuff, but there are a few people in my life whom I extremely value their feedback. I’ve listened to them, applied it & just did my own thing, and for the most part, I’ve been pretty good 💯
I've gone through your beat catalog and man let me tell you, I am thoroughly impressed! I love listening to beats. Sometimes I’ll go days without listening to music with the lyrics behind it and I’ll just listen to straight beats all day and night. I love your catalog! If I had to choose 3, I would choose Golden, Cadillac, and Soul Power. What is your absolute favorite beat you’ve put out and why is this one your favorite?
My beats are my babies haha … and I make a lot of ‘em haha so I honestly can’t choose a favorite. Shiiit, I don’t even really remember some of them … Sometimes I’ll go into my new beat folder on my hard drive and be like “when TF did I make this???” hahah … I will say one of my favorite songs I’ve produced was called “War Music” by an artist out of NYC named Diabolic. He was signed to Immortal Technique. If you know Underground Hip Hop, Immortal Technique is arguably at the tip top of the list in terms of success and notoriety. He even told me he was a fan of my sound which was pretty cool 😎
One of the songs I listened to of yours called “Progress” I can highly relate to, especially right now in this time in my life. I mean, if I had to choose a theme song for my life right now, this one would be at the top of my list. What inspired this song for you? In other words, what were you going through in life during the time you wrote this song?
A bunch of shit honestly - family stuff, money stuff, relationship stuff, losing friends, I was all over the place … & literally moving all over the place … different spots, different states … I was just trying to figure everything out. Sometimes we forget to pat ourselves on the back though. I’m horrible at that! But I just had to step back and tell myself “dude, you’re good .. at the end of the day, still your progressing, you’re getting better, you didn’t quit, you’re still here man” … that’s a W for me, I don’t care what anyone says. 💯
If I had to choose a song and video from your catalog it would have to be “The Guarantee” hands down. I love how short and sweet the song is but also packed depth and bars for days. You really are a gem out here, Roy! What would you say would be your favorite video you’ve made to date and why?
Thank you so much 🥲 .. Yea, that was a good one for sure and came out super dope. I wanted to highlight the artistry in the city of Las Vegas where I live now and match that up with the subject of what I was talking about – ups & downs of being an artist, chasing the dream & whatnot. My personal pick for my favorite video is “Key 2 Life”. My guy SyberianTyger who is a dope ass videographer friend of mine from SoCal shot that & I edited it. I actually edit all my videos. The reason Key 2 Life is my favorite is becuase it features a good friend of mine & artist ‘Truth’. We grew up together in San Diego. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2020, and I actually constructed that song from an old unreleased recording we did back in like 2010! I made an entirely new beat out of his acapella. Wrote my verse, did the hook and it fit perfectly! The last thing he said in his verse was “…Key 2 Life” so I thought it was only appropriate to go with that ya know?!
Obviously, he couldn’t be there for the actual video shoot but I superimposed some old clips of him rapping his ass off and placed them on the moving pictures on the wall, old TVs, etc. It’s a super trippy, super HARD-ass song. You gotta check it out!
Truth’ was the illest, most nastiest freestyle rapper I ever met in my life & he FREESTYLED EVERYTHING … 100% off top … CRAZY TALENTED! & he was coming for necks every time he spit a verse so I wanted to do a super cool, hard-ass, trippy video to match his energy. He loved that kind of stuff so I know he would have bugged out over it 🎤🙏🏻😇
I see that you have more than a few projects out and dating back to 2010. From “The Big Kid Project” to “Nobody Cares”, how would you say you’ve grown musically and personally? What changes have you made to perfect your craft just from having experience with creating music overtime?
I would say, honestly, I just grew up and experienced more life. I know that’s not the sexiest answer, but it’s true. You think you know shit when your 21-22 (that’s when I put my first solo project out), and you might, no doubt … but I guarantee you’re going to know MORE at 30 – 31 etc, and that’s just a fact … It’s not about old-head vs young-head, etc … You are simply going to go through more shit and grow and find out who you really are.
What I have done to perfect my craft over the years is really learn my workstation. I use FL Studio and can operate that bitch in my sleep! I have the FL Studio Logo tattooed on my arm … it’s serious over here haha … But for real, I really learned the program, learned the software ya know ?!?! Studied, watched hella tutorials. I learned how to mix & master on YouTube and added that to the tool belt. Video Editing as I mentioned earlier. I’ve just added more tools.
The other thing I’ve done too though is remained super open-minded to new technology, the new generation & new ways of doing things. Never have I ever been stuck in my ways. I make old-school beats, underground stuff, R&B, Trap. Shiiiit, I even produced Yoga music for this instructional video one time haha … I said in a line “You can get with the times or get left in the dust” it’s kind of true.
What was the most challenging thing you’ve faced so far in your career and how did you overcome that?
The most challenging thing I face is omnipresent. It’s not one specific incident or one specific thing. It’s something I’ve always struggled with & that’s the fear of the future, the fear of the unknown. I have a hard time with this, not going to lie.
I’ve been seriously creating and producing music going on 14 years now. I’ve accomplished so much and connected with so many people, met so many lifelong friends through this shit , produced for major artists, got 10s of thousands of streams on my own songs, learned all this stuff … but I still find myself saying … “What are doing with this?” and more recently “How long are you going to keep doing this?” I guess that’s just part of the game … I really do love this though … Music changed my life, and I don’t think I could ever just stop … I’m going be jamming out when I’m 60 like “This shit slaps youngblood, you don’t know shit!” 😂😂😂
What are your thoughts on the direction in which music is going? Hip Hop specifically, and is there a change you’d like to see in the future?
Very subjective question ha … Here’s my thing, I don’t hate the current state of Hip-Hop … There is still something for everyone no matter what sub-genre you are into … My personal favorite style of rap is that lyrical-miracle-spiritual (haha) Boom Bap, vintage Hip Hop vibe but, I’m honestly all over the palce with my shit at the same time ha … I listen to everything from Rakim – Juice Wrld … there are so many more flavors nowadays… you just gotta choose the one you like best or at least try a few … just cuz ‘purple’ is your favorite doesn’t mean ‘orange’ slaps any less ya know?! 🤪
Would you say you have more fun making beats or writing music? And which one of these are your go to when you’re feeling down and need to escape and put your feelings/energy to good use and create?
BEATS, I tell people all the time, I’m a producer first & foremost! That’s numero uno and my first love. I actually didn’t start writing and doing the artist thing until several years after I started making beats & working with other musicians.
I love writing & recording music though, don’t get me wrong. It’s a different mental exercise/outlet than sitting in front of a computer and cooking up a beat or whatever.
It’s made me a better producer as well. I can connect with artists better because I know how they do things. I’ll hear something they might not cuz I know what it’s like to lay a verse 17 times until it sounds perfect … Stacking hooks, ad-libs, and stuff like that … I can hear way better now because I do it myself.
When you hit creative blocks, what are some things you do to get your creative juices flowing again?
It used to be, smoke hella weed, take a couple shots of tequila, go to the club, buy dumb shit, you know, all the usual ratchet activities haha… While I still do those things 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 … I’m playing, but in all actuality, I have found exercise helps me … taking a break to get the blood flowing really helps with that … sometimes just taking a break and NOT TRYING TO FORCE IT .. that’s key!
Any big things happening in the future that you’re able to discuss that we should be looking out for?
Me and MeatSpady’s EP will decimate all … haha … but for real 😳 what else, been producing and talking to Mitchy Slick from San Diego, which is fuckin’ legendary … I got another EP project OTW very soon w/ my dude from Austin Texas named Shaun Solo … that’s going to be SUPER GROOVY … & honestly just working with a gang of rappers & singers in 2023. I’m really focusing my efforts on production this new year. I want people all over the place to hear that “Roy D-D-D-D-Deeeeaaaann” tag and know that a slapper is about to hit them in the face like a fuckin’ mack truck coming down the highway with no breaks haha … That’s my goal
What are you most thankful for in your life right now?
I’m just thankful I’m alive and well. Thankful that I get to keep doing what I’m doing. Thankful for those Keto sweet treat peanut butter cups cuz yo, those are FIIIIRRRREE & I’m trying to lose weight right not but I have a problem hahahaha
Do you have any other passions/hobbies? If so, what are they?
I really enjoy the sport of basketball, I still play every once in a while. I’ve recently become a gym rat, so I would say that’s another hobbie of mine … and a healthy one at that, so props to me ha 👍🏻 .. I also really like shows and movies … I got all the streaming shits cuz I’m a baller 😂 … but for real, I don’t want to miss the boat on a new series/show or whatever cuz I really enjoy a good show.
What is the best advice you can give anyone who is also passionate about music and possibly becoming a producer?
Never stop learning your software of choice! Whatever you use – Protools, FL Studio, Logic … doesn’t matter … always be learning … always be watching YouTube Videos/ Tutorials on how to do things. Apply & experiment … figure shit out on your own is honestly the best way … You’ll learn to develop your own unique style that way and learn how to do things that fit within your style 💎
What is the ultimate message you are conveying for the people who love you and support you through your art?
The ultimate message I’m trying to convey is just DO YOU and DON’T QUIT. That’s a big topic that I talk about in a lot of my songs … just be consistent and don’t be a quitter … there are certain things in my life that I feel I gave up on in the past and it kind of haunts me to this day so I made a commitment to myself moving forward that I’m not going to give up on myself … shit gets tough, life happens, life changes but the show goes on, & we can’t throw in the towel.
What is the end all goal for your life personally and professionally? What will be the catalyst in your life that will make you say, damn, I have finally made it?
You know, I’ve really re-evaluated and shifted how I think about the popular term in the music industry as ‘making it’. On the surface level, my ultimate goal & dream would to be financially stable as a full-time music producer. I’m not there yet but over the years, I’ve gained so much knowledge in the music tech space, networked with hundreds of creatives, made life-long friends through this shit, produced so many songs, made a name for myself (albeit not global but still), built a reputation, invested in myself & in my craft, I own & operate all my own high-end studio equipment right from my house so I can create whenever I want really. So when I think of it like that, I have to tell myself .. ‘shit man, you kind of already made it’ 💯 It’s just not the primary job or primary source of income currently. Maybe it will be one day, maybe it won’t .. and you know what … I’m at peace with that 😌 It’s honestly just a part of me at this point
Do you have any shout outs you want to give to any special people in your life?
Oh yea…disclaimer… We’re ending this on “petty level 1,000” 😈 I’d like to give an extra special shoutout to all my haters 😂 all the folks who said “you are wasting your time” … “You still doing your little music thing?” … “Good luck with that” & anyone who said I wouldn’t be shit … Thx for motiving me … Roy Dean out ✌🏻
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