WMS The Sultan is making his name in the game working with such artists as Joe Budden, Edo G, Static and Messiah, Akrobatik and Skyzoo. He breaks it down for Warbeats.
[Editors note.. Thanks to Knowledge for getting this interview!]
Tell us your name and where you are from?
My production name is WMS THE SULTAN, I am from Boston
How old are you as of now and how long have you been producing as a serious business?
I have been producing about 5 years now roughly, I am 26
How did you get started in producing and when did you start taking it serious?
I have always been a fan of music but, I never took piano lessons as a kid or did any music classes or anything like that. When i was growing up my family were into all types of music my mom and dad, jazz and soul then my older brother was into rap. I think just listening to all types of music rubbed off on me plus my father played saxaphone so it was probably in my genes. I started making music as a hobby and picked it up real fast started selling a couple beats and used that money to buy equipment.
Is having a management team an important part of the equation for you?
I am self managed and just try to grind and and network with as many people as possible. Everyday I am doing one of the following
1) Making beats
2) Working on new songs either recording artist or writing hooks etc
3) Working on the business end, which can include a day just dedicated to promotion or just going through my contacts seeing what projects they are working on any type of production they need , new project proposals, or working on getting new contacts and a whole bunch of other things.
At the same time alot of people a work with on a regular basis have a big part in alot of the breaks and connects I have been getting. My team Iceman 2000 and team 220 records both based out of boston played a big factor in my first industry credit which was drag-on, I was able to be in the session for that one which was a great learning experience because I was still early in the game at that point. Also Killah BH was a huge help in me getting the joints Joe Budden's Mood Muzik 3 project, he also helped me improve alot on my tracks and take it to that next level. Alot of other people have been a huge help as well to many to mention.
What are some accomplishments that you are most proud of in the production game?
Getting the joint on Joe Budden's Mood Muzik 3 cd was huge, that definetley my biggest production credit to date. Also in 2006 I won the beatmaker of the year in the MIC hip hip awards which, is basically the new england hip hop awards, always gotta lock it down locally. The joint with Akrobatik and Edo G that's a boston classic record.
Who are some of your regular collaborators?
Static and Messiah a group based out of boston, just produced a song for them called "Keep Wishin" feat skyzoo check them out at www.myspace.com/staticandmessiah
Also Q he is a boston based artist just finishing up production on his album, he is going to be on a huge remix I am putting together, check him out at www.myspace.com/qbrainstorm
Warbeats has members from every corner of the world. Have you worked with any names we might recognize?
I have worked with
Joe Budden, Skyzoo, Drag On, Edo G, Static and Messiah, Akrobatik as far as artist you might have heard of.
What production software/hardware do you use most often?
Motif rack, Soundforge, Cakewalk Sonar, thats the core for the most part and a couple other secret weapons.
What are your thoughts on the "Hardware vs. Software" debate?
Not the equipment but the person behind it, its all about what you do with the gear. I made the beat for the Drag-On joint on the Roland JV 1010, which is basic, basic compared to what I am working with now. It's all about using what you have and how creative you are. Give 2 people the same gear your going to get 2 completeley different beats.
Do you sell your beats online, face-to-face or both? And do you have a preference? Why?
I sell them online and face to face. No preference, basically where ever the money is coming in at. Online is dope for the out of state business though. Paypal is definetley what's up.
What factors do you consider when charging for a beat?
For independent artist its mostly the same rate, sometimes I will factor in how the music sounds, how big their name is different things like that. Also their overall potenial not just the talent on the mic, but their grind, talent on the mic, potenial exposure producing the track.
Any tips you can give us mixing a beat?
Try to get the sound going in clean as possible. If your using a sample try to get it clean as possible before you chop it up try to make sure the kick and bass don't clash use eq to fix that and also when you are making the beat pick a kick and bass that doesn't clash.
Everyone wants their drums to bang. how do you do yours?
I usually make the beat then turn everything down except the drums a few decibals so they stand out more then turn the overall sound up
In your opinion, what types of things should the new/young producer concentrate on most to develop his/her skills?
make sure you got dope samples and melodies, catchy catchy stuff, and definetley take up writing, alot of artist want beats with the hook, verse, or bridge written so def take up writing.
One of the biggest challenges is promoting one's self. How do you do that and what advice can you give our readers on that?
find a good graphic designer, get a dope logo then put together a cd with your logo on the cover then your contact info on the other side-production name, email, website, number. Have about 15 tracks on it 5 beats, 5 original songs you produced, 5 remixes of industry songs. Burn up 5,000 copies then give them out free in your city hit up local shows, barber shops, music stores, anywhere thats poppin. all the spots don't have to be music related because people will pass the cd along to artist they know. If your music is dope you'll get calls in a month probably, if not go back to the lab.
What other producers (mainstream or underground) are you feeling the most right now?
just blaze, dj toomp, dr dre to many others to name.
Do you have any upcoming projects you'd like to let us know about?yea, I have a mixtape dropping in a few months. I did all the production on it, the title is "the sultan mixtape vol 1 by any means nessaccary" it's the 1st in a 3 part series. The cd is features both industry and local artist out of boston. Some of the artist on the cd are, skyzoo, edo g, akrobatik, static and messiah.
Before we leave you, where can we get more information about you and/or hear more of your music?
Any fans or artist can check my music out at www.myspace.com/wmsthesultan or www.wmsbeats.com
for pricing on beats email: wmsproductions@gmail.com
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