Producer Spotlight: Mydus

Miami-based producer, Mydus, has seen his share of posts here at KevinNottingham.com. Whether it’s been with the usual collaborators like The Black Sunn or 810, if you’re a regular reader you’ve heard Mydus’ music. For the first time ever, we are getting a chance to hear the man behind the music. So if you’re intrigued, hit the jump to peep the convo…

Where you reppin?

Miami, Dade-County, Florida all day everyday. It’s where I’ve lived and repped all my life and plan to keep holding it down for a very long time.

Introduce yourself:

I’m a young producer (18 years to be exact) and I just strive to bring dope, good music to those who look for it these days. I started making music about 4 years ago through my best friends older brother who rapped and hooked me up with some tools to get things started. I had a shitload of ideas in my head for beats and really wanted to try it out. Just as anyone else who starts something new, my work was weak and I knew it. But overtime I just kept studying styles, sounds, and sound qualities of producer’s work I really dug and just trained my ear and worked on improving my craft daily. It wasn’t until a year after I started that I dropped my first project in March of 2007 when I released my remix of AZ’s album ‘A.W.O.L.’, I believe I was 16 then, and from there I’ve dropped a good amount of tapes and EPs with other artists for my short time producing and I have bigger plans for the future.

Where did the name Mydus come from?

I’m sure as a lot of ya’ll can guess, the name derives from the Greek god Midas who turned everything he touched to gold. I simply decided to apply that to my music and when I dug for records. Turning something old and dusty to a golden work of art.

Main musical inspirations:

I would easily have to say Pete Rock, Jay Dee, DJ Premier, RZA, Just Blaze, Dr.Dre and Madlib are amongst my top influences. I mean, they each have a unique style and approach to how they craft their joints and I’ve always loved the fact that even amongst a million songs that this music has spawned over the years, you can identify who made what beat easily. I plan to make the same mark as time goes on.

When did you fall in love with hip hop?

I would have to say in the early 90′s. I would always be outside shadowing my older brother and was always around dope music back then. Where I lived, it was mostly west coast music bumping everywhere so there wasn’t as much east side joints in heavy rotation with the Wu being an exception. When I heard Dr.Dre’s ‘The Chronic’ in my brother’s room, it was a wrap. That shit was crazy smooth and it really just sparked my curiosity in the music. From there I was just playing catch up over the years, digesting classic joints that were before my time. I was probably the only youngin’ in 5th grade on the bus home bumping Nas’ ‘Illmatic’ hard! and this was around ’01 believe it or not.

Current projects we should be looking out for:

My first ever instrumental EP ‘Electric Colors’ that drops TODAY [Download id not defined]! I would def have to say check for that. I also have more work dropping in the next months with The Black Sunn, 810, Mally, K. Sparks, Add-2 and a lot more talented dudes just to name a few. I also will be working on a producer compilation release with several artists and me on the boards. I have no date for that though.

Previous work that we should know about:

If you have never heard of Mydus, check out Mally’s recently released album “The Passion” [download] to get a glimpse into my work, The Black Sunn’s “GodSound” [download] and 810′s “Glass Half Full” [download] to name a few. Get your Google on. You won’t be disappointed.

What’s your equipment setup like?

My SP-303, MPD24, some decent monitors, a turntable and some records. No Hollywood shit here.

If you had to pick one song that defines your career to date, what song would that be?

Ummm, probably A Tribe Called Quest’s “Show Business”. From a producers point of view, so many (and I mean MANY) artists and their managers try to shorthand producers with their work all the time. Always low balling on prices, at times not even crediting you for your work and going around you to get things. The low balling thing isn’t even the worst part, it’s a lot of politics as well. Especially when it comes to getting placements. You’d be surprised at how many managers get back to me with shit like “We’re gonna have to charge you X amount of money for this and that” when I’m submitting beats in their benefit. Handouts and BS politics are whats really killing the growth of our music.

Why should the readers and fans give you a shot and listen to your music from here on out?

I try my best to put out the dopest music that comes from my heart. These days I feel the game lacks that because so many people are focused on the bright lights and empty promises that the industry offers. With that being said, not the most genuine music gets pumped, rather music that is very marketing based and not genuine.

If you could only take one record on a deserted island with you, what album would that be?

Nas’ Illmatic. Man…..I don’t think another album has hit me that hard since I heard it. Everything from the wordplay to the beats are just on point from beginning to end.

What’s next for you?

I will be working hard on getting my name out there more and working with many more talented artists in the future. So far, I have seen a great amount of success in the short time I have been producing music and lord willing, will continue down the same path and master my craft as time goes on.

Any shout outs or last words?

Special thanks to the good folks here at KevinNottingham.com for holding it down to the fullest. Shout out to 810, The Black Sunn, Mally and Jon from Hungry Heart Entertainment. Be sure to check out my first ever instrumental EP ‘Electric Colors’ hosted by none other than KevinNottingham.com, you won’t waste your time. To all aspiring, producers, artists, writers, musicians, etc. In whatever you do, put 110% of your heart and effort behind it. Surround yourself with positivity, keep your eye on that goal, be consistent, and the pieces will fall right into place in due time. Peace.

www.ThisIsMydus.com
www.myspace.com/mydusbeats
www.twitter.com/Mydus