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Artist Snapshot: TRAKKSOUNDS (@trakksounds)

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Artist Snapshot: TRAKKSOUNDS (@trakksounds)

Image Property of Trakksounds. Redesigned by @Rareflavr

Image Property of Trakksounds. Redesigned by @Rareflavr

Garrett Brown, TRAKKSOUNDS (@Trakksounds) is a Music Producer and Recording Engineer from the City of Houston, TX. We discovered his music while networking on Instagram and we are able to share with some information on his current projects, influences, and advice for young producers. You can see that Garrett has built himself up in the game and we are grateful to feature this Artist Snapshot today featuring Trakksounds.

www.trakksounds.com

www.trakksounds.com

Out Right Now is his Collaborative Project called, "The Other Side". This project features artists who have over 57 Million views on  YouTube. Some of the more well-known he has worked with include:  T2 Ghetto Hippie, Kirko Bangz, Devin the Dude, and Dizzy Wright.  

click image to visit "The Other Side"

click image to visit "The Other Side"

----------------------------------TRACKSOUNDSS shared some of his interest in music, influences, and advice for young producers starting out in the game---------------------------------------------------------------------

Image property of Trakksounds (Trakksounds.com)

Image property of Trakksounds (Trakksounds.com)

What was the music scene like for you growing up in Texas? What got you influenced into music? Any Specific band, movie, etc? 

"The Music Scene for us is very diverse. We have a strong Rock, Soul, and Hip-Hop influence so I grew up on things like UGK and ZZ Top which is a crazy combo lol. My dad played guitar, harmonica, and sang so I always had music all around me. My favorite artist is Jay-Z and favorite producer is Timbaland so watching those two made my inspiration go through the roof. All my friends were getting into rapping or different things so I just kinda naturally slid into making beats. " - Trakksounds

Image property of @Trakksounds Instagram

Image property of @Trakksounds Instagram

OH LORD (REMIX)- TRAKKSOUNDS FT. GT GARZA, KILLA KYLEON, AND DOEMAN

instagram links

IG @trakksounds

IG @trakksounds

IG @itzgarza

IG @itzgarza

IG @doemanxdyna

IG @doemanxdyna

IG @killakyleon

IG @killakyleon

We noticed you've worked with some big named rappers and singers. What was that transition looking like starting from making beats in High School to featuring artists like 2 Chainz and Scarface?

"Man it kinda just started happening because i was so persistent on the internet. I was hitting people every day like let me send beats, let me send beats, let me send beats lol. Eventually the 2 Chainz placement happened and I just kept at it. Every little placement opened the doors for my big placements and I worked with a lot of up and comers before my first big track so I was just staying patient because I could feel it coming"

- Trakksounds

That's sick persistence was the key. Is your studio set up in Houston? Do you do a home studio or somewhere you rent out or someone you know own a studio? Or mostly remote traveling w/ your studio? 

"I have a home studio and a like office studio called IMIX Studios that I bring clients to and did a lot of my biggest tracks there in Houston." - Trakksounds

Nice what is your favorite Kit to use? Drums trumpets, organs, 808's etc and why? Also, what types of equipment is essential for a successful session?"  

"My favorite kits are probably my own that I make from random sounds lol. I have all types of random equipment in sessions from keyboards, guitars, talkboxes, percussion, etc. But gotta have a keyboard only mainly and I can make it happen. I can even use my laptop keyboard and make some tracks."

- Trakksounds

On Trakksound's YouTube Channel, he not only showcases tracks he has made but also a glimpse into the actual creative process. If you are interested in learning about that creative process check out his YouTube Channel Here. As well as a quick "The Other Side Documentary" 

What would you say is some important advice for aspiring producers and young artists? What has been a key to your success? 

"I would be ready to do a lot of unpaid or way below what  you think is your value because at this point you have to build your name as a producer as much as an artist and brand yourself. " - Trakksounds

Image Property of : http://www.musicproductioncamp.com/what-we-do

Image Property of : http://www.musicproductioncamp.com/what-we-do

Not only does Trakksounds produce music, but he teaches music as well. He provides hands-on training for producers of all skillsets.  

Last year he offered online training as well as in-person training to teach producer fundamentals. This includes techniques inside AND outside the studio including: Production, Songwriting, Networking, How to get paid, and more.

Click here to visit Trakksound's Music Production Workshop to discover the skills you need to be on top of your game!

Image Property of Trakksounds.com/Shop Click Image to visit Shop!!!!

Image Property of Trakksounds.com/Shop Click Image to visit Shop!!!!

As you can see persistence has been one of the major factors of Trakksound's success and progression as well as his ability to teach music. If you follow Trakksounds on Instagram you can see he even landed song placements on TV. Most recently a track he produced called "Drug$" by himself, HeartBeat'z group called "Funk In the Trunk" , Sydney Jane ,  and was placed by Dynamic Producer  on TNT's show Claws.  Follow @trakksounds on Twitter to Find out more information and make sure you share the article!

Image Property of Trakksounds (trakksounds.com)

Image Property of Trakksounds (trakksounds.com)

Thank you for viewing this Artist Snapshot! Let us know what you think below and if you would like us to review your music or share your content futher please send us a message.Check out our shop at rareflavrshop.com. Also, thank you for all of the comments, likes, and shares thus far! Enjoy #rareflavr #dftm

LYRICAL TRACK!!!!!!

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Artist Snapshot: SUBSTANCE ABUSE (@subzandesotre)

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Artist Snapshot: SUBSTANCE ABUSE (@subzandesotre)

Via @rareflavr on Instagram

Via @rareflavr on Instagram

One thing we seek at rareflavr is  talent with a well driven purpose. Purpose that is driven by creativity, realness, persistency, artistry, and dedication. Luckily, we have the opportunity today to feature an original rap group that fits these characteristics. They have been in the rap/hiphop game since the late 90's and are grateful to deliver an Artist Snapshot to give you taste of their music and journey. From Los  Angeles, CA  if you have not already heard, we introduce to you rap duo Substance Abuse.

emcee Subz (left) & Eso Tre (right)

emcee Subz (left) & Eso Tre (right)

Substance Abuse is a rap duo consisting of emcees Subz and Eso Tre, who grew up together in Los Angeles, CA . They found their love for hiphop early in life releasing their first EP in 1998 titled, Brand New Crime and from there it all took off (substanceabusehiphop.com-- bio).

SA

They gain traction b/c of their unique styles and staying true to their purpose and sound. That sound is lyrical and purposeful conscious rap. Today in our state of hiphop that can be considered more of background music.  Hence the title their most recent EP, Background Music: The Redux

Originally, they released an EP titled, Background Music, but revisited the idea of the EP and wanted to give a new perspective of a few of the original tracks on the 1st album by dropping Background Music: The Redux -- (link to apple music)

“Background Music” refers to the state of hip hop today, explains Eso “where the music seems deracinated of the personality and edge that it once had.”  It also refers to how our music is construed by the masses, people who generally seem to favor the popular over the obscure.  Real hip-hop has been forced to play the “background” to club and dance music that seems devoid of any message or staying power." 

The new Substance Abuse album "Background Music" featuring Tash, KRS-One, Sadat X, MC Eiht, Percee P, Myka Nyne, and Max Julien now available: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/background-music/id962430454 www.substanceabusehiphop.com

"IT AIN'T ABOUT THE LOOT YOU GOT, BUT ABOUT JUST HOW YOU GOT IT" - Eso Tre- Substance abuse- "Slow Ya Roll" 

Over time, Substance Abuse has collaborated with some reputable names in the game including: Saafir, Kool Keith, Motion Man, Kutmasta Kurt,Rasco, Thes-One, and MF Doom.  They have a track titled “Rear View” which features legendary hip-hop artist KRS-One  and this track has been remixed as Rear View: The Chase Remix and has been featured on DJ Premier's radio shows titled, DJ Premier's Live from HeadQCourterz radio show and other platforms.

"Rear View" sheds light on what hiphop truly is and that we are, "never going back" (KRS-One "Rear View") but enjoying the time it was and how great that is. 

Greatly, have they collaborated with KRS-One,  and they have also collaborated w/ another legend MF DOOM  in 2006 on an track called "Profitless Thoughts". which has received much attention on the release of their album released titled, Overproof which is perfect for bumping in the whip.  This track was featured on outlets including: YRB, URB, Scratch Magazine,and 944. 

The game needs more people w/ a purpose and dedication. The music that is glorified does not necessarily always have the real glory that exists. The question we all need to ask is why? What makes us like music? If you are sick of the main stream media and music that is put out. Do yourself a favor and check out the most recent Project dropped by Substance Abuse: Background Music on Apple Music or substanceabusehiphop.com for some real hip hop!

click image to visit Substanceabusehiphop.com!!!

click image to visit Substanceabusehiphop.com!!!

//We also had opportunity to gain some hiphop knowledge From Eso Tre...///

 

We noticed you dropped your first EP in 1998 as a duo.What is a key to your consistency/persistence performing & recording in a rap group? 

Eso Tre: I think we always had a music first attitude. We had no idea where we would go in the industry, we just knew we wanted to be dope. When we first started putting out music even having a 12" out was a huge accomplishment. But you have to aim higher than that, and once you put out something, you want to have more exposure. Subz and I wanted to blow up, but we were always humble and put our music and our friendship before the business aspect of it. I think that has been the key to our longevity.

What impacts you the most when it comes to music?  

Eso Tre: Hearing a beat idea that's dope. Whenever I'm in a creative lull and I hear a hype sample that one of the homies found I suddenly feel revived and enthusiastic about hip hop again. It was like that back in the day working with producers NO and Medicine, and now with our homies Waes One and our high school buddies Da Stig and Philm, who have become an indispensable part of our creative process.

Who or what is your biggest mentor? How do they help you along the way  ?

Eso Tre: Kutmasta Kurt has always been a go to type of cat for advice and a big brother to us in the industry.  He taught us a lot of stuff, how to deal with distributors and PR people and people who ran the business part of the game.  He is calm and level headed about stuff, and I think that rubbed off on us a lot.

What are your three pieces of life advice you would give to anyone-- or in particular aspiring artists?

substance abuse

 Eso Tre: The game is weird right now.  Twitter beefs, dumb stuff trending, people jocking anyone with a name.  Who's following who on Instagram.  My advice to anyone trying to make it is try not to get distracted or discouraged by all this social media and internet stuff.  You definitely have to use it to get your music out there, but don't think if people are more of an internet sensation than you that they're better.  Second, speaking of the internet, don't think just having a Soundcloud account makes you dope.  You actually have to practice to be a dope rapper, it's not just the ability to have people hear your music.  Finally, don't be daunted by rejection.  Half these reputable sites don't know sh*t from Shinola when it comes to dope music, and their snootiness hides their insecurity and inability to really be able to tell what's good.

What Can listeners expect when checking out your Album Background Music?  

Eso Tre: Background Music: The Redux is just a little holdover EP we put out until we drop our next effort.  We remixed some of our favorite joints off the OG version of Background Music we put out a few years back.  The Redux was a companion piece to the original album, kind of a "Part 2" if you will.  We love jazz, and on the EP we really tried to bring out that influence.

What do you have planned as a group for the future?  

Eso Tre: A new album, maybe a documentary about us on some "Searching for Sugarman" vibe.  

Anything else we should know that haven't gone over / not on website?  

Eso Tre: We got some new joints and a new album in the works, with songs and lyrics that address the perilous times we're in.  There has never been a stronger need for conscious hip hop than now, and there seems to be a dearth of it.  People are angry, and they rightly don't believe that politicians represent their interests, or at the very least, empathize with them.  That's why we need emcees with a strong message.

substance abuse hiphop

WORKS CITED:

WWW.SUBSTANCEABUSEHIPHOP.COM

INTERVIEW W/ ESO TRE & RAREFLAVR.COM

REVISITED BLOG ARTICLE

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