I met up on 125th Street and 8th Avenue to sit down and speak with an up and coming producer, Ron Browz. I came to find out after reading his bio and watching people approach him on the street, just how popular this 26-year-old producer is. Ron gave me the opportunity to find out some of the tricks of the trade.
What does a producer do?
A good producer makes the right match with the artist, making sure the music and the artist make a good marriage. I do my homework on the artist and start formulating my music to make sure that it fits with their personality. I research their lifestyle and habits to get a better understanding of who they are.
How did you get your start?
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When I was 12 years old I wanted to be a rap artist, and I signed to an Indie label that folded. After the label folded I took equipment (the MPC 2000) and I became a self-taught producer. For the past 11 or so years I’ve been making my beats out of Harlem.
Who are some of your mentors?
I really don’t have any mentors. I mean, I watched a lot of people, but I basically taught myself. I had a quick eye so that I was able to watch others and then make it my own.
Who do you want to work with that you haven’t already?
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Well, I wanted to work with Jay-Z, but he is retired. Rest in peace, I would
have loved to have worked with Biggie, that would have been a wonderful
opportunity. I guess I would have to say right now Nelly, because he is someone
that brings a different flavor to the game. I always have my beats filed away ready
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to use for any artist that might come calling.
How do you collaborate?
Collaborating starts by just talking. Seeing someone in clubs, and basically letting them hear joints, and then we go from there. I have a pre-production spot where I have reinvested some of my money. It all starts there and then we move on to lay down the song.
Why should an artist seek you out?
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Someone might seek me out by word of mouth,through a look at my resume or publicity. You’re only as good as your last track. Basically, just being out there in the public
eye.
How do you set your price?
My management sets the price. They look at my experience and extensive resume and from there are able to gauge what my work is worth. My publicist is able to figure out how to give me the proper exposure to make me an even more valuable commodity.
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What does Ron Browz want for 2005 or the near future?
I want something like a major label deal. My company Money Avenue named after Manhattan Avenue is something that I am trying to push right now. I have a lot of underground artists that I give my tracks to so that we can get a strong look as a company. I definitely want a studio spot where I can score films, commercials. There’s no limit to what I want to do.
