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interview Dubcnn Exclusive – Ajami  (November 2009) | Interview By: Jonathan Hay

   In many people’s opinions, music today is dominated with albums that are filled with too many producers, and sometimes the result is a cluttered mess with a lack of sound continuity. Nowadays, in this singles-driven music market, producers are a name brand and are used as a marketing tool if they produce an artist’s song. Granted, that might work for the short-term instant success, but overall, the “sound” of the artist is compromised. On the other hand, the sonic personality of a one-producer album tends to develop and evoke longevity.

Meet Swedish producer, Ajami, who has been working on a project on the West Coast, in Las Vegas to be exact, with Sin City’s very own, Airamis. Ajami and Airamis are label mates from Maynea Records out of Sweden, who’ve been buzzing and collectively they have both the ear and eye of the industry internationally.


In this special Dubcnn Artist and Producer feature, we have the spotlight on Ajami who gives us a very in-depth and informative interview.

As ever, be sure to leave your feedback in our forums or email them to haywire@dubcnn.com.

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Interview was done in November 2009

Questions Asked By: Jonathan Hay

Ajamii Gave Dubcnn A Shoutout! Check That Here  
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Dubcnn Exclusive – Ajami
Artist & Producer Volume 1
By: Jonathan Hay
www.myspace.com/jonathanhay
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Dubcnn: Geographically, where are you located right now?

I'm in Sweden right now. Way up north of Sweden to be exact!


Dubcnn: Are you an artist too or do you mostly just produce?

I produce. Making music is what I love to do. But nowadays, it seems like producers are getting more and more like artists.


Dubcnn: I agree. How do you feel about that [statement], "nowadays, it seems like producers are getting more and more like artists?”

There is nothing wrong with that. It seems like the producers now get more attention, and appreciation, which is what they deserve. The thing is that I've always preferred to be "behind the scenes" and the guy who is controlling "the ship", rather than being in the spotlight. That's why I chose this profession (laughs).


Dubcnn: Who or what serves as your biggest influences?

Oh wow. That is always a hard question to answer. A lot of great musicians, composers and producers have influenced me. I have to go way back and say, Vivaldi, Mozart, Beethoven, to, J-dilla (R.I.P), Dr Dre, Timbaland, Ryan Leslie etc. To say who serves as my biggest influence, is quite hard to say…


Dubcnn: So I take it that string arrangements are important to your production?

They can be. Some productions require detailed and accurate string arrangements. I'm kind of a perfectionist. I'm trying to be less that and instead have more fun. I'm working on that.


Dubcnn: With recorded music being so technology based today, in your opinion, what program or keyboard gives you the most authentic string sound?

There are numerous of software’s that gives you a pretty authentic string sound. They are mostly sampled based, that is always a good thing. In my opinion though, I have to say, Philharmonic Miroslav from IK Multimedia and East West Symphonic Gold CP (Complete Play). As for the keyboard, I have to say the Yamaha Motif series. I absolutely love it!


Dubcnn: Great. What kind is your gear of choice for recording?

Well that depends on what I'm recording (laughs).


Dubcnn: Vocals?

I prefer the Neumann microphones or the AKG microphones, depending on who or I am recording. They all have their own characteristics. I usually test with different microphones before doing the real recording.


Dubcnn: Recording software?

As for the software. I like using Pro Tools or Nuendo for recording. Everything goes a lot smoother with Pro Tools and Nuendo!


Dubcnn: What is it that you love about Yamaha Motif and what separates it from other keyboards?

Have you seen and heard the Motif (laughs)? It has amazing sounds and it's so easy to find whatever sound that you are looking for. The sound library is huge and it gives you complete control over the sounds. And also, I started out as a piano/keyboard player. My first real keyboard was a Yamaha. That is something that has stuck with me since I guess…


Dubcnn: How would you describe your production technique?

I've never really thought about it. It varies from time to time. It all starts with an idea, and usually the production is already done in my head. I just need to get it out so that everybody else can hear it. I don't know how you would describe such technique.

I usually start by recording the melody, (being a piano/keyboard player). Then the drums, and then all the other instruments. Then of course the fine-tuning, and occasionally, I begin with the drums..


Dubcnn: Fantastic! Talk about the influence of hip-hop culture in Sweden or the some of the local cities and surroundings.

The Hip-Hop culture here in Sweden has grown over the past years. Mostly what you would call, the underground hip-hop. Incidentally, that was how I first got "in the game". And it's influenced by rappers such as Nas, Jay Z, Biggie, Tupac, Common, to name a few great rappers. In cities like Stockholm and Malmo, they are very influenced by the Hip-hop culture and so are other small cities here that no one has ever heard of. It's actually amazing! Of course people define that culture differently. "Real Hip-hop" is mostly defined by the "underground" style, over here.


Dubcnn: Pretty much, same here… What are some of the projects you have worked on?

I've actually worked on a couple of projects for a couple of artists in the West Coast. I don't know yet when then are being released. I've also worked on some projects for a record label here in Sweden. I also did a song with Adam Tensta, but that was actually before he got known as Adam Tensta. That was released here in Sweden.

Most of my projects were released here. And of course, Airamis


Dubcnn: Tell us about your work with the Airamis project and what motivated and inspired you to work on that?

We recently released Airamis new Single, In The Zone (Sexy Girl). Working with Airamis was truly an experience. We had a lot of fun recording the songs. It all started when I heard about him on MySpace. I contacted him and sent over some beats. He really liked the music and we, from Maynea Records, decided to fly over to Las Vegas, which btw, was a Very long flight, to meet him. And from there on It's history! We recorded the songs there in Vegas. What motivated and inspired me was my love for the music. I love working with artists that have that same passion. It was indeed Maynea (Mania).


Dubcnn: How long were you in Vegas recording? How many songs did you record during that time?

We stayed in Vegas for about two weeks. We recorded 5 songs during that time. It was too bad that I couldn't stay in Vegas longer than that…


Dubcnn: Who are some of the other West Coast artists that you mentioned earlier that you are working with?

They were up and coming artists. Unknown and Lady Lust, to name a few. They’ve been really active underground. Musically of course.


Dubcnn: Tell us about the day-to-day and inner-workings of Maynea Records?

I'm constantly working in the studio. Day and night, and then some more. I really want to create something new. I want to surprise myself. As we speak, I'm in the studio right now. I'm not forcing myself to be in here, I just prefer being in here on a Saturday night and do something not many can do instead of being out (clubbing) and do something that everybody does. And whenever I'm not in the studio working, I'm looking for new talents I can work with.


Dubcnn: How should someone go about contacting Maynea Records, or inquiring about you for production work?

They can contact me on my MySpace, www.myspace.com/ajamiprod, or they can contact us at info@maynearecords.com.


Dubcnn: Is there anything else you want to add to this interview before we close?

I'm pretty sure we got the most of it. Thanks for this interview, I really appreciate this opportunity!


 


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