Loagz Beatz
Today, we sat down with our artist Loagz Beatz for an interview. Here is what he had to say:
1. How has your hometown shaped who you are as a musician today?
I grew up in the Northeast, listening to Hot 97, along with a mixture of my parents influences, it’s definitely helped shape what I do. My father was the typical 80’s motorcycle guns n’ roses hair bands with leftover 70’s rock, and my mother listened to 60’s – 90’s. I was in a few bands as a teenager, and began making beats around age 16. I took the east coast feel of hip hop and tried to merge it when I moved to FL with my love for guitar, beach rock, and experimental beats.
2. If you could single out one artist or band that has influenced you, who would that be and why?
All of my reggae and beach roots come from listening to bands like Sublime growing up. Along with their main albums, they have a lot of pre-fame underground hip hop and amazing collabs. A lot of Brad’s influence was mine as well, like Just ICE from NY, the ziggens, etc. Scott Storch is another one growing up that made me want to be a producer. Those Arabic vibes he used to put out back in the mid 2000’s heavily influenced me.
3. If you won the lottery tomorrow, what is the first thing you would buy?
I’m not even sure about that anymore. Along with music equipment, I’d probably give a lot of it away helping people. I’d like to build a temple and do some good for the community.
4. What is your advice to fellow underground musicians in regards to remaining discipline in your craft?
I’d say don’t give up until the miracle happens. I’ve gone through studios, gear, rejection, deals, traveling, up’s and down’s etc. It isn’t about the destination, but the road to it is what gets me hyped. I always know that when you get knocked down, something good comes from it. Keep chasing your dreams.
5. Do you have any songwriting or recording tips you’d like to share?
If I were to give any advice on recording tips, I’d say to get the Sound Reference Handbook written for Yamaha. There’s really no right or wrong way to record sound except trial and error. Make music a part of you and learn through experience! You never stop learning!
6. How does your family and close friends feel about your music career? Have they always been supportive or have there been issues in the past?
My mother and girlfriend have been positive and supportive about it, along with some friends. I’ve never really had much guidance growing up in music, only what I could pick up along the way. I was accepted into colleges, the Miami Art Institute, but we never had the money. I’ve always kind of had a chip on my shoulder about that.
7. If you could open up for one famous artist or band, who would that be and why?
I would love to do something with Rolling Loud. The past few years have just been nuts here in FL. I can’t really pick one artist, but event wise that’d be pretty dope. I love the energy down there and the beach.
8. If you could have a dinner with one musician who is no longer living, who would that be and why?
I would dine with Jim Morrison. I liked the way he thought, and would just like to pick his brain. He was just a very interesting person.
9. In your time with LiquidSound Records, what is the number one thing you have enjoyed the most? Also, what is your advice to those artists who would be interested in joining the roster in the future?
I like the sponsorship opportunities and the representation. My advice to those interested would be to get advertising to gain a fanbase, listen to Ryan, and your career will go far.
10. In ten years, where do you see your music career?
I’d like to say fame, Grammy’s and all that but I’m not even sure what’s going to happen in 10 days. Stick around and see for yourself!