Trakslaya: Ya Best Protect Ya Neck.
By Tachelle Wilkes
Tachelle: When did you know that you wanted to be a music producer?
Trakslaya: I've been a musician since age 9, and I played in several bands (keys). So I always used to listen to the how each part (instrument) worked together. Then I started reproducing songs on the radio for people that wanted instrumentals to perform to. At the same time, I started creating my own tracks for my personal enjoyment, and I loved it.
T: When you first started creating music what was the first piece of equipment / programs that you bought?
TS: My very first piece was a Yamaha Clavinova with a built-in 16-track sequencer. I don’t think they even make those anymore. lol
T: How did you get the name Trakslaya?
TS: Me and some friends were sitting around and one of them came up with that name for me. Ever since then, it stuck. Now, a lot people just call me "slaya".
T: How did you learn how to make beats?
TS: Since I always understood the art of piecing music together, I really had to learn and understand the technical side: sequencing, engineering, etc. But when it comes down to it, the main thing is making your gear work for you. It's not the price, size, or model of your equipment it’s the person behind it.
T: How long have you been in the game as a music producer and who are some of the artists you have produced for and what are some of the venues you have played in or for?
TS: I've been producing since 1998. Most of the artists I've worked with are local, including Rhapsody, a female R&B group out of Howard Univ., Dalenise, Janell Morgan, and Lauren White to name a few. I also did some piano overdubs for Calvin Richardson, and Akir. My latest "gig" was with Lemme, an R&B artist that I just came back from Japan with. She was on tour in Asia for a month and I played keys in her band. And Oh yeah, I'm going into my second season of producing the music for Maad Sports on BET.
T: That "It's A Girl" track on your site is blazing - where did the idea for the track come about and what does it represent?
TS: Thanks. I am a huge fan of Rodney jerkins ("Darkchild") and I guess that track is a testament to that. It just came out that way. That track is also the intro on my first solely produced album, "It's A Girl". The idea came from always watching the reaction on folks' faces when they find out that the mastermind behind my music is a "girl"
T: What studios have you engineered at?
TS: I used to watch and learn from engineers during my sessions at different studios around DC until I was able to build my own. Today, I am blessed to have a full blown studio equipped with "Industry Standard" equipment, hardware, software, etc. This is where I do all of the recording, tracking, mixing, etc, My lab.
T: How does it feel being a female producer in an industry dominated by men? Does it push you harder?
TS: Honestly, I like to see the expressions on guys' faces when they find out I did the track. In reality, it does push me harder because there is a place for everybody in this game. It's just that people still don't want to realize it.
T: Why is it so important that the music producer and artist be on the Same page when working together?
TS: Once there is an idea in place, both sides should creatively "lock" in terms of the feel, direction, and even concept of the music/ song. Plus, this gives you a greater chance of the song going over just as or even better than expected. When the listener gets the big idea, you have achieved your goal.
T: What current projects are you working on?
TS: Right now, I'm just trying to build up my library again for some up coming projects.
T: What words of advice do you have for young girls and women who want to break into the music industry?
TS: BE PERSISTANT! If one door closes, another door is bound to open.
T: What are some words that keep you going?
TS: "What you put in determines what you get out." that's with everything in life.
T: What is next for Trakslaya?
TS: I am actually getting ready to produce Lemme's first single on her new album, so make sure you look out for that.
T: Do you have a website?
TS: Yes I do, it’s www.trakslaya.com
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