What’s up? I’m Docathan aka Doc. I am a 19 year old hip-hop producer living in South Florida, born and raised. I’ve been into music for only about 6-7 months now, and I have enjoyed every second of it. However, growing up I learned to play violin, piano, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and clarinet so I have been in ‘the field’ for a long time. Wasn’t until recently it became my passion.
Here is ➜ my favourite project I’ve created so far. Nothing complex, but simple yet original. It’s a Google Drive link so feel free to comment questions, compliments or feedback!
What are your inspiration sources?
Easily my go to artist is Mac Miller, rest in peace. Besides him Metro Boomin, Zaytoven, and Kanye West. Sometimes just to get new ideas going on in my head I will shuffle random sample playlists on YouTube.
Tell us something about your workflow.
I always start out listening to a general genre and mood of the song I plan to create. For example, if I’m going for a heavy Trap beat I would play Metro Boomin, but if I wanted something personal and creative I would listen to Mac Miller.
How would creative rituals benefit your workflow?
A creative ritual I enjoy is always try to be slightly high during the process so my ears can listen better and still be able to focus on the production process.
How do you get in the zone?
Sitting down and listen to music for inspiration.
How do you start a track?
I always play around on my keyboard with a generic piano sound to see what notes I want to use and then will begin putting together a drum kit to get a rhythm going and record in the notes with a set sound.
Do you have a special template?
I don’t usually go by a template besides creating a drum rack first, unless I am chopping a sample. Every project is a new project; you have to use new ideas for every time or else you could get in a producers block staying in this constant ‘template loop,’ focusing more on the template than what is being made.
What do you put on the master channel?
I don’t use the master channel unfortunately because I’m stuck on Maschine, which doesn’t allow much access to the master channel. All I ever do that is necessary is add EQs to the finished project to remove any peaking in the song.
How do you arrange and finish a track?
I tend to have an 8-12 bar intro of a slow drum build up with my tag, ‘What’s up Doc?’ and then a space for a verse, hook, chorus, and then repeat 1-3 times depending on the amount of verses wanted, then finally a short outro.
How do you deal with unfinished projects?
I’m okay with leaving them. I see them more as practice and I just look at it as, ‘What got me stuck that I won’t do next time?’ which allows me to keep moving forward with improvement.
How do you store and organize your projects?
I have a folder for Samples, Project files, Finalize projects, and a new folder for every current project I’m working on, and within each folder I have folders to organize month and year the project is from.
(ex: Finalized projects>September 2018>____)
How do you take care of studio ergonomics?
My setup is a tight look, but feels like unlimited space. I have my two monitors to have my mix channel on or google chrome, my Maschine Mikro in front of me with my keyboard directly under it, and my keys are just to the right for me to play with ease, and just outside the corner I have my guitar to play with and plug in with my interface by my feet. A record player to add with a great sound system to get quality sound. I use my microphone for a volume adjuster and to record obviously, and fun toys and lights for decor are scattered across the desk. Everything is at ease of access and allows me to move swiftly through a project and get all of my ideas out.
Tell us something about your daily routine, how is your day structured, how do you make room for creativity?
I always start out with a cup of coffee and a shower. I usually have work or have class but I more often than not have enough hours to create music. I plan my days out far in advance using a calendar app. I always make time for music when possible.
Share a quick producing tip.
Don’t feel like you always have to be creating. It’s okay to not be in the mood to create. Use that time to study music, relax from all the stress. It makes every experience much more enjoyable and meaningful.
Share a link to an interesting website (doesn’t have to be music related).
