I've had the pleasure of finally interviewing someone who I think is an amazing artist(musician and graphic designer). Ry Nea Sol! (aka MsBeatJunkie), she's a female producer/beatmaker from Birmingham, Al:
Aquarius Rising: So, when did you start making beats?
MsBeatJunkie: In 2000, while I was in college at Jacksonville State University.
Aquarius Rising: You majored in Psychology with a minor in Communications. Did you participate in any extracurricular activities that involved music?
MsBeatJunkie: Yes, I was a member of the Jacksonville State University Mass Choir and also the Campus Ministry worship leader.
Aquarius Rising: Wow, so what was your motivation to start producing your own music?
MsBeatJunkie: I didn't hear any music that sounded like what I felt, what I heard in my thoughts on the radio and i hadn't heard of any female producers out there.
Aquarius Rising: What devices did you start out with to create the beats you wanted to hear?
MsBeatJunkie: (She smiles) Fruity Loops aka (FL Studio) and a keyboard.
Aquarius Rising: What did your first beats sound like?
MsBeatJunkie: They were actually dirty south hip hop beats because that's what I heard around me at the time. The word spread that I was producing. I started to get calls and requests to make beats for national and local christian hip hop recording artists.
Aquarius Rising: Do you still make dirty south beats?
MsBeatJunkie: My music changed when I
started listening more closely to what was inside of me. I am far from the commercial tones of crunk and snap. To me, my music is "organic soul, futuristic boom bap" (laughing). I am influenced by many genres. I also implement the art of sampling like many producers, but did not always sample.
Aquarius Rising: Which artists influence your creativity?
MsBeatJunkie: Pete Rock,Madlib,Jdilla,Tonex,Sun Ra...
Aquarius Rising: Sun Ra was a very eccentric musician. Why Sun Ra?
MsBeatJunkie: Sun Ra made music based on what he felt whether you liked it or not. J.Dilla was the same way; both were led by the music.
Aquarius Rising: Technology has become so advanced now. Are you still using just the software and a keyboard?
MsBeatJunkie: (laughing)Yes, but I have other toys too. I love software though, and mixing it with various hardware allows me to be even more creative.
Aquarius Rising: Are there any female producers that you admire?
MsBeatJunkie: The Angel, she is a female producer that you dont hear alot about. I discovered her years ago while watching this movie called "Boiler Room". I was intriqued because the beats in every scene were so tight and organic; so hip hop that I had to find out who produced them and when I found out the producer was a "girl" I really got on it because I dreamed of producing movies for film and tv as well. She's really talented.
Muhsinah (mu-seen-nah), Georgia Ann Muldrow, and Angie Stone are other female producers that I like as well.
Aqaurius Rising: Have you worked with any Birmingham artists?
MsBeatJunkie: I've produced some tracks for spoken word artist Shaun Judah and have had studio sessions with Byron The Aquarius; both are very talented artists. I am currently working with other artists in the city and outside of the city.
Aquarius Rising: Have you faced any challenges as a female beatmaker?
MsBeatJunkie: Of course! Being dismissed in some way or another because of my gender.
Aquarius Rising: So, where can we find evidence of your skills?
MsBeatJunkie: http://www.myspace.com/offbeatmusiq
