Passion can’t be made, bought, nor sold - as passion either exists or not. When it comes to music, especially production, it can be difficult for fans to tell. The uncertainty of this sublet of life is evident, but for this Pennsylvania producer, having no trust in the process is the easiest way out in his opinion. This week we talked to THRD a producer out of Poconos, Pennsylvania to hear how he got on this path.
- Tell us who THRD is and where you're from?
“What's going on, I’m THRD. I am a producer/writer from the Poconos, Pennsylvania.”
- Tell us more about you, what are some of your other passions or hobbies? How do they affect each other negative & or positively?
“I’m overall just passionate about creating music and seeing my people go up. I like to study social media trends and learn about the industry when I'm not making/listening to music. Oh, and I love walking. Walking is my favorite thing to do, it helps me clear my mind and come up with my best ideas.”
- When did you first learn about music production and know it was a thing?
“I had an uncle (Rob) who lived with me growing up who would make beats all day ,but I wasn’t interested until 2008 when a friend of mine introduced me to FL studio. I was rapping at the time, but I didn’t like my voice, so I chose to learn to produce instead.”
- When did you start your first beat ever?
“August, 2008. It had rain drops and 808s.”
- Looking back at that beat now, what do you think of old beats from back then?
“I will say, I appreciate the originality that came with my ignorance back then. When you don’t know what you’re doing, amazing things happen out of curiosity. I was so experimental back then.”
- Who are some huge inspirations to you?
“Kanye West is my biggest inspiration, by far. I will say Timbaland as well. I could list a hundred artists though that I’m inspired by.”
- When did you decide to take music full time and what did or does your support system think of that?
“To be honest, I’d be lying if I said I took this music s*** as serious as I should. I have plans to start though. I be bulls*******. I got great friends and family in my corner though that supported me from day one. I never needed approval so as long as I’m ready and willing to do the work, the rest is gonna fall into place. But I thank my Father and sister Eva for raising me to have this confidence. If I decided I didn’t wanna do music and I rather be an astronaut or some s***, they’d back me 100 percent.”
- List a or some moments that you felt a “pay off” of the work you do:
“The biggest moment for me was when Ari Lennox sang on my beat. Even if the track never releases, it was a moment that let me know I got what it takes. She’s one of my favorite artists ever, so who gone tell me s*** if Ari likes my music? It’s like when MJ told Ye he could sing, no one else’s opinion matters anymore.”
“Every time I sell a beat I am grateful I put the work in to get to this point where people pay for my art. I try not to take any of it for granted. I have a “moment” every time I make something I’m proud of honestly. It’s an amazing feeling to get my feelings out in music.”
- How do you feel about the lack of credit producers receive in the game? Does it cross your mind at all?
“I mean, if you mean literal credit like leaving their name off the record, that’s foul. But if you just mean that whole “producers deserve more credit” discussion, I don’t really see eye to eye with them. If your name is on the record, push it like it’s your own and go get your credit. N***** wanna sit up in the studio all day while the artist is making moves to be seen, then complain. That’s weird to me, Go get seen.”
- What are some of your favorite collaborations or artists to work with?
“Billy Blunt, Bugz Ronin, Amadou Kahn, and recently Pilotkid. These are my guys! We all have a different understanding of music so I love coming to their world or bringing them to mine.”
- Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
“Having my own label. One of the Biggest producers in the game.”
- Do you work strictly with Chris Patrick? If not, what’s the difference working with others, does it help to have a personal connection with fellow collaborators?
“I only work with people that I have that personal connection with. I like to build with my friends. Chris Patrick is one of my best friends outside the music! We don’t have many songs together. My role in Crxssroads is social media and marketing. But yeah, most first sessions are usually getting to know the collaborator and seeing if we even a good fit.”
- What would you tell someone who has a drive to make music or do something creative but is scared of the judgment and/or uncertainty?
“Those types of people I don’t like to be around. I tell them this game ain’t for them.”
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