Interviews
Producer .@kylestemberger talks process, Burna Boy collab, and more in exclusive interview
Kyle Stemberger had an amazing year last year, and the crazy thing is that he’s just beginning. He practically lives in the studio, securing collaborations with artists like Jorja Smith, Burna Boy, and Flipp Dinero, and he’s quietly on the trek to becoming one of your favorite producers – you just don’t know it yet.
We caught up with the rising producer to learn a bit about what his process is like, how he got into
What’s your approach to making beats? Does it differ from artist to artist?
It depends on where I am. If I’m just at home making beats I usually just start messing around on the keyboard or guitar until I get something I like. Sometimes, use a melody that one of my homies created, then I just add whatever drums on top of it that fit the vibe of the melody.
If i’m in the studio with an artist it really depends on who i’m working with. For example, recently I was working with one of my good friends WHATUPRG for a while on some new music and I was just cranking idea after idea out and there were a lot of those moments where something just clicks or someone has that lightbulb moment when they hear an idea. Those moments are the best to me.
How did you get into producing?
I started off playing piano when I was extremely young, like 5 or 6, then I eventually got into guitar as well since I grew up on a lot of rock music. I got into electronic music a little bit when I was in middle school and I looked up how it was made because I was curious, then ended up downloading FL Studio and watching some tutorials. I got into rap music heavily around the same time and the rest is history.
What was it like working with Burna Boy?
Unfortunately I didn’t get to actually be in the studio with him for that single. I played the guitar and did a little vocal for that record. That song is probably my favorite that i’ve ever worked on. It’s crazy to have not only Burna Boy, but Jorja Smith on it as well. I think they meshed perfectly on it.
How do you manage to land such high profile replacements?
Collaboration. Through working at my craft, I’ve been able to catch the attention and send ideas/loops to some of the biggest producers ever. Big or small, collaborating with producers will get your beats heard by more people who you may not have direct access to. As soon as I get my foot in the door somewhere and see new opportunity, I try and kick the door down and really show them my potential.
What would you say that your favorite collaboration that you’ve ever worked on is? Why?
Jorja Smith’s “Be Honest” ft. Burna Boy or Flipp Dinero’s “How I Move” ft. Lil Baby are my favorites. “Be Honest” was my first placement outside of just rap music and I’m trying to branch off this year and get some more songs done with artists people wouldn’t expect me to work with. It was my first time hearing myself on the radio as well. “How I Move” because growing up in Georgia, everyone is a fan of Lil Baby and Flipp Dinero here. A lot of people were, and still are, playing that song. It feels like my first song where people actually know it and listen to it like that, locally at least.
What do you think makes a good hit? In terms of Sonics, is it replicable? Why or why not?
I think every “hit” is unique in its own way, most of the time one hit is not like the other. In my opinion, it has to have just the right amount of repetition and a chord progression/melody that is very memorable as well. What comes to mind is “Ransom” by Lil Tecca. You don’t hear chord progressions like that a lot in rap music, so it’s pretty unique and i’m sure just about everybody reading this has the hook or at least part of it memorized. I think it can be replicable, but it’s never gonna be as big of a hit as the original is. I think it’s best off trying to do something new and fresh.
What are you looking to accomplish this year?
I want to grow more as a producer. I want to go back to my roots and focus back in on my piano & guitar skills, definitely a lot more live instrumentation. As far as achievements, I want to work on some big pop/dancehall records and some R & B stuff. I still haven’t got that #1 yet so that’s been my driving force recently. If I keep grinding for it, even if I’m not getting it, i’ll still be having a good chance of filling up the other hundred spots. I also want to develop a new artist, I haven’t found one yet and I’m not really actively searching, just want it to happen organically. And of course I want to work harder than I did last year and blow 2019 out of the water.
Queens native Thomas “Bubba” Harrison has lived an exciting life. Thomas exemplifies perseverance and dedication to pursuing greatness from his time with the legendary rap group ONYX to landing various successful real estate deals and even starting a black-owned commercial flight business.
Dealing with a rocky First venture with a music imprint partnered with Sony that Harrison had to repivot out of due to unfortunate circumstances halting the deal and rekindling his passion for music. 1997 then came, and life changed for Thomas as he began writing under the name Bubba Smiff as he began recording with the ONYX. However, his love for real estate took off during that time, and he netted a quarter million in value from his first property purchases he used from his rap career money.
Now, Thomas started to become a real estate Tycoon and business genius. Throughout the early 2000s, Harrison accrued over fifty properties from New York to California. He used the immense network he gained in music to help maintain upkeep and boost expansion for his ascending real estate empire. He also established a successful credit repair business that helped people purchase the cars and houses of their dreams. Thomas even previewed his future ventures by influencing people to fly with Jet Smarter. This private airline company gave customers flights for quality at the time because it was his passion and dream to run a successful flight business, so he wanted to see the backend side of that business.
This man Thomas “Bubba” Harrison, originating from Queens, has a God-given acumen IQ, and this was only the start because years passed before the recent COVID era. Thomas and two colleagues pooled enough money to purchase a plane together. This motivated Harrison to enroll in Long Island Aviators School to work on his piloting certificate because he wanted to be more than an owner. Now, he is putting together his next ultra-successful business venture, Fly Flashy, which is progressing smoothly with a core base in Florida. Things are set in motion for it to become your new favorite airline soon. God fearing and passionate, hats off to Thomas Harrison for being a role model to artists worldwide and black men.
Flyboi Rich is someone that we talk to frequently at 4ShoMag. He’s one of the best rising artists out of Detroit, and just a look at his consistency in releases over the last few years, plus his rising streams on platforms (he’s had millions of streams) shows that the world is realizing it too.
It’s been a while since we’ve caught up with what he’s doing, but, ahead of the release of his new single “Tokyo Drift,” we wanted to catch up with him quickly about where he’s been, what’s inspiring him, and what we can expect from “Tokyo Drift.”
Check out our brief conversation below.
Could you tell me a bit about where you’ve been since our last conversation?
I’ve been doing a lot of traveling studying planning buying real estate learning more about the business side of music and taking meetings with smaller labels. Ethika recently had me come in to talk.
How has your career elevated?
My streams have been going up and with that comes trouble. People have been hacking into my social media accounts so I’ve just been rebuilding them. I’m seeing streams go up over a million a month sometimes, so I appreciate whoever is listening to me and watching my videos.
What’s the inspiration for your new music?
My new releases are inspired by the drama that I’ve been going through, just life situations that I’ve been putting into the music. When you hear me, I’m putting my all so people who understand my struggles can identify with what I’m saying. I always make sure the punchlines and metaphors hit too, because that’s something I always focus on.
What’s the message behind it?
The message behind it is to really talk crazy and speak your mind. Don’t let your voice get shut out. Open up and do whatever you want to do and take chances for what you want to become Don’t take shit from nobody. And to be honest, it’s also my story of coming from the trenches as an underdog.
What are you working on beyond this that your fans can wait on?
The next thing that I’m working on is definitely more music — starting with the release of “Tokyo Drift.” I’m also working on new ways to present my brand to people — whether it’s more clothes and fashion lines on the way, or being featured on bigger blogs and radios. You’re going to be seeing a lot more of me in the near future.
Keep up with Flyboi Rich on Twitter and Instagram at @uknowflyboi.
Artist To Watch
R&B/Soul Music’s Newest Star: Oshanna Listeners on a Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment
Meet Oshanna Naomi Davis, the rising star in R&B/soul music. She hails from Toronto but grew up in Brampton, and is currently based in Vaughan. Oshanna draws her inspiration from some of the greatest musicians, including Michael Jackson, Lauren Hill, Alicia Keys, Kiesha Cole, Mary J. Blige, and Jhene Aiko. Her music is a unique blend of R&B/soul, chill, and alternative sounds that represent her perspective on life.
For Oshanna, music is more than just a hobby; it’s her passion and calling. It provides her with a safe space to express herself and connect with others. Oshanna’s music invites her listeners on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment. Her latest project, “Energy,” is a testament to the power of authentic connections and the transformative nature of friendship. It’s inspired by Oshanna’s close friendship with someone who taught her the real meaning of unconditional love.
“Energy” is the first single from Oshanna’s upcoming EP, which is scheduled to be released in August 2023. Her performance at the NXNE Festival in Toronto in June will be something to look forward to. Additionally, as the first-place winner of the Coast to Coast Artist Showcase, Oshanna will be going to the finals in Miami on November 11th to perform some unreleased music.
Through her music, Oshanna hopes to inspire her fans to follow their dreams and conquer their challenges. Her message of self-love, authenticity, and vulnerability is a source of liberation and empowerment for her listeners. As a rising star in the world of R&B/soul music, Oshanna’s future is undoubtedly bright. Her music is a beautiful invitation for her listeners to embark on a journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and empowerment.
Check out her new single “Energy” below.
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