What is your name and role within the band?
Maddy O’Neal – I am a solo producer. I create all my own original music/content and “DJ” it live.
How did you start?
I started producing about 7 years ago when my brother randomly gave me the demo for the software I use as a christmas present – I came from a very musical family just never stuck with an instrument but he knew I had the ear for it which is why he passed it along to me. I never looked back.
Where are you based?
Denver Colorado.
Please give an example of your music writing process?
Originally when I was first starting out making music I kinda taught myself everything through sampling – so my process would be to go out to record stores and dig for vinyl, come home and listen to records, find samples/little tis bits that I liked/inspired me and go from there. At this point I have built up my library of sounds, samples etc that my writing process could really start anywhere – from a sound I find through one of my synth’s or a drum sound. I have been experimenting a lot with starting tracks different ways to help me think about the process differently.
What are you working on right now?
I just finished up a 5 track EP which is set to release over the next few weeks called “Parallels” so Im pretty excited to get that out there. And in the meantime I am starting on my next album and also experimenting with new ways to set up my live set/enhance my performance.
What is your gear setup?
I currently use my laptop running ableton live software, an apollo interface, akai MPD 226, and a novation launch control XL. I just got a roland spd-s a few days ago though so I’m working on ways to integrate that as well !
What do you like to do outside of music and does it affect your music?
I like to stay active as much as I can – hiking, snowboarding in the winter, running, yoga, playing with my dog. I also go to a lot of other shows. Anything arts and crafts based is always fun too! And yes, I think that pretty much everything I do affects my music, naturally I draw inspiration from my experiences, my mood, my surroundings so I try to keep life interesting/try new things 🙂
How would you describe your music genre?
That is always a tough one because I think “genre” is becoming more and more obsolete – but I def draw influences from hip hop, soul, funk, electronic/bass music etc.
Do you know any music theory?
From the beginning of my journey with music I pretty much relied on my ears/trusting my own taste etc to teach myself everything I know within it – but I have slowly been teaching myself theory along the way as it relates to playing the keys and pitching samples etc.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to continue creating and continue to collaborate with as many other artists as possible as well – not just musically. Eventually I would love to have a more live band setup, would love to do more singing myself etc. This project is only going to continue to evolve and grow. It’s crazy to think that the possibilities are really endless. Im excited to keep learning and putting that back into my work.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I try to discover new music all the time through spotify playlists etc. But some of my favorites right now are Anderson Pak, 20syl, Hurley Mower, Nick Murphy, Childish Gambino etc.
Who are your top 5 influences and icons?
Its hard to name just a few cause my influences are so vast – but I grew up listening to rock and roll and a lot of indie rock – my brother always introducing me to new things. But definitely some acts that had an impact on me are J Dilla, DJ shadow, Prefuse 73, The Beastie Boys etc. Then really getting my start producing in Colorado I was heavily influenced by the scene out here seeing the ways that these acts were fusing hip hop and electronic music and sampling – Pretty Lights, Michal Menert, Griz etc.
When are you playing next?
This summer is pretty much a bunch of festivals before touring again in the fall – Next up is Sonic Bloom Festival, Camp Bisco, Infrasound, Arise etc.
https://www.facebook.com/MaddyONealMusic
https://soundcloud.com/maddy-oneal
https://twitter.com/Maddy_ONeal
