Welcome music lovers, to a fireside chat with the rising star, Carbon Clef! This beat-making maestro has been dropping tracks that ignite the soul and leave you wanting more. Today, we'll dive into the creative spark that fuels Carbon Clef's music, his songwriting process, and the secrets to navigating the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry. Buckle up, because Carbon Clef is about to share his journey and wisdom in a way that's as raw and real as his music.
The Spark Within:
AHNF: Let's start with the fire, Carbon Clef: what ignites your creative spark and gets you in the zone to create dope music?
Carbon Clef: For me, it's all about that first sound. As soon as I hear a beat, I'm locked in. It's like a portal opens, and I'm transported to a world of possibilities. And when I'm in the studio with dope artists, the energy is electric. Any word, any melody, becomes a building block for something bigger. It's like a beautiful game of sonic catch, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.
From Beats to Bangers:
AHNF: You've mastered the craft of creating killer tracks, Carbon Clef. Walk us through your typical songwriting/production process – are you a lyrics-first or beat-first kind of artist?
Carbon Clef: I started out as a beatmaker, so I'm definitely a "beat-first" kind of guy. But that doesn't mean the lyrics come second. Sometimes, a killer hook or a poignant line will hit me, and I'll build the beat around it. It's all about finding the perfect balance between melody and rhythm and letting the energy flow naturally.
Hustle and Harmony:
AHNF: The music game is all about hustle, Carbon Clef. How do you balance your creative flow with the business side of things, like marketing and promotion?
Carbon Clef: It's a constant dance, for sure. But I've found that staying organized and planning ahead is key. I'll make a few songs, and then map out a promotion plan for each single. The beauty of doing everything myself is that I can use the time promoting one track to create new ones. I never rush the process, because quality is everything.
Reaching the Right Ears:
AHNF: Let's talk streaming, Carbon Clef: how do you navigate the world of Spotify, Apple Music, and the like to get your music heard by the right ears?
Carbon Clef: I like to keep things simple. I use Distrokid to get my music on all platforms at once, and I make sure to post it at least four weeks before the official release. That way, the algorithms have time to work their magic. But remember, platforms are just tools. The real work comes from putting your music in front of people, engaging with fans, and building a community.
YouTube Goldmine:
AHNF: YouTube is a goldmine for artists, Carbon Clef. Share your secrets for maximizing monetization through views, ads, and sponsorships.
Carbon Clef: Treat YouTube like any other social platform. Connect with people, build relationships, and create engaging content. Shorts are huge right now, so get creative and have fun with it. Consistency is key, so keep uploading and interacting with your audience. Remember, the more you give, the more you get.
Dream Big, Network Bigger:
AHNF: Ever dreamt of seeing your music in a movie or TV show, Carbon Clef? How do you approach music supervisors and land those coveted placements?
Carbon Clef: It's definitely not easy, but it all comes back to relationships. Build connections with writers, other producers, music supervisors. Send emails, DMs, be relentless! Remember, in this game, it's not always who you know, but who your friends know. But if you do good work and build trust, they'll keep coming back for more.
Rapid Fire Round:
AHNF: Time for some quick hits, Carbon Clef! Name your favorite artists, your go-to studio gear, and the one song you wish you wrote.
Carbon Clef: Favorite bands: 1500 or Nothing, Maze.
Favorite artists: Myself (of course!), Hopi, Kado Dupree, Mattie B, Lamar, Translee, King Elway, and countless others.
Studio gear: UAD Apollo interface.
The song I wish I had written: "California Dreaming."
A Message for the Fans:
Don’t give up. I have plenty of times where I thought about and even acted on it but it just didn’t feel right. My music motivates me to keep going and to stand on business, love, and loyalty and I want it to do the same for you. I am you and you are me and I love you
-IJWRMBADRSWMFDI
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