Questlove Supreme hosts Organized Noize in Part 1, where Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown discuss their approach to sampling, the early days of OutKast, and the Dungeon Family. They share laughs about their formation and musical journey, making this a must-listen conversation.
Organized Noize pioneered innovative sampling techniques in music production.
They established Dungeon Studios as a creative hub for music collaboration.
Their unique sound blends Southern heritage with inventive production, breaking musical norms.
Deep dives
Discovering a Shared Musical Passion
Rico, Ray, and Fontaine share their unique musical memories, from witnessing their father's performances at a young age to discovering their love for music through influences like Jackson Five albums and funky disco eras. Ray's first musical memory involves dancing with family, appreciating music from his jazz-head father, and growing up in a musical environment in Atlanta. Rico recalls his introduction to music through radio sounds, work environment music, and early jobs that shaped his music appreciation and exploration.
Embracing Sampling and Musical Influences
The trio recalls delving deep into music sampling and musical study, appreciating the art of sampling classic beats and melodies to create new sounds. They explore their journey in unearthing and reprogramming iconic breakbeats, acknowledging the importance of mastering production techniques, from replicating to reimagining sounds to enhance their music-making process.
Connecting Through Music and Collaborations
Their shared passion for music leads Rico, Ray, and Fontaine to establish a creative space, likened to a musical hub for innovative work. The Dungeon Studios, originating in Ray's mother's basement, becomes the melting pot where music innovation thrives. With beat-making skills, instrumental prowess, and diverse musical influences, their collaborations shape a unique sound that blends Southern musical heritage with inventive production techniques.
Exploring Unorthodox Musical Styles and Techniques
The trio's musical journey delves into pushing creative boundaries, experimenting with unorthodox beats, and blending diverse musical elements to define their signature sound. From exploring unconventional sampling styles to honing distinctive production techniques, they break musical norms and pioneer fresh approaches to music composition and arrangement, exemplifying a fusion of creative freedom and musical innovation in their work.
Evolution of Music Production with Analog and Digital Equipment
The discussion delves into the evolution of music production techniques, highlighting the transition from using analog equipment like the SP12 and SB12 that provided a distinctive sound texture, to incorporating MIDI control and digital sampling. The podcast emphasizes the significance of utilizing different drum machines, such as the NPC and SB12, to create unique beats and textures, showcasing how artists like Ludacris and Outkast utilized these tools to shape their signature sounds.
The Impact of Leaking Music and Organic Growth in Hip-Hop
The conversation explores the strategy of leaking music to build hype and gain exposure in the hip-hop community, as exemplified by the intentional leaking of singles like 'Elevators' by Outkast. The podcast reveals the behind-the-scenes decisions that shaped the release of iconic tracks, highlighting the role of independent radio stations and DJs in breaking new music. Additionally, the discussion touches on the importance of maintaining creativity and authenticity in music production, referencing the process of creating timeless beats based on organic inspiration and musical experimentation.
Questlove Supreme travels to Atlanta to kick it with some of the city's musical architects. Organized Noize appears in a comprehensive two-parter. In Part 1, Rico Wade, Ray Murray, and Sleepy Brown discuss their approach to sampling, recall the early days of OutKast and the Dungeon Family, and have a few laughs about their formation. This conversation is not to be missed.
