To read part 1, click here.
Cendrine Marrouat: Have you noticed differences in the way Canadian and American artists work? If so, how do you adapt?
Strada: The work part is quite similar. Everything is done through the Internet nowadays. Gmail has become the modern day studio. You send files back and forth even if you are in the same city. What’s really different is the size of the markets. Not many artists live from their music in Montreal. It is too small. American artists, even Indies, can still make a living from touring, merchandising and songs sales. Not so much in Canada. If you tour Canada you will be gone for a month but if you tour the US you can be gone for half a year easy.
CM: What is the daily routine of producer Strada?
Strada: Unfortunately, I don’t live from my music like a lot of artists so I get up and go to work every morning. When I come back home I eat and hit the studio. I try to sit and do something music related every day. If that day I am not inspired to create something new I will look for samples or install new plug ins. Because when the inspiration strikes, I want to be there to put it down and record it. Some days I will search twitter or read interviews about up & comers or producers to keep up with the flow of information and try to connect with like-minded people.
CM: Your forte is hop-hop. However, would you be open to collaborate with artists in other genres? Any favorite?
Strada: Absolutely, I have done it in the past and I am still open for collaboration. As long as I feel the music, I am good for it. Recently, I have done a remix for a Montreal Ska band called The Hangers. It came out wild and unexpected.
I dig blues a lot, r&b, electro, dancehall, reggae even some house. Basically anything with a groove and some soul in it. If I don’t feel anything when I listen to your music, I am not going to listen again. When I get ready to go out I want to feel hype, when I sit down with a cigar I want to be intrigued and amazed. Music has to make you feel a certain way to be effective in my opinion.
CM: Are you working on a specific project right now?
Strada: Right now I am concentrating on two things. First, Wordsmith’s new mixtape and album that will come out in the early part 2012. Second, I am doing a project with a singer from Montreal, Phil Cassidy. It is called The Big Knives and it sounds like an electro party crashed by James Brown.
CM: What kind of advice would you give a novice producer?
Strada: Do it for the love not the money because money is scarce. Work hard and try to surround yourself with talented people, ideally people that are better than you. Keep up to date and read about your craft. That is how you will grow. Have fun and be creative.
CM: Where can people find more information on you and your music?
Strada: I keep a blog about my music and everything I like at www.stradagized.com. I'm also on Twitter (@Strada514).
CM: Any last words?
Strada: Thank you Cendrine for this interview.
Next time you like a new or local artist, buy his album or single, it helps them continue to do that music you love.
End of the interview.
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