SPARX Features Presents: Mixing N’ Zening ‘A WAVE MMLZ Story’

SPARX: You and Chief took a hiatus away from Tribe Chillen? What were your intentions during that time?

    It wasn’t really planned for us to take a hiatus; I think other plans just began to shape what we were doing. Chief was going to school out in AZ, and each of us was in a bit of a transitional period. In my eyes, the goals never changed and the music never stopped. We were just living a bit of life until we got back together for the self-titled EP.

SPARX: Since that hiatus, you’ve been focusing more on producing and mixing various tracks for other artists. Was that something you wanted to do or did you see yourself rapping on them more often?

    When I’m rapping, I’m really using that as an outlet to express myself and my energy, definitely a more personal side of my music making for me. A lot of the time when I’m producing though, it’s easier for me to collaborate with people. I can read their vibe and create something for them that is viewed through my lens musically.

SPARX: Take us through the process of how you create those tracks. Does your process happen in a studio or in your own personal space?

    I love to create with an artist on the spot in my studio. It’s like capturing the vibe out of thin air. I can get a better idea of the track to make…of the sound to create if I know who I’m working with a little better. A simple conversation can make an impact on the track we make.

SPARX: Performing in front of thousands of people must be nerve wrecking but you seem to thrive off it. How did your first performance go? And does all your performance have as much energy as saying you were during the MV with Heartwork’s “187”?

    My very first performance was as a drummer, and literally, moments before I had to perform my lead singer dropped a drum on my head nearly knocking me out. I was in so much pain that I kind of threw all my fears to the wind and just went wild during my performance. I think of that every time I perform. One of my favorite parts of being an artist is performing, in that moment I get to let it all go and be myself. I love the Heartwork dudes, being able to perform that with my friends is always great, a fun “genre-jump” for me.

SPARX: Let’s talk about breaking away to make your own solo album, “POLY”. How did it come to be an idea to an intriguing reality?

    Poly comes from the word “Polyhistor” which is similar to a “renaissance man” or someone who can “do it all themselves” and that’s what the album embodies. I’m taking that step forward and showing people that I do this on my own. I made all the beats, there are only a few features and I even drew the album art.

SPARX: Is “POLY” going to be your only solo album to be released or is there any news of a possible new album?

    My next project is actually almost done. It will be out this summer and it’s the most fun I’ve had making a project. I hear these new songs and I feel like I’m ready to take on the world head first.

SPARX: “POLY” wasn’t your first individual project as you also started something that’s blooming into a successful brand. Make Music Live Zen. Tell us the story behind it?

    It was never the goal to make it into a brand, it had always just been the motto. But as notoriety increased and I felt like many shared that same feeling and I wanted people to represent it! So we began making shirts and hats and I see it evolving into all kinds of “studio-wear” as I like to call it.

SPARX: Your brand seems to be expanding every day. There’s merch done for it and seems like you’re leaning towards a collective label. Is there any future for the brand Make Music Live Zen as a record label?

    Most definitely, I already kind of see it as a label with a re-defined meaning. It will most definitely be growing and I’ll be adding artists that I stand behind fully as the time comes. Slowly but surely.

SPARX: When did the self-titled ‘Tribe Chillen’ EP come about? Did you have any part in producing it solely?

    Those tracks and the singles before it was made over the span of a year prior to its release. I produced every track on there myself. Our single “World Is Mine” had a little 808 help from Piggbeats.

SPARX: You’ve been involved in multiple projects, is there any future projects coming soon? Also is there any time taking your skills of mixing and producing to a new level?

    Yes! I’m always starting and finishing projects as they overlap each other to keep music constantly releasing. After my next solo project drops, I’ll most definitely be taking some time to re-work my production style and take it to the next level.

SPARX: We’ve come to the ending of our interview. We also would like to thank you for your time and pleasure for joining us. Is there anything you would like to say?

First, I’d like to thank y’all at Sparx for constantly supporting myself and the team, I really appreciate you guys. Another thank you to every single person who supports, whether it’s listening to a song, coming to a show, buying an album or a shirt, every bit of support means the world to me. Much love, stay positive, Make Music Live Zen.

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