RESPECT. Interview: Meet Up and Coming Producer MerleXSkate

Atlanta native, Merle “MerlexSkate” Staten, has been making music just about his whole life. Starting at just two years old, he began to play the drums and by the time he was fourteen he was making beats. Although he began making beats as a hobby, Merle began to hone in on his craft after he graduated from high school. Thanks to his confidence, and his grind, MerlexSkate has become an artist to watch. MerlexSkate drops some serious knowledge in this interview for anyone who is interested in developing more of a passion for their craft.

RESPECT.: What projects do you have coming up?

I got a couple collabs with some other upcoming producers, a couple EPs I’m executively producing with some upcoming artists, working on a personal instrumental project as well. Daily grind shit you know?

RESPECT.: How’d you get into producing?

My homies who made beats got me into it and my dad was pushing me to learn especially with the musician (drummer) background I have.

RESPECT.: Do you have any producers you looked up to?

It’s so many. Anybody from DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Dilla to Metro, Lex Luger, Zaytoven and other top dawgs like that. I’m also a huge fan of CardoGotWings, KeyWayne, and Johnny Juliano. I’m a really chill person so I always favor their sound because it mixes the hard backbeat of trap drums with smooth samples. They take samples and turn it into something completely unrecognizable. They all sample or create their melodies in their own way too. It’s to the point where you hear a beat by one of them and you can tell who produced it. That’s definitely something I picked up on.

RESPECT.: What’s the best/worst part about being a producer?

Best part is the reaction and feedback I get from listeners. Hard part is trying to get more listeners and also that moment when you’re in the midst of creating but it doesn’t come out how you envisioned it and then trying to fix it.

RESPECT.: How do you plan on evolving your craft?

Keep grinding and keeping my ears open. Inspiration can come from anything. Also, being open to hear what other producers and musicians may have to add whether it was in my vision or not.

RESPECT.: Do you have a specific formula for how you begin making beats?

Nah I don’t. Sometimes I start with the drums and sometimes I start with the melodies or the samples.

RESPECT.: Where do you get inspiration from when you’re making beats?

Anything. It could be a visual thing or a sound thing. Like many, I listen to so much music and some people look at me crazy for the things that I’ll listen to or try to sample but its just the musician in me.

RESPECT.: What advice would you give to someone who wanted to begin producing?

If you want it, go get it. Fuck a hater. Do you because only you can be you. Your sound is a representation of you. Let your character come out through your music and style. Try to find something that can separate yourself from other artists and such. I just make the beats with my computer, aux chord and some good ass speakers but the upgrade is on the way. Work with what you got but definitely stay updated with whats new with your softwares and such.

RESPECT.: Do you have a specific genre you think you fit into?

I’m from Atlanta (South West Atlanta) and we have birthed some of the greatest careers known to the industry. I don’t really want to be put into a category but it is what it is. I love trap music so I guess thats one. I can do more than trap music though. I’m very versatile.

RESPECT.: In your opinion, what do you think makes a good producer?

I think versatility, longevity, consistency, openness, doing good business, and the work ethic makes a great producer. These are the key things I strive for.

Follow MerlexSkate to hear his new projects: soundcloud.com/MerlexSkate