ABTHAProducer is someone you need to put on your radar especially when it comes to versatility. Coming out of Houston, Texas he got his start as a producer from working with Sauce Walka‘s label TSF and from there on out he is continuing to make a name for himself as a producer. He recently produced Swae Lee’s “Dance Like No One’s Watching”; which is a very up tempo, melodic bop!

We got the chance to speak with ABTHAProducer on his experiences as a producer and much more!

check out exclusive interview below:

Mikala: How have you been holding up creatively during these crazy times?

AB: I really stay in the house anyway, you know, it’s not that much of a change. I’m always in the studio. I’m always locked in somewhere. The only change is that it’s a little bit more busy with everyone else inside. 

Mikala: I know that you grew up in Houston. How was it for you growing up there?

AB: It was a lot of fun. Surrounded by friends and everything. It’s just with the music. . . it’s not really a lot of artists that make it out of Houston. It’s not a lot of well rounded artists that make it out of Houston. I don’t really know how to explain it but really one sided growing up in Houston doing music, you know. It’s either you’re like this or you not. 

Mikala: How did producing come about for you? 

AB: Well I’ve always loved music wayyy too much. You know whenever you’re a kid and everybody was at the lunch table talking about stuff!? I was talking about New Mixtapes. Whenever I graduated I was kind of like… what should I do? I knew it would be something to do with music because I was too deep in it. 

Mikala: I feel that! How did you end up finding your signature sound? I always wonder that with being a producer. 

AB: I kind of have a signature sound now but my style was really changing depending on who I was working with. I started off with Sauce Walka and them so I was making Sauce type of beats. My style changes with the rappers I’m working with. 

Mikala: I had a talk with one of my homeboys and we were talking about how 21 Savage and MetroBoomin are an amazing duo, Pierre and Nudy as well. So do you think it’s very important to match the artist’s sound with the beats that you’re producing?

AB: Yeah! For sure! It’s important to find a good producer to match your sound with. When I’m working with Sauce I try to make Sauce type beats. When I’m working with Swae I make Swae type beats. 

Mikala: Right! Now, what is something that you would say people misconstrued when it comes to Producers?

AB: A big misconception is that people who do music are crazy (laughs). . . People think you’re crazy and you’re broke.

Mikala: Yeah! I would also say a big misconception about producers is that a lot of people only limit you guys to  producing. You know when you guys actually step out and start making your own music, I feel as though they don’t get as much support when they become an artist more so than when they’re a producer.

AB: Yeah! People want you to keep making beats. They don’t want you to start rapping. They be like “nah make some beats”! (Laughs). 

Mikala: (Laughs) That’s facts!

Mikala: Going back to Swae Lee, you recently produced a track for him…”Dance Like No One’s Watching”. I got to  jam out to that by the way. It’s a super dope track! On the topic of matching the artist sound you definitely did that.

AB: Thank you! That’s what everybody’s been telling me that. I appreciate that! 

Mikala: How was it working with Swae Lee?

AB: It was a little different because I’m use to up and coming. Sauce Walka is a Super Star but Swae Lee is like a Mega Super Star. The stakes were higher. He’s a real cool person. . . he just want that quality! 

Mikala: With this being a major placement for you did you feel any pressure? Any anxiety?

AB: Nah. It’s really a funny story. The way I got in contact with Swae Lee was through one of my friends. It was kind of his whole thing (AB’s friend) so I wasn’t even really making beats for Swae Lee. I made one or two, sent it to him and he liked it. Honestly it was no pressure like at all. I don’t like taking people’s opportunities, you know or jumping on it. I was just like I’m going to try something and it worked. 

Mikala: I love it! Who are some other artists you would like to work with in the future?

AB: You know, I kind of want to keep doing dance music (Laughs). I ain’t gone like I kind of like that.

Mikala: Ooo House Music?

AB: Yeah! Carribean music, and YoungBoy! 

Mikala: I will say with the House Music that would be so dope. It’s not too many producers who experiment with House Music! One of my favs right now it Kaytranada. He’s done some work with SiR, and a lot of other R&B artists as well.

AB: Cool! Yeah, Imma check him out!

Mikala: Before we wrap up what advice would you give for creatives who are struggling to create right now?

AB: Inspiration is everywhere. Don’t wait on inspiration. Find some good friends, a good vibe. If you could just get a good vibe, it’s really inspirational.