Swiff D Beats

In today’s ever-changing world of Rap Music. Where trends are in and out like at the drop of hat or new dance. With the people going off the song with the catchy chorus. In the middle of all this uncreative music going on today. Somewhere in his studio sits Steve Thornton aka Swiff D producer. With Looks of Linebacker not a producer of Hip Hop music standing 6”5 and weighing 215 pounds. Doing all of his production work on Laptop loaded with Fruity Loops and a SSL Mixer, headphones, Midi Controller, an SSL board and nice Monitors. With production credits ranging from artist such as Snoop, Nas, Willie da Kid, Busta Rhymes, Hoodlum, Redman, Talib Kweli, Styles P, Diplomats (Juelz, Duke, Hell Rell, JR Writer), Bobby Valentino, Anthony Hamilton, Bobby Creekwater, Bella, Rick Ross, Dogg Pound, Steph Jones. He sold his first beat at 20 years old to Hip Hop veteran and fellow California native Jayo Felony. Born in Fontana, CA, but grew up in Pomona, CA. A man who I would describe as down to earth and humble and an easy going nice guy. This description is very over used especially in the Music Industry. Where egos and attitudes and shady business practices are more of the norm. Most people’s motivation in Music is money most of them probably have never been homeless sleeping at a different friends every night. Making beats on these friends computer and erasing the hard drive when finished and taking the floppy to the next spot. Down to a pair of boots one outfit and backpack full of floppies having to wash his clothes everyday to stay fresh. With these struggles having stood in the way the average person would gave up and Never been heard of but Not Swiff D.



So how did you get your start at production? I got my start in Science class. One of my friends passed me a CD with somemusic software on it, and I didn’t bother to open it upand see what it was about until after I graduated highschool...and the rest is history.
What was the software program?Fruity Loops 2.

What did your first beats sound like?
My first beat sounded likethe sound of 50 kids running to an ice cream truck.

Ha ok. Can you explain your setup now? How much of a difference is there between your first beat and your beats now?My set was a Desktop Cpu and some headphones. Now my set up is a laptop, headphones, Midi Controller, an SSL board and niceMonitors. A person that continues toperfect their music sounds poised after sometime. Mymusic can be best described as a 13yr old that’s now a29 yr old, very mature, poised, polished.

When did you think you could do this on a professional level?
I thought this when I got my first chance to walk into a studio and play music.From that day forward I knew I could be something special.

How intense is competition for jobs in your field?
Its all politics. The Music game is 10% skill and 90% discipline you can be the best in thegame, but if your business isn’t as good as your music you’d never sell anything. It’s also aboutdiscography...what you have done matters.



Do you think the politics get in the way of good music getting put out?
Yes it definitely does. 95% of the music you hear these days is all from relationships.So it all goes back into what was stated, good business always guarantees a spot.I see. So what do you love about your job? What is not to love about it?
I love the interaction between myself, fans, and people I’ve looked up to in musicI think appreciation all comes with the business, the harder you grind people realize it more.
What I hate is when you’re better than other industry mates, they tend to get jealous.

With three years in what is the range of income one can expect in your field?
Well honestly, the music industry is a gamble steady income is never guaranteed unless you have an office job.

So basically it varies? Roll of the dice kind of thing?
Exactly! Its all politics.

Do you think a person would need any special skills to succeed in your profession?
Just to be better than the average, and have your own sound.
So what are your next projects you are working on?
I am working on Snoops album,Nas, my group Pacific Division, Murs, Bobby Creekwater, BustaRhymes, and my own album and the list continues….


Anything you would like to say to a young producer wanting to get in the game?
Most importantly, Im only 23, so im a young producer as well.The saying "30's the new 20"really means something as a young producer youshould try harder to be more creative than the next because the days your thinking you've mastered your sound...someone is at home working to take your placements.

With that said you can check out my man Swiff D out @ www.myspace.com/swiffd