London-based Producer Obsidian Cane talks inspirations, career advice and his nostalgic R&B release ‘I’m Good’ ft. rising singer-songwriter Lyriqé

Obsidian Cane

What inspired you to begin a career in music?

When I was still at school, I used to wire up my Mum’s record player to my brothers Hitachi Boom box and record my mixes on a tape recorder. Friends heard my mix tapes and I got asked to DJ a few local parties. This led to me joining a sound system run by my friends Dad. We were called Demolition High Power (we even got a dub plate from reggae legend Frankie Paul!) Then we purchased a Boss Dr-110 drum machine and it changed my life! My job was to learn how to use it & then teach everyone else. I mastered everything about the Boss Dr Rhythm that’s when I knew wanted to create music.

What differs you and your sound from other rising producers in the music industry?

That’s a hard question to answer because I produce music in lots of genres. I apply the same rules to each production that I think gives me a distinct unique style. The vocal is always the centre of my production so I prefer to under produce & allow the vocal to shine through. All the music I produce is emotive, If the song is about joy, then I try to make the music amplify that emotion and lastly, I aim to make every production a 3-minute song. The pop song formulae forced me to be creative and improve technically.

Your latest release ‘I’m Good’ ft. Lyriqé is out now! Can you please describe the creative process and the concept/inspiration behind the track?

I’m Good ft. Lyriqé was inspired by the pandemic and UK lockdown. Like most people Lyriqé and I did some serious reflection after our careers had been devastated by the lockdowns due to music clubs & events being closed. I decided if I continued making music it would be making music that added positive energy to people, music that made you feel good. I wrote the music with this positive mindset and sent Lyriqé the backing track. As soon as I heard her vocal and arrangement, I knew we had got it right.

Who would you like to work with in the future? Is there anymore special collaborations coming up anytime soon?

I’ve dropped collaboration tracks this year from singer-songwriters Stacey Pierre & Lyriqé. November this year I’m releasing two more collaboration tracks with Chennez & Joy Ami (on my new 3 track UK Garage EP tilted RESET II) Then in 2022 I’m releasing tracks from 3 artists Gizella, I Am Born & Karess. I also have a reggae remix I’ve been asked to do for 2022 (no release date yet.) The singer-songwriters that work with me are top notch and can match anyone out there but if there was one artist, I’d like to work with-it would-be Anderson Paak I still haven’t come down yet from “Come Down” ha!

Obsidian Cane

How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?

Honestly, I have never had a problem discussing changes to a song with my writing partners. They know that my opinions are from the heart and always for the good of the song, never personal. That being said I have been know to complete scrap a project If someone brings ego into the room. That’s why I meet up with collaboration partners for a coffee and a chat before I agree to do any work with them. If we don’t click socially, it’s not going to work in a studio.

What personal advice would you give to someone wanting to pursue this career?

Never ever give up! And just as importantly learn how the industry works. Publishing, licensing who owns the master rights. If music is your chosen career, then learn the industry & pass on what you learned.

What does the foreseeable future hold for you as a music producer?

The next step is producing videos. I’m planning two for 2022. Continue with my sync music for film, tv, games. Take my Obsidian Cane UK Garage songs live on stage and throw in some KP performances at events like 51st State Music Festival. I’m ready to get involved in blockchain so I’ll see about releasing something exclusively using that technology possibly with my drum and bass songs.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for shinning a light on my work, you have made a new fan!

‘I’m Good’ is available now via all major platforms.

Connect with Obsidian Cane

Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify

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