Producer Profile Interview: Stoni

This profile is dedicated to introducing our readers to Stoni. When you think of hard hitting hip-hop beats and with sophisticated melodies, there’s only one name that comes to mind. Stoni is a Brooklyn native who grew up listening to everything from Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder to Prince and The Rolling Stones. Stoni currently works with Native Instruments as a product specialist and musical hardware trainer for the industry’s A-list music makers. Using Native Instruments Maschine drum machine as her weapon of choice, Stoni is taking music making to a whole new level. Stoni agreed to answer a few questions about her production work for the Gender Amplified blog. Check it out!

What first sparked your interest in music production?

I’ve always loved music. My parents had very eclectic taste in music so I was listening to music before I could even walk.

Tell us a little about the first track you ever produced. 

I was an assistant engineer in a studio, and the producer whose session I was in had equipment that he wasn’t using. He told me that if I came back with some tracks I could keep the gear and use it to make music. I went home that night. I had my record player, sampled some vinyl and chopped it up. I stayed up all night working on it. I went to the studio the next day and played the beat for the producer. He told me that the beat was crazy and that I could keep the gear.

Where is the craziest place you ever made a track?

It was in my car while I was waiting for my clothes to dry at the laundry mat.

What types of gear and software do you use to produce?

Currently I’m using Maschine, Komplete Ultimate, Ableton and VSTs with for production. Pro Tools for mixing.

Where are some of your favorite places to find and buy gear?

Fortunately for me, I’ve built some pretty great relationships with technology companies over the years, and I’ve been a beta tester for many of them. So, I haven’t bought gear in a while.

Tell us a little bit about the work you do for Native Instruments? 

Currently I’m a Product Specialist/Artist Relations Representative for Native Instruments (NI). I train A-list producers on how to incorporate NI gear in their production set ups (i.e. Maschine Studio, Komplete and Traktor). I’ve probably trained your producer’s favorite producer. I also perform at festivals and seminars using Maschine Studio, Komplete, and Traktor during beats showcases. I introduce A-list producers and up-and-coming producers to Native Instruments and bring them together for future business opportunities and endorsements.

Name some of the awesome producers you have had a chance to work alongside in this role. What makes them awesome?

I’ve had the opportunity to work with 40 (Noah Shebib), Young Chop, Cool and Dre, The Runners, S1, Focus, Illmind, 9^th Wonder, Tha Bizness, A$AP Ty, Cardiak, Sak Pase, THX, and Ivan and Carvin. The body of work and the time that they’ve put into their careers makes them all awesome.

What are your ultimate goals for your career as a music producer?

First and foremost my goal is to create incredible music and be an inspiration to producers and artists. I want to give opportunities to creative people—whether they are artists, web designers, producers, engineers, graphic artists, and DJ’s.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in music production? What is one piece of advice he/she should know?

The first thing I would say is to master your craft. Make sure you’re prepared when opportunity knocks on your door. Create your own sound. Always have something of value to offer. Learn the business that you’re getting into and don’t be afraid to start your own movement. Keep your sword sharpened. And last but not least, believe in yourself and always surround yourself with people who are masters of their trade. There’s no one else like you on the planet, so never compare yourself to anyone else.

Tell us where to find your music online.

Website – http://www.stonisworld.com/

Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/beatsbystoni

Twitter – https://twitter.com/StonisMusic

Instagram – http://instagram.com/stonismusic