Producer Profile Interview: Mio Soul

This profile is dedicated to introducing our supporters to Mio Soul. Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Mio Soul is a New York City based singer, songwriter and producer who has collaborated with DJ Gomi, Chip Fu, JPOP star Kiyotaka, MeccaGodZilla in addition to creating R&B and participating in gospel choir. Her latest instrumental project Subliminal Melody is truly turning heads and setting her apart from other producers in computer based music. Mio 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 honestly didn’t know what really sparked my interest.  I wasn’t trying to make tracks.  I was always on the side looking for dope tracks so that I could write to them.  It changed when one of my mentors told me to make beats back in early 2011.   A friend of mine, also a DJ and into electronic music, had a conversation with me about  producers doing live performances.  Those two factors encouraged me to do something that I have never done. Somehow the timing was perfect.  Making tracks definitely hit a different part of my creativity.  Knowing that a lot of artists make their own music, perform live and even DJ their own sets,  I figured why wouldn’t I try this now since I was a solo artist all the time.  This opportunity gave me a chance to think about who I was as an artist again. And more than that, it was simply fun to do it.

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

I just found my first beats that I made on my computer.  The beats were around 110 BPM (beats per minute), and they sound like a nice mellow lounge, house-ish, dance music.  The main key is like an electronic organ with some high notes of piano added in.  Additionally, some more sparkling sounds are in there and the beats and bass are very bouncy.

Where is the craziest place you ever made a track?

I really should try something crazy.  I don’t think I had that experience yet!

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

I use Ableton Live and my regular Yamaha keyboard. It’s very simple equipment.

Mio

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

Guitar Center is always good. Also Synthtopia, Music Rader and DJ Tech Tools are options.

Tell us about the Half n Half project?

After I finished attending Dubspot, I really needed to keep the momentum going. I finally had more time to work on music on my own timetable, so I came up with the challenge to keep it going.  The idea was to practice making as many tracks as possible in a short amount of time.  I also decided to use Soundcloud more by uploading these new tracks every Thursday to interact with some music lovers, other artists and professionals to get feedback and more exposure.  It has been great since then.  The “Half n Half” 30 minute beat making challenge involved bringing my laptop to a coffee shop and making tracks in 30 minutes (half an hour) with my laptop only (half my equipment) to see what I come up with. It really helped me with expressing myself with a certain style in a small amount of time while challenging my creativity and skills too.  “Half n Half” helped me find my sound.

How does you production embody both American and Japanese influences?

I don’t think I clearly see both influences personally.  I would like to use Japanese instruments more at some point, and I’m also working with a Japanese blues singer currently.  But the sounds that I have created are influenced by everything that I have seen here in the United States as well as my experiences and influences back home.

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

I would like to work with other producers and singers. I like to collaborate a lot, but my ultimate goal is to release my second EP that I have been working on.  I believe that project is going to be a very important step for my long term music goals. My goal is to write songs to tracks that I produced and be able to perform and meet people all over the world. I would definitely love to work with more people though.

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

If I was able to do it and get started,  you can do it!  It is your mind setting!  Music theory is important but it really is about how you express yourself and that is something you can’t explain with theory. Don’t be afraid or hesitate if your music or beats are weak at first. Just keep going and you will get to the point where you will feel really comfortable and get too excited about your masterpieces!

Tell us where to find your music online.

http://www.iammiosoul.com
https://soundcloud.com/mio-soul
http://www.manafestvision.com
http://www.facebook.com/IamMioSoul
http://www.youtube.com/manafestvision