#158 - Blockhead INTERVIEW

2023-11-29

Video animation by: Big Flowers Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING The Plug (0:21). The Interview (1:57). So I’m kind of annoying when it comes to certain things with music. Albums where the last verse isn’t from the main artist? It just doesn’t feel right. Remixes? I’m oddly wed to the original. And finally, producer albums with a bunch of different rappers on it are another type of record, where I don't usually gravitate towards. I’m just such a concept and theme guy I guess.

Video animation by: Big Flowers

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

The Plug (0:21).

The Interview (1:57).

So I’m kind of annoying when it comes to certain things with music.

Albums where the last verse isn’t from the main artist? It just doesn’t feel right. Remixes? I’m oddly wed to the original. And finally, producer albums with a bunch of different rappers on it are another type of record, where I don't usually gravitate towards. I’m just such a concept and theme guy I guess.

But I am a fair man... Today’s guest on the show, New York-based producer Blockhead, recently dropped an album that was so good it overcame my annoying biases with The Aux, released on Backwoodz Studioz.

I caught up with the very talented and very funny and personable producer to understand how he’s approached collaboration with some of the genre’s finest lyricists in Aesop Rock and billy woods, discuss his perspectives on the current production landscape, and the makings of his terrific new album.

How the production process differs on instrumental albums vs. working with rappers (3:31).

Most important traits as a producer (8:02).

How the act of creating music unlocks emotion (12:03).

What Blockhead looks for in a rap collaborator (18:38).

Blockhead’s take on the current hip-hop production landscape (21:40).

How Blockhead’s relationship with woods came to be (30:52).

The sound direction of The Aux (34:29).

How the billy woods executive production hand guided the creation of The Aux (41:23).

Blockhead on “challenging fans” with The Aux (46:12).

The making of the electric RXKNephew feature on The Aux (53:49).

Collaborations that surprised Blockhead the most - RMPP patron q from Jarvis (57:44).

Blockhead’s favourite songs off The Aux (59:49).