Kazi Jones‘s production effortlessly adapts to music fans worldwide. The texture of Kazi’s sound crosses between cinematic or soulful elements, depending on which musical journey he’s taking listeners to. Similarly, the New Jersey beat maestro grasps a true feel of every genre within his production. From rock to jazz, Kazi Jones’ discography embodies the root of its instinctive style.
His new song, “PAINITE VIBEZ,” for example, carries a receptive electric guitar loop that rides the waves of sultry R&B with ease. In synchronization, Kazi Jones’ arrangements get the true theme across and hold the attention of those closely listening. From the beginning, the string percussion mirrors an outcry of passion and joins soulful riffs that tell a story of requited love.
Corey “Kazi” Jones is a New Jersey-born and raised producer, composer, and songwriter. Music found him in his teens. He started his music journey by producing and even recorded a hip-hop mixtape with his friends. After graduating high school, Kazi went to Delaware State University and majored in Mass Communication. At that moment, Kazi Jones realized that his impact on the music industry could go beyond the microphone.
In the producer’s words, he envisioned himself as “a painter with his computer and MIDI keyboard as his canvas.”
Moved by pivotal music figures like Dr. Dre, Jay Z, Nas, DJ Premier, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Eminem, Kazi Jones hopes to touch people with his music and impact the music industry. He wants to give back to the community as a musical instructor.
Kazi Jones understands we’re doing all it takes to persevere. He always encourages others to reach for the sky!
The beat wiz is also a lover of all things cinematic. He experiments with various live sound instruments, with the violin being his number one pick. His emotions often take him from several artistic angles. The violin helps to get his approach across.
Amber Le got a chance to interview Kazi Jones about his artistry. Read below:
What is your creative process like?
My creative process typically begins by searching for the perfect instrument or sound that resonates with me and inspires me to build a beat around it. Once I find the right pieces, I start piecing them together like a puzzle. I’ll add the drums, hats, bass line, and other instruments that complement the melody. I prefer to make beats based on my current mood and avoid forcing anything. This approach allows me to create more organic music. If I’m sampling from a song, I like to listen to different songs until I find the one that inspires me the most. Then, I choose the best section of the song to work with.
How would you describe your sound palette per say?
As a music producer, my sound palette is quite diverse, but I tend to gravitate towards cinematic and soulful sounds. I love experimenting with different genres, blending and fusing elements from various styles to create unique and captivating beats. I’m always on the lookout for new sounds and techniques to incorporate into my music, and I enjoy pushing boundaries to create something fresh and exciting.
What drew you to music?
My love for music started at a young age when various members of my family introduced me to different genres of music. I was fortunate enough to be gifted by my parents a Casio keyboard as a child, and I spent hours experimenting with different melodies. Even though I didn’t know what I was doing back then, it was the start of my journey as a music producer. In high school and college, I had friends who were also interested in creating music, and they introduced me to the art of music production. Without their support and encouragement, I wouldn’t be the music producer I am today. They ignited a spark within me and helped me develop my skills, and for that, I am forever grateful.
Your favorite song to produce thus far?
As a music producer, it’s hard to pick a favorite song that I’ve produced so far. Every artist that I’ve had the privilege of working with has brought my sound to life, and we have created some incredible masterpieces together. Each song has its unique qualities and story, and it’s impossible for me to choose just one. What’s most fulfilling to me is seeing the artist’s vision come to life through our collaboration and knowing that I played a part in creating something that touches people’s lives.
One of your biggest accomplishments:
One of my most significant accomplishments as a music producer was producing an album for my artist Kae-Hock called ‘Bane of Fear’, which was featured and reviewed in several prominent hip hop blog sites. It was an honor to work on such a project and to see the music we created together receive recognition from such respected publications. This experience has not only been a highlight of my career so far but has also motivated me to continue pushing myself creatively and striving for excellence in all my future projects.
What or who are you inspired by?
I would say that I am continuously inspired by other music creators. Listening to both new and old music fuels my creativity and motivates me to keep producing. When I come across an incredible song or beat from another great artist, it gives me that spark of energy and inspiration to create something equally powerful. I’m always on the lookout for new sounds, techniques, and ideas that I can incorporate into my music, and I’m grateful for the constant stream of inspiration that comes from the incredible artists and musicians around me.
Favorite musician to work with & why?
I can say I’ve had the pleasure of working with several talented musicians, and each collaboration has been a unique and fulfilling experience. It’s difficult to choose a favorite among them because every artist I’ve worked with has brought their unique perspective and creativity to the table, making my production better in the process. I’m honored that they trust me to collaborate with them and that they are open to my ideas. Ultimately, every artist I’ve worked with has helped me grow as a producer, and I’m grateful for each of those experiences.
What song did you have the most fun making?
Looking back on all the music I’ve produced, I can honestly say that I’ve had a great time creating every single one. If I had to choose, though, I would say that one of my most memorable experiences was creating ‘Mellow Mellow’ by Dot Summers featuring Stello. We rented a house in Weehawken, NJ with a stunning skyline view of New York City and set up my studio equipment for the weekend. Being surrounded by my fellow artists and creating music together was one of the highlights of my music career. The energy and vibe were amazing, and we were able to produce some real heat that weekend. The whole experience was incredibly inspiring and definitely helped to boost the energy in the song. Overall, it was one of the most fun and fulfilling experiences I’ve had as a producer.
One challenge of being a producer:
One challenge of being a music producer is navigating the complex world of sampling. As much as I love incorporating samples into my music, it has become increasingly difficult to clear them due to the ever-changing copyright laws. This can be frustrating at times, but it has also forced me to get more creative with my production techniques and find new ways to incorporate sounds and elements into my music without relying on samples.
What do you hope fans take from your music?
When fans listen to my music, I hope they can feel the emotions and passion that I pour into every track. I want my music to be a source of inspiration and positivity for anyone who listens to it. Whether it’s to uplift their mood or provide a moment of escape, I want my music to bring joy and comfort to those who hear it. Ultimately, I hope my music can connect with people on a deeper level and make a positive impact on their lives.
Advice for new producers:
My advice for new music producers would be to never give up and keep pushing through the challenges that come with being a producer. It’s important to stay inspired and have fun creating, as it can be easy to lose motivation when faced with obstacles. I also recommend taking risks and trying new things to keep your sound fresh and unique. Finally, always believe in yourself and your abilities. With faith and belief you’ll always succeed.
