Today we’d like to introduce you to KDT Produced It.
Hi KDT Produced It, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
When I first heard “Roxanne Roxanne” by UTFO in my 3rd-grade class, I was hooked on hip-hop. It seemed the like universe was trying to derail me at first though because in searching for that cassette the only thing I found at every record store was the hair metal band UFO… times were tough before the internet! Over the years, groups like De La Soul, Freestyle Fellowship, A Tribe Called Quest and really too many to name had me wondering how Hip-Hop sounded the way did, and eventually my curiosity led me to find beat-making and music production. I did pick up the trumpet for a quick minute sometime after high school, but like UFO, it just wasn’t for me…
Today I’m part of worldwide music collective, the Peanut Gallery Network (PNTGLLRYNTWRK), and I get to collaborate with a whole crew of talented music-makers from around the globe. A lot of making beats can feel like a solitary sport, so for me, that kind of community has been instrumental in fueling my creative process, especially over the last two years.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Creating music never came easy to me, and it took me a long time to realize that you could come at it without formal training.
About when I turned 30 I started having some mental health issues. I am Bipolar 1, and while that’s not usually something I announce to the world, I feel like being open about it is half the battle in breaking the stigma. Among all the issues that go along with a mental health diagnosis, music ended up taking a back seat for almost a decade. But I’m lucky to have a support system, access to meds and therapy, and a solid creative community that inspires me to do my best work every day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently gearing up for the release of my new single, 6-7-8! It’s a limited 7″ pressing and features a talented slate of fellow PNTGLLRYNTWRK artists.
Watch out for three days of releases in line with the album’s title on Jan 6, 7, & 8th.
1/6: Music video ft. cameos from LA hip hop legend Sach Ill Pages and dance crew LA Breakers
1/7: Vinyl available for order on Bandcamp as well as for download (kdtproducedit.bandcamp.com)
1/8: DSP release, available for streaming on all platforms
In addition to being a beat maker and producer, I’m also part of a few groups: ElephantBird, COLAMP, and Blue Fidelity.
ElephantBird just had our debut vinyl release on Buenaventura Records for “Little Moves.” Vinyl might be sold out at this point, but you can email [email protected] to check or follow us @ elephantbirdmusic.bandcamp.com.
I guess we’re going hard on the wax for 2023 because summer will see another vinyl release by COLAMP. The single is “FREE.99,” and you can follow us on IG (@colampmusic) or Bandcamp (colamp.bandcamp.com) to get updates on that release.
Spring 2023, Blue Fidelity is looking forward to the release of another instrumental EP. You can follow on IG (@blue_fidelity) and Bandcamp (bluefidelity.bandcamp.com).
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I’m not suggesting anyone take a risk they’re not comfortable taking but personally, I’m all for risks. I’m learning to be more calculated and intentional in my risk-taking, it’s a slow process but because I no longer have a fear of failure or of success for that matter, speaking for myself only, I’ve learned you can’t really succeed creatively without taking risks.
For me one of the biggest risks being an introvert is putting my music out into the world and on top of that, it’s putting physical copies of that music out into the world. Because once it’s out there, there’s no take-backs. But you risked your time creating it, then maybe you risk some rejection letting friends listen, then you take a small financial risk and get it out on DSP’s, then the big investment risk, vinyl or some other physical form of music. Every step of the way is a risk.
Pricing:
- KDT Produced IT “6-7-8” vinyl – $20
- ElephantBird “Little Moves” vinyl is an import and autographed – $40
- KDT Produced It “Breakfast at Earl’s the EP” vinyl is a picture disc record – $25
Contact Info:
- Website: kdtproducedit.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: @kdt_produced_it
Image Credits
All photo’s were taken by Annie C. Wright *Step and repeat photo taken by Mel Yonzon
