Black Unlimited Blog

Music Spotlight – Noel Damas – K-Dence

Today’s interview is with a great producer, Noel Damas otherwise known as K-Dence.

Where are you from?
I’m from Los Angeles. Born in Hollywood, but grew up in the suburbs and still live here…I might move to New York or another east coast city in the future though.

When and how did you first become interested in music?
There was no defining moment when I first became interested in music. As a child, I was always surrounded by family members playing musical instruments at parties and for leisure. My mom says as a baby I used to whistle in my crib…lol…I know it sounds all cliché, but I caught the bug early as well. My father and his brothers were in a Bolero band. Bolero music is slow, romantic music from Spain and Cuba. If you’re curious, Google “Los Tres Diamantes.” My pops and uncles recorded their first album here in Los Angeles in 1960. At parties, I would play percussion for their Bolero songs by taking 2 pieces of cellophane paper and rubbing them together to simulate a shaker sound. I loved how all the sounds just came together.

What genre is your music? Who are your musical influences?
The genre of music I produce is based on Hip Hop, but borrows heavily from Jazz, Electronica, Soul, Latin, and Deep House. Soulful and jazzy is the sweet spot, ya know. My musical influences are definitely Tribe Called Quest’s producer, Jay Dee (aka J-Dilla) R.I.P…And band leader, George Russell. George is the man!

When did you first start trying to do music professionally?
I first started doing music professionally right out of college. Through a classmate, I met a Thai singer who wanted to record an EP to promote back in his homeland. The EP consisted of 5 songs varying in styles from Reggae, Hip Hop, to Pop. We released the key track as a single, which charted at number four on the Thailand Pop charts. From that point, I knew I had to continue moving forward with music.

What has been your journey (in music) to where you are right now?
WOW…The journey I’ve been through to where I’m at now has been a wild ride. I started off on a good foot though. But this industry is filled with some very crazy people. Like Q Tip says, “They wanna see a good dude fall off and go.” I have many crazy stories, but this interview is not the place…Lol…But all in all, it’s these experiences that have strengthen my resolve to push ahead and overcome other obstacles. I’m at a position where I’m confident in my skills and I now have the courage to push through.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all my own songs. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be a legit producer…Haha…The topics and themes are left up to the artist to choose though. The artist has creative control in that department. But in the past, I’ve written about Black and Latino relations here in L.A. and just your everyday experiences. I think over time as my music matures further, the topics I’ll discuss will be universal. Such as world issues, peace, and happiness. Right now, it’s just about “in the moment” type fun.

How has your music evolved since you first began?
My music has evolved dramatically since I first began. At first, I was writing music intuitively and by how I felt “in the moment.” I was stumbling with the “technical” aspects of music. But after taking piano, Jazz classes, and learning the theory behind music, everything started evolving into what I wanted. I began focusing on the message and the emotional content. That’s the final frontier.

What is your ultimate direction for music?
My ultimate direction for music is to push it’s boundaries and explore new and delicious sounds. At the same time, communicate a message and making people “feel it.” Ya know?…A lot of people in L.A. are complaining about the staleness in Hip Hop these days. We as artists have to put our pride to the side and give the audience fresh new music…It’s not about us, it’s about giving em’ what they want.

What advice do you have for people who want to pursue a music career?
My advice for people wanting to pursue a music career is the following: 1. Don’t look for fame, fame will find you. 2. Have huge amounts of patience. 3. You must study music and the BUSINESS. 4. Remember it’s not a race, its a marathon. 5. There’s no one cookie cutter way to succeed, so don’t be afraid to try new ways. Hit me up if you need additional advice. I don’t mind lending a helping hand. k-dence@beatsafterdark.com

How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website or a CD?
The second link sends you to the download of my latest project. New stuff in the works though.

http://www.myspace.com/kdence

http://www.mediafire.com/file/5xapcayouod/K-Dence_Culture_Chemistry.zip

Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
This is a tough one, because I just came from a very difficult period in my life, where few people were on my side emotionally. But I’d have to say my mother has ALWAYS provided emotional support. Financially, I have to give it up to my dad. I’m surprised he’s let me stay at the house for so long, while I get my career up and going. He even let me build my recording studio in the apartment converted garage. How cool is that?

Do you have any shout outs?
Of course, Dad, Mom, sis, Eddie, Rosie, the rest of my huge fam, Diana and fam, Riyqo, CSUDH recording alumni, Kapital J, and of course cool ass Deborah Anderson!