In The Studio

In the studio with Mikey Vanhailen

This week, we catch up with NY-based artist and producer, Mikey Vanhailen!

Jaz from the RepostExchange Team

How long have you been producing music and how did you learn?

I began recording and making beats in my teens, but I took it seriously at the start of 2016. I learned through trial and error and (not to sound conceited but..) I was born with a gift. Aside from those two facts, I surrounded myself with people who were just as musically talented as me and picked up on their best practices.

What DAW(s) do you use and why?

My go-to has been Apple’s Logic Pro for the simple reason being that Logic comes with more stock plugins that I could use and tweak to my liking at no extra cost (you can't beat that). My once mentor Jeff Taylor in Milwaukee, WI put me on to it - shout out Fresh Coast Studios. Native Instruments' Maschine as well because its user-friendliness and the efficiency it offers when composing a beat is crazy.

What are your favourite pieces of gear and why?

Native Instruments Maschine because of the flexibility that it offers and the response on the pads are pretty good as well. I have a Casio piano that was given to me that I use as well (I think it’s a Casio CTK-3500). It has a lot of sentimental meaning to me so that energy definitely helps in my productions.

What are your favourite software plugins and why?

Anything Native Instrument like Reaktor, Massive, etc. I feel that Native Instruments really put in the effort in making new ways for producers to have the liberty to shape sounds and to make music efficiently.

How would you summarise your approach/workflow when creating a track?

The first thing I would say is I have to tap into my emotions. I like having an intimate setting when recording (not a whole bunch of people around). One of the biggest things I like to emphasize is that I try to find or make an instrumental that matches my life at the moment that I'm recording, so if like I'm in a party mood I might find some ass shaking music to make and so on and so forth.

What resources do you use to improve your craft?

A lot of YouTube, I mean a lot (ha ha ha), some college, a lot of Lynda.com and other sites similar to Lynda like Udemy.

What is the last YouTube tutorial you watched that you would recommend to other Re-Ex Members?

My last tutorial was about how to use Native Instruments' Maschine within Logic Pro. Personally, I would suggest this tutorial tho:

What knowledge or advice do you wish you'd learned earlier?

Man, I'd say don't wait on nobody to do shit for you. Learn as much as you can, if not about the business, at the very least learn about production and how to do it on your own so you won't get dicked around. Don't expect people to be excited as you are because a lot of time people won't see the vision. No matter what though, never give up on that vision and stick to your guns. Be open to suggestions, take them with a grain of salt and complete the mission even if it feels like you're fighting alone. That makes the victory that much sweeter.

What challenges related to making music do you face and how do you overcome them?

Man, I have writer's block a lot, haha! I found that the key to overcoming it however for the most part (well at least to me) is to get out and experience life. You don't know how many times I've been frustrated because I was stuck and then I get my heart broke by a girl I liked and make a song about it!

Do you use any online tools to assist with the production process?

I mean, I personally feel that if you're going to record then make sure you go in with other rappers or producers and like-minded creators that can contribute to building the song and are not just around for a good time. I also suggest joining a community of people that are on the same type of time as you, I recently joined a community on Twitch called the RoastNReview show which is great if you want an honest take on your music (it's not a community for the faint of heart).

Do you try and get feedback or suggestions to improve your music? If so, how?

Of course, RepostExchange is the first platform that comes to mind. But also like I mentioned on the last question the RoastNReview show on Twitch is a great platform and also different communities on Facebook or these other social/streaming websites like Twitch.

Which track are you most proud of and why?

The next song that I'm about to release this week, simply because it's a track that everyone can relate to, it's called 'Countin' featuring my homie Ejay (who is heard singing on the end of my track 'WRLD').

Has RepostExchange affected the way you make music? If so, how?

It hasn't necessarily affected the way I make music, but I'm a fan of music and have had the pleasure to find more acts with dope sounds like Brandon From Addison which in retrospect inspire me to make more music. If I had to say one-way Re-Ex has touched me and my craft, it would be that it gave me hope that I can actually do this. Like, there are people out there who actually connect with me and my music and that's a gift that I could never repay I don't think. Thanks guys!