Jaime Hinckson Interview | Respect the Producer Interview
How did you get your name?
Most of my listeners know me as a reggae jazz pianist from my first album and a few YouTube covers. Over time, those short videos allowed me to tour the world playing music that I loved for a variety of beautiful people that I would eventually collaborate with. Nonetheless, I would still say I’m unknown in the music production world. I look forward to changing that opinion real soon.
How did you get into Producing?
My music teacher’s daughter had one of the original Akai MPC’s and used to show me how to make loops on this unique drum machine I’d never seen before. I was intrigued that I could sound like a drummer just using my fingers on a few touch-sensitive pads. This experience expanded my mind into layering instruments and playing out orchestrations in my head. It wasn’t just piano notes anymore, I could be a one-man band and get all of my ideas out track by track. The fire had just been sparked...
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
I grew up playing classical music and having to do boring music theory. I didn’t like it back then, but today, I’m grateful for the strong foundation it created which allowed me to evolve tremendously over the years. Eventually, it became more about practice and repetition. Although there’s only 12 notes on a piano, you’d be surprised how many new things you continue to learn on your musical journey.
What did your first set up look like?
I started out on my piano teacher’s Korg Wavestation in the 90s. I learned to use the internal sequencer and used to make some interesting loops back when floppy disks were the best method for saving.
What does your current setup look like?
Currently, I mainly use my Korg Kronos and Akai MPK Mini in conjunction with a Focusrite Scarlett 18i8. I switch between Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton depending on the scope of the project.
How did you get your Producer/Artist name?
I’ve been given different nicknames over the years, but I still use my government name as an artist and producer. My initials are “JAH” which is the reason all of my social media handles are “JAHinckson.” People assume, since I’m prominent in the reggae world, that it has some affiliation to Rastafarian culture. But really, it’s just me!
If you could produce for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
This question is too difficult to limit to ONE artist! But some of the most interesting people I would’ve loved to work with are Ella Fitzgerald, Jacob Miller, and Celia Cruz.
What is your goal when you create?
When I start a song from scratch, I play different games to challenge myself. Can I create a hit record with only 2 sounds? Can I create a song that blends 3 genres together that listeners from each genre will still enjoy? After I force myself down some of those untraveled roads, I usually come up with some bangers by serendipity! The true final test, though, is to loop the track for hours to see how long it takes me to get tired of it.
What's your go-to song right now?
My go-to songs and albums haven’t changed for nearly 10 years. But one of my favorite albums of all time is “Travel With Love,” a reggae jewel by Justin Hinds & The Dominoes. It features the Barrett brothers on drum and bass, grooves that can hypnotize you for hours without noticing. Sets the mood for me on any occasion.
What is your dream as a Producer?
My aspiration as a producer is to create timeless music that can still be relevant decades from now. Personally, I listen to a lot of music from the 1970s in my free time. The musicianship and lyrical content for some of those classics are still unmatched to this day! I want to compete with the greats in those categories, putting passion back into the music that you can still feel in the 2050s. I want to carve out a new lane, but not for others to follow; just to show that uniqueness is the quality that defines a musical era. My dream as a producer and musician is for my name to be known as that monumental era.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a Producer?
Don’t do it! Lol. In all honesty, the music production world has become over-saturated. I know many hard-working musicians that have been in the business for many years. They constantly complain about how the art is getting watered down, quantity over quality. In my opinion, this makes production more competitive. It’s fuel you can use to really hone in on your craft, stand out above the rest. Just always remember to stay humble, success doesn’t come overnight. Quincy Jones made “Thriller” when he was 50, be patient when things don’t seem to be going as fast as you’d like.
Where can people find you? (social media, website, etc)
Listen to Jaime Hinckson’s new album ‘Take Time’ https://open.spotify.com/album/1YLcrRxGuvByMNr3HcVAHH?si=MshPww1HTM2j6xzy5arp5Q
Visit jaimehinckson.com for a one-stop shop of all my music, videos, and merch!
You can also find me on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @jahinckson for daily videos, news, and experiences.