Jo Wabbie Interview | Respect the Producer
How did you get your name?
Back then, working at an old studio, my partners knew I made dubstep music. So they would joke around saying "Wab Wab Wab"; just like how dubsteo drops would sound. Then, they agreed to their own idea to call me "Wabbie". The name grew onto me and thats how i called myself "Jo Wabbie".
Where are you from?
Staten Island, New York
How did you get into Producing?
I used to play drums for my high school band. My friend was playing guitar one day and just randomly taught me how to play "Blood Brothers" by Iron Maiden. Easiest song to learn for a novice. That's when I started teaching myself how to play more music on the guitar. I eventually started writing music inspired by my favorite bands. This was during the time I was into Rock & Metal. Afterward, graduating high school, I started transitioning into other genres like EDM, House, Dubstep, etc. then another transition into hip hop/rap after being discovered by my partner who owned a studio on Bay Street. In the year, 2009.
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
Mostly teaching myself more of the instruments I play. Listening to the music I enjoy and just learning how to play them. Then from those inspirations, I made songs that sounded like the ones I liked. After some time, thanks to Youtube. I learned some new tricks by other fellows producers and manipulated my own talent into them and created my own unique sound.
What did your first set up look like?
Macbook, Two monitors, a mic and interface, Electric Guitar, Oh, and headphones so I don't wake up my parents or the neighbors at night.
What does your current setup look like?
Mac Mini w/ display, One Midi Keybaord, One synthesizer, New Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, same monitors, mic, preamp, interface, One DrumPad controller, Analog compressor, etc. list goes on.
If you could produce for any artist (dead or alive), who would it be?
Honestly speaking I want to produce for all artists. Never add a specific target artist.
What is your goal when you create?
I'm a perfectionist. so when I create a beat that day I make sure I have every element inputted as my mind & heart is telling me to put on for that beat. So I keep creating until I'm satisfied with what I'm creating or what I created. I'm basically my element creating, while the artists are sitting behind me and vibing out. I don't speak to anyone, just blocked myself without any interruptions and get into the zone.
What's your go-to song right now?
I love all my music, so its really about the mood I'm feeling. It's funny because, Most of the time, I listen to Barely Alive, Dubstep artist; but my production for my artists, doesn't show inspiration from them. I guess it's a mediative phase.
What is your dream as a Producer?
My dream to have THAT DREAM STUDIO I vision of. Having multiple studios for my engineers to work at, a personal production studio, and a mastering studio. ALL IN ONE. ONE place where all my artists can come to vibe and make magic. Also, travel as. producer too.
What is some advice you would give to someone with a dream to become a Producer?
Keep making music, honestly. the more you produce, the better you become. The more you learn, the better ideas you'll develop. The more versatile your music, the larger your catalog, and placements will be.
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