Creating music from the heart for over 20 years, Frankie Music helps artists develop from Koffee to Beenie Man
Dailyreggae.com caught up with the talented Jamaican producer, Frankie Music. Frankie’s passion for reggae is contagious, and his dedication to his craft earned him his own studio. Frankie has worked with rising stars like Koffee and seasoned veterans like Beenie Man. Frankie discusses his studio, approach to recording, and shares advice for up-and-coming artists.
How did you first get into making music?
I got into making music when I was a teenager. I used to work with Bobby Digital. I watched him put things together and fell in love with it. I knew I wanted to start making music as soon as I had the opportunity.
When you’re making a riddim, what is your normal process? Do you usually start with drums or a chord progression?
My mentor alongside Bobby Digital is drummer Kirk Bennett. He also influenced my approach. Sometimes it starts from the melody, a progression, or whatever mood and vibe you feel. I don’t have one way of creating a riddim. That is how I create.
Congrats on the Grammy win by the way. What was the process of creating Koffee’s Raggamuffin beat?
Everything with that is just magic. I was at a Feluke concert and I met Koffee. She told me that she wanted to be an artist. I heard her freestyle and I liked it. Marlon Easy, Shawn Antoine, and I went into the studio and created the beat. She liked it, recorded it and the rest is history. Raggamuffin was our second release, we released Burning first.
Can you tell us about creating your studio and what you wanted out of the space?
The studio was created for Star Kutt Records, who managed Demarco at the time. They got it started and then I finished it. It’s been really good for me and the way I produce because I need time. I’m always creating and it’s nice to have my own space. The studio has a nice vibe. We are recording a lot. So far we have accommodated the creation of Beenie Man’s upcoming album, Dexta Daps’ Vent, Spice and so many more talented artists and producers.
For most of your production, are you using pro tools or any certain plug-ins?
We use every software. We also rent the studio for other producers on the island who don’t have a space. We have pro tools, Logic, and more.
We love the Consistency Riddim that you put out. Can you tell us a little bit about that beat and how you decided which artists to put on it?
That beat was created by an engineer that used to work for me, Tahj Production. We recorded the riddim a few years ago and over time we recorded new artists on it. We released it together as part of a cancer benefit to show that we are here and to help spread the word about the artists to new fans.
Do you have any advice for new artists and producers?
I’ve been doing music for 20 years and if you want to work in music then you have to love it. I’ve spent a lot of money and I’ve learned as I go along. I try to approach the industry as a business. I’m not in it for hype. We learn as we go along.
I’ve met some good musicians and it’s important to find a mentor to help you. You’ve just got to love it. Try to always outdo yourself. Look to always get better. Never get relaxed. Money will come.
What’s next as far as releases we can get excited about from you?
We have so much to release, especially with the pandemic and limited movement in entertainment. We have to find the right time to drop some.
We signed Lale. We have our in-house artists already and producers that are a part of Frankie Music. Wait for some good reggae music!
We cannot wait! Where is a good place for fans and new listeners to follow Frankie Music?
I try to stay current on all the platforms, you can find me at 1frankiemusic on Instagram and frankiemusic876 on Twitter. Visit Frankie Music Productions on YouTube and check out our studio Instagram page if anyone is interested in visiting or keeping up to date with me and my team. Follow us and put your comments both good and bad. We learn from each.
Is there anything else you want your fans to know about your music, how you make it, or is there a message you have for them?
I believe in positivity. You’re going to hear happy music. I create music from my heart. Music to live on. I hope that you will feel it.