Chicago has something really special going on right now. So many talented artists and producers are coming out of the Windy City that are shaking up the game. Such a wide array of talent, it’s undeniable it’s their time. A producer that has special soul sound is none other than Chicago native Big OC with his new song “Flourine”. After hearing it we had to know more about the talented soundman. He was gracious enough to take time to answer some questions for us. The spotlight is on Big OC!
Who is Big OC the Producer?
I am 24 years old and from Chicago and I recently left my commercial real estate job to focus on music. With my production I think I have a unique style in the way I use live instrumentation and by what I am influenced by. The beatmaking was heavily inspired by the old school hip hop style but also contains elements of modern style. My guitar playing is mostly influenced by the great classic rock guitarists Jimi Hendrix and David Gilmour.
How did you get into producing?
I started making beats 3 years ago on a cheap midi controller and ableton. I’ve been playing guitar seriously for 5 years, so learning to make beats just came naturally to me along with the guitar. My earliest instruments, the piano and trombone, provided a base of music knowledge and a passion for making music.
What production software do you use and why?
I use Maschine software for the actual creation of the beat and Logic Pro X for mixing/mastering. Maschine is great because of the hardware controller which makes beat creation a very intuitive process. Logic is great because it is really user friendly in regards to the overall arrangement of the track and mixing.
Whats your creative process when creating “Flourine”
What For Flourine I chopped up a sample, flipped it, and laid down drums. From there I laid down a bass line and recorded some background phrases on my acoustic. Then I recorded the acoustic guitar solo. was your favorite project to work on and why?
What was your favorite project to work on and why?
This project, The Elemental Tape, was actually my first project. Everything prior to this was just songs on Soundcloud. The process of making the tape was incredibly enjoyable but a constant challenge. I will also be making sequels to The Elemental Tape.
If you could collab with any artist who would it be and why?
From a guitar standpoint I would say David Gilmour. He is my all time favorite guitarist and he is still alive. From a hip hop standpoint I would say J Cole and Nas because I can imagine them murdering my beats.
What’s next for Big OC?
I have currently been playing open mics around Chicago and I will continue to be doing that. I have a bunch of unreleased material so I should be gearing up to drop another project sometime this summer. And of course I will be working on the sequels to The Elemental Tape.
Check out Big OC’s work below and follow him on Instagram. Stay Global my Friends!
