Musician and Producer “Dhundee” – An Exclusive Interview & Video!

If you’re from Brooklyn, you’ve come into contact with Dhundee in one way or another, from his DJing at some of New York’s exclusive parties and club nights. A Baltimore native, now residing in Brooklyn, Dhundee’s musical journey is one that is hard to categorize, as he manages to encompass various musical genres without coming across as contrite or far-reaching. With the recent official release of his album, Take Flight, which features an array of fine artists and showcases his skills not only as musician (Trombone and Drums) and producer, but even a singer! Take Flight contains innovative, atmospheric musical arrangements to chill to, or even work up a sweat to on the dance floor. Highly respected within the industry, working with Waajeed (from Platinum Pied Pipers), Cecilia Stalin, Sarah White, Kissey Asplund, Michelle Amador, his new album has begun to gain attention from other amazing producers, such as the recently retired Domu, who remixed “Tomorrow,” and features the sexy-jazzy-cool vocals of Swedish singer, Cecilia Stalin.

Watch the never-before-seen until now video created by Dhundee, where he rocks the beat. And below, he shares with Muphoric Sounds his musical path and process, his new album, and what’s on his horizons. Taking his music across the seas, the name Dhundee is one you should pay attention to. His album can be purchased from his Bandcamp page. Enjoy!

1. Who is “Dhundee”?
Dhundee is a Producer, Musician, DJ, Daddy, Connector, Biz Owner who resides in Brooklyn.

2. Do you think you would be the “Dhundee” you are today if you stayed in Baltimore? Why?
Yes. Dhundee started out in B’more 17 years ago. I was in 2 bands — one hardcore rock band and the other, a jazzy hip hop band. I was very involved with making music even before that so I would and could set up shop anywhere I lay my hat.

3. People always say, there’s something about Brooklyn. How has being based in Brooklyn influenced your creativity?
There is definitely something special about Brooklyn. I am influenced by the different sections of Brooklyn, the people, the style, the attitude, the kids, the hustle, the crazy conversations I overhear walking the streets, the conversations I have with the gypsy cab drivers that I come from all over the earth listening to their music while riding in the cab, the feeling of leaving the city and riding over the bridge; leaving the hustle behind me. Most of all I like the pace here and how you can set your own if you choose to.

4. Who are your main musical influences? What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening mostly to soul, hip hop and house music, later jazz, electronica, trip hop, Ultramagnetic MC’s, De La Soul, Ralph MacDonald “The Path”, KRS 1, Leaders of the New School, Tribe, Native Tongue Fam, Jimi Hendrix, 90’s rock, Lala Hollaway and ole school B’more Club and Chicago House music, Prince, Stevie, Michael, Stereolab, Can, early Ninja Tune records.

5. Being a musician who plays multiple instruments, what do you prefer when composing music – instrumentation or computerization? Why?
I prefer using both. I approach each song differently. Being that drums/drumset is my main instrument, I usually start off doing drum solos in my studio first. As I’m playing, I can hear the bass lines and chords, and from there I record digitally into the computer. It’s a lot cheaper than reel to reel tape and a lot more efficient.

6. “Take Flight” seems like a labor of love with a wide range of sounds and vocalists. How did working with Kissey Asplund, Cecilia Stalin, Michelle Amador come about? Was there a plan, process, or was it organic?
They all were organic. I like my collabos to flow naturally and timing is important. I was introduced to Kissey and Cecilia through my man OP, of Cornerstone Productions. I found Michelle Amador on on Myspace a few years ago and connected with her there. All of these collaborations just flowed and wasn’t forced.

7. Most DJ’s and musicians start in one genre and evolve into many things. How would you describe your musical journey?
My journey started with my Dad’s records and in grade school playing the Trombone for 12 years. Growing up here on the east coast as a black man you automatically wrote rhymes, b-boy’d, got on the decks at your cousins house, scratched up your parents records, rocked puma sweat suits and did back spins on cardboard; Hip hop was alive and running through your veins back then. I always listened to music and purchased music since I was a little kid. I try and stay open to all types of music. Through early travels, experiences, eclectic friends and peers, I’ve been introduced to lots of music. Music is about sharing but you gots to pay for it 1st.

8. What are the highs of being a DJ? Are there any lows?
The highs of being a DJ is you get to see what people respond and dance to. You are in control of the sound which effects the mode of the room. You can also expose people to great music from all over the world and gain a following. Travel, meeting new people, building, networking. The lows is your amongst lots of drunk people. The late nights and wee hours. Dealing with shady venues that don’t understand what this is all about… Let’s not forget requests.

9. What is your primary goal when you make music?
To make something that I like. I have to be a big fan first. If I don’t like it, then how could the people like it?

10. What projects have you got coming up?
Currently writing music for a television network, I can’t say which one at the moment but you will be hearing them over and over again.
I’m also going to do a kids hip hop electro dance album as well as a few remixes. David Ellis and I are in lab working on some experimental projects together. Also, working on the next project of starting a live band with a few cats.

11. What is Dhundee listening to now?
Everything… This week was: Little Dragon – Machine Dreams; Shafiq Husayn – En’A-Free-Ka; Benga – Diary Of An Afro Warrior; Lee Fields & The Expressions – My World; El Michel’s Affair – Enter the 37th Chamber.

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Roseann V. Warren

Founder + Editorial Director at Muphoric Sounds

Roseann V. Warren is a Brooklyn, NY-based freelance writer and developmental book editor who proudly calls herself a member of the Prince army and believes Hersey's chocolate is a crime against humanity. Follow her @webdiva3000

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