Bless’Em’Bless is no stranger to BandLab. We first crossed paths when our 2019 winners recorded with Drumma Boy at Atlanta’s ICONS Studios. Then, we collaborated with the producer/engineer to bring the sounds of Atlanta to BandLab by dropping an exclusive Loop Pack.
Today, Bless’Em’Bless is lined up to be the mentors for one of our winners of Tracklanta 2020: Virtual Remix. We catch up with him to find out what he looks for in a new up and coming artist.
Name: Bless’Em’Bless
Job Title: Producer/Engineer
Years in the industry: 4
Artists you’ve worked with:
- Sean Garrett
- Ma$E
- Case
- Montell Jordan
- Bobby V
- Qparker
- Jhonni Blaze
- Joseline Hernandez
- Nba Youngboy
- Young Thug
- B.E.T
- Ginuwine
- Drumma Boy
- Marlo
- Young Scooter
- Syleena Johnson
- Musiq Soulchild
- Project Pat
- Avery Wilson
- Sole
- Professor Griff
- Keith David
- That Girl Laylay
- Fatboysse
- Azealea Banks
- Jacques
- Maksauce
Career Highlights:
- Opening a studio in Downtown Atlanta and starting the Newavibe label with my business partner El Fuser
- Worked on “I need you” by Q Parker which featured over 40 artists on one record
- Appearing on an episode on BET’s Sunday Best Engineering as the top 3 finalists.
How did you get your first break into the industry?
I first started in the industry by interning at ICONS studios. An Atlantic records writing session was booked at the studios, but their engineer wasn’t able to make the session and I was at the right place at the right time. It was also my first session with a major artist.
Tell us about the biggest artist you worked with and how that happened and the journey.
A few big artists come to mind, but I would have to say Ma$e. Not only is he a hip hop legend, but having to keep up with his work flow and methods back when I was first starting out just made me an overall better and faster engineer.
In your experience, what does it take for an artist to take their career to the next level?
Definitely consistency and the drive. There’s an “it” factor that you can’t describe or explain. It’s more than the music – an artist who stays recording, promoting, performing will eventually find their pocket and what it is they really are trying to do.
What do you look for in a demo or a new artist? What kind of artist do you enjoy working with?
One who doesn’t overthink or dwell on a line or word. They just keep it going, constantly releasing music and staying active in the game. I also love working with a spontaneous artist who’s not afraid to trash a song and create new one the spot. It’s always dope cooking a song up on the spot, from the beat to the lyrics.
It’s more than the music – an artist who stays recording, promoting, performing will eventually find their pocket and what it is they really are trying to do.
What are you hoping for from the BandLab contest submissions and being involved in the contest? Are you open to working with new talent?
Definitely. I’m always working and helping develop new artists and creating new sounds and new vibes, looking to come across next star.
Bless’Em’Bless is a mentor for the #TracklantaOG contest. If you want to be in the running to be mentored by Chris, enter #TracklantaOG here.
