Interview With DJOnTheTrack
In today’s music landscape, independence is seen as a virtue. Full creative control allows an artist to move with more honesty unto themselves. Trusting the process of growth, as well as a self-awareness of the value an artist brings to the table, are both major components to the way an artist tracks their career, almost like an investment banker.
San Diego producer DJONTHETRACK has done a tremendous job of calculating this balance. As the producer of many internet hits, such as the era-defining “Float On“ with 03Greedo, DJ’s ascension into the mainstream level of music-making has come with increased visibility and attention; especially from the labels.
Read below.
AuxGod: Let’s start from the beginning. Where are you from? What was your upbringing like?
DJONTHETRACK: I'm from SAN DIEGO CA, PARADISE HILLS to be exact. Being at the skatepark everyday growing up played a big part on who I am today.. AuxGod: I’m happy you mentioned being at the skatepark. With artist also being skaters and Skaters also being rappers/producers, do you feel the skate community and hip hop community go hand & hand?
DJONTHETRACK: Yes I do. I see lots of Producers/Artist that either use to skate, or still do, Such as Rich The Kid, LilGnar, ATLSMOOK, & etc..
AuxGod: Did you guys grow up with a lot of music being played in the house?
DJONTHETRACK: I Grew up with nothing but music in my house as a kid. My mom always knew what good music was. From when Jay-Z's "The Blueprint" album dropped, to when Kanye West dropped "College Dropout" she was on ALL of that AuxGod: The OG Rocafella days. Did she purchase those albums for you or you saved up to get them? DJONTHETRACK: She was the one who purchased them. I'd just be in the backseat of her old accord listening like "This shit so hard" She did purchase The Game album "The Documentary" for ME though AuxGod: So you were surrounded by music growing up it sounds like. How did you learn how to make beats? Did someone show you?
DJONTHETRACK- Nobody taught me how to make beats. I spent hours day in & day out trying to figure out how to master the basics of FL studio.
AuxGod: That’s dope you stuck with it. Who was the first person you sold a beat to that affirmed you wanted to do this?
DJONTHETRACK: BAD KARMA. My nigga HOPETON (RIP) Introduced us back in like...2010?. Once we did our first song together, I knew this is something I want to pursue.
AuxGod: How do you usually do business with most the artist you work with? Do you link up in person or send beats over email?
DJONTHETRACK: Its like a split in between both. I do send out beats to artist, but I really enjoy meeting IN PERSON. I like creating the sound & vibe with the Artist.
AuxGod: On a Good week how many beats do you make on average?
DJONTHETRACK: MAN on a good week, i'm running through about...15-20 beats no problem!
AuxGod: Out of all the beats you’ve cooked up, What are some of your personal Favorite beats:
DJONTHETRACK: "Dibiase" by 03greedo hands down. I listen to that song every day.
AuxGod: You and Greedo make a fire ass duo and really started to sizzle right before his incarceration. You remember where you were when you found out he was gonna be turning himself in?
DJONTHETRACK: Yes I agree We do! I was actually getting ready to send him some beats, & got a call from his management letting me know the news. Once He touches back down, We'll definitely get back to work
AuxGod: When you're not listening to your own production, what producers does DJ enjoy listening to?
DJONTHETRACK: I listen to a lot of 808MAFIA, a lot of ZAYTOVEN, a lot of MUSTARD, a lot of Pierre Bourne, & a lot of PLUGGZ shit fasho!!
AuxGod: You and well known producer Mexico Merio seem to have great chemistry. How did you two meet
DJONTHETRACK: Ohh yeah that's my brutha 4L. We met back in 8th grade @ Bell. We use to slap all the East hanks in class & at lunch. Later on down the line, Turns out he's making beats too. So once we inked up & cooked our first collab, it was a wrap after that. Nothing but HITS every time we link up
AuxGod: What are three things producers need in 2019??
DJONTHETRACK: PATIENCE, DEDICATION, & CREATIVITY. I feel like with these 3 things, You can achieve anything you put your mind to
AuxGod: With San Diego being such a diverse place, how do you feel about the music scene?
DJONTHETRACK: I fuck with the music scene out here. We got a lot of people doing their thang out here & there's a bunch of Talent hidden all through the city!.
AuxGod: Who are a few artist you feel should be on people’s radar this year?
DJONTHETRACK: From the city, My nigga YHGPNUT is making noise, also BAD KARMA got some shit coming that's gonna fuck the city up!
AuxGod: Is San Diego where you create best? Would you ever move to another city?
DJONTHETRACK: San Diego is my fav city to cook up in. There's nothing like the comfort of being home. My goal is to move up to LA for a bit when the time comes.
AuxGod: Most People Don't Know:
DJONTHETRACK: I do NOT fuck with SeaFood. "If its from the sea, it aint for me" AHAHA
AuxGod: If someone wants to reach out to you to purchase some beats, what's the best way to reach out to you?
DJONTHETRACK: Instagram or Twitter. I'm active on both so ill receive any message that comes my way, & we can go from there.
AuxGod: What’s the best advice anyones ever given you on your way up, and what’s the best advice you’d give to someone who is an aspiring producer?
DJONTHETRACK: SouthSide said
"Don't focus on the money, Focus on the work. With the hard work that's put in, the money will fall right on your lap" I've taken that saying as A Motive ever since the day I heard it. & Also TIME & DEDICATION is the key !!!
AuxGod: What can we expect from DJ for the rest of 2019?-
DJONTHETRACK: FULL WORK MODE. I'm using the rest of 2019 to perfect my sound and take it to the next level. Because 2020 Im taking over!.
I’m jus keeping the solid with the ones I came up with and trying new things.
AuxGod: Anything you’d like to close out with to all the fans and supporters to who appreciation all the work you put in?-
DJONTHETRACK: For all my peoples out there supporting the kid, ITS NOTHING BUT LOVE YALL! I couldn't have made it where I am today without the love & support of you guys reading this.
I promise I'm not stopping until WE on top of this shit! & even when we are on top.
Follow DJONTHETRACK on Twitter and Instagram here.
