We’re glad to welcome for the very first time on those pages a man who’s made quite some waves over the last months/years with top quality grooves, from Wave Music to West End, not to mention King Street and Vega Records more recently. No doubt, he’s the personification of today’s peeps sitting in the chair of a producer, dealing with almost everything by his own, should it be the vibes with undeniable skills as the technology with a real know how. Awaited to perform live tomorrow at Jazid, ladies and gents, please make some noise for… Wil Milton!
Would you mind having a few words as an introduction to where you're coming from, who you are and where you intend to go?
My name is Wil Milton of Blakink Productions New York. I am a Producer, Songwriter, and DJ. Blakink Production is my production company, alongside with my partner Rodney Carter. Blakink’s focus is artist development, and working side by side with recording companies around the world. As a Producer, who also writes songs, and DJ, I consider myself the all in Dancing and Singing entity. In some cases, one would have to hire an outside producer, or writer to complete a project. Blakink provides the world with all of these collectively. Currently, I am looking for our next future artist. Within our dance community, we have not discovered a consistent marketable artist since the days of Ce Ce Peniston, Adeva, and the likes of Crystal Waters. Our age demographics with Dance Music are getting much younger, which is great. Therefore, we have to change the needs based on our newer demographics. We need younger artist, so that our listeners could identify with what they see on stage, and record covers. Just imagine if we developed artist on the same marketable level of say Alicia Keys, recording our format of music, we would be setting up a marketable sector. Now your have major, worldwide attention. To start a new beginning, you have to go back to basics. I mean Motown, Philadelphia International. With this in a nut shell, this is just one of my future goals. If you are an artist, and have an interested in recording, contact wilmilton@msn.com.
The sparkle which would make you become who you are…
I am in love with music, although, I do not allow music to reshape who I am in. When I am in the music lab, I just close my eyes, and imagine what the world would want to hear. When I am in the DJ booth, I just look onto the crowd, and imagine what people are feeling. At times, U could look into their hearts, just by watching their bodily movements. When you listening to some of my recording, you should be able to hear my personal connection with music.
Where to find you, and your current environment in terms of local scene / nightlife ?
I have my monthly party called GRAVITY. GRAVITY is a New York City based party. I am also involved in a few guest spots as well.
Your heroes ?
My father, for enlightening me with beautiful music. DJ Basil, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Curtis Hairston, Loose Ends, and Kae Williams Jr. I will be their student for life.
The ones you feel the closest to…
My family and keyboards.
The way you work and your source of inspiration…My studio is pretty comfortable. The walls have earth tone palettes. Before arranging my music, I come up with the melodies in my head. When designing that perfect melody, I play them on my keyboard, and then find the chord progression. I look for titles, either in a phone book, or watching TV, and ask the most important question. Does this have universal appeal? Next thing, I start writing. I had to understand that the song is the most important element, so production should be secondary.
Your definition of a good piece of music…
A great song is a composition that is heartfelt. One could be lying in the bed, half sleep, and when you hear that song, you say to yourself, what is that? This is good music! A great song, does not lack stimulation, and own peaks and valleys. A great song is a verse, chorus, and bridge.
Of a good nite...
I always carefully monitor the dancefloor when I am in the booth. I pay close attention to non-verbal communication of the crowd. Hands in the air, people crying, shouting, stomping the floor, or the speakers, is a good night. At the end of the night, when people are not willing to leave, that’s a good night. As a DJ, one would know when they had a good night. If you play an out of the norm record, and people are receptive to that record, you have a great crowd, and a great night.
The way you'd like to be looked at...
I want to be perceived as Wil Milton, and not as an individual who creates, and plays music. Love me for who I am, not for what I do.
Your best / worst souvenir…
Honestly, I don’t have one.
Your perception of the current situation and the things which need to evolve…
More artist development and taking risk. I feel A&R Reps, should do more to scout future artist. A&R is not only signing records, but molding, and guiding their artist. I have learned to play a variety of music during my DJ sets. The misperception of our scene is everything should stay at 124 bpm. Throw in a love song, or ballet. The only way you could have a peak, is to start slow. It just like making love, please excuse me.
The thing you love at most…
Hearing a great song that’s pleasing to the ear, people enjoying themselves, and traveling to play music.
The one you hate at most…
I don’t hate, but, I feel uncomfortable when individuals don’t allow personal growth to enhance their musical direction.
Your current projects…
Right now I am in the studio, working on a follow up to Run to Me on VEGA Records. I am also negotiating a deal with an artist now, and hopefully things will all pan out.
The way you see Miami and what you expect from it…
I will focus more on the business, rather than partying. I would hope to make more business connections. I have an investment in my business, and as a business rep, I have to keep that mind frame in tact. I have my own personal feelings in regards to WMC, but I learned to adapt.
Any secret weapon of yours over there ?
No secret.
Your 3 favourite all time songs...
Donald Byrd & 125th Street ‘Love Has Come Around’ (Elektra/Promo)
Ultra Nate ‘Twisted’ (Strictly Rhythm)
Krystol ‘Same Place, Same Time’ (Epic)
Thank you, MFSB
WIL MILTON ‘The Trip/Gravity’ (King Street)
WIL MILTON introducing RON CARTER ‘Run To Me’ (Vega Records)
Catch Wil Milton for a live performance this Thursday March 23 alongside Jon Pierce + DJ’s Greg Gray, Patrick Wilson, Tomy Bones, Herb Martin, Rob Lewis, Carlos Mena & Lars Behrenroth at the Conference Opener @ Jazid 1342 Washington Ave. – Miami Beach
Catch Wil Milton behind the decks this Friday March 24 alongside Dennis Ferrer, Jihad Muhammad, Joey Llanos, DJ True & Richard Vasquez at The New York Tradition Of Dance Party Music @ A-Bar, 235 Washington Ave. – Miami Beach
INTERVIEW
