Breaking
Breaking
How DJ Lean Rock produces music for B-Boys and B-Girls
DJ Lean Rock is one of the key DJs from Red Bull BC One, playing regularly at Cyphers and even the World Final. We met him to talk about his approach to making and playing music.
Can you please introduce yourself?
Hey, what’s up my name is Dj Lean Rock of The Floorlords and Squadron. I’m known for DJing at B-Boy events, but I also play out at hip-hop parties. I love to break when I’m feeling the music. I also produce some tunes here and there. Overall, I love music and dance.
When did you get into music production and why?
The interesting thing is that I got more into music production after I got I asked to spin at the Red Bull BC One World Finals in 2013. Red Bull needed original music for me to play at the BC One World Finals due to licencing issues, so I started collaborating with different producers and musicians to create original B-Boy breaks for BC One.
Are you only into breaking music or have you made any tunes in other genres?
I mainly make funk and B-Boy tunes, but now and then I’ll make hip-hop tracks too. I listen to all kinds of music though. Pretty much anything from Led Zepplin to Anderson .Paak. I love music that has soul. You can check some of my original work here:
Do you create the tracks especially for dancing? If yes, how do you ensure that it turns out danceable?
Yes, most of the tracks I make are for dancing. I think the groove is the essential aspect for dancing. The groove is what naturally makes us move. The drums have got to have some bounce and swing. That’s what usually makes the track funky and gives a track groove. A nice funky bassline helps as well. I tend to like more of the analogue sound. I don’t mind sprinkles of the modern electronic sound, but I think the analogue sound is what makes music timeless.
What are the specifics things you search for in tracks to play at jams or when you produce your own?
Hard and funky drums are the foundation. I like my drums to sound a little more lo-fi and a little dirty. From there I kind of just experiment with different sounds and melodies with different sounds and instruments. I love percussion too. Percussion is usually what gives a song more drive. It’s all about finding the right feeling and energy, whether you dig up a track or make a record.
For your fellow producers: can you share the set-up and workflow?
Ableton is the software I use. As far as hardware, my team and I use the Minimoog Voyager, Roland Juno 60, various keyboards, guitar, bass, tenor and bari saxophones, congas, bongos and so on.
I always start with drums. Sometimes a bassline will follow the drums, but it just depends on what’s inspiring me on that day that I’m creating. Sleeping and eating are essential to creating productively too!
Have you been collaborating with other artists? If so, which one was your favourite and why?
I collaborate with B. Bravo on most of my tunes. I’ve learned so much from him. He’s great and super chill to work with. I’ve also collaborated with Teeko, Stro Elliot, Falcons, Mr Carmack and plenty of other artists. I was intimidated to work with most of these guys because they’re all so good, but they also made me feel confident enough to share my input.
For people who are creating music on their own, do you have any advice on how to make your stuff known in the scene?
I feel like self-care is vital to creating great music. You have to treat the mind and body right to have the right ideas flowing. I like feeling good and confident before I walk into the studio. Preparation before going to the studio is also vital to that. It’s great to have as many ideas and references as possible before going in. Although your ideas might come out completely different to what you have in mind, I find my work is a million times better when I prepare my ideas before I hit the studio. Experimenting with new sounds can be great too, but sometimes it can have you stuck in a wormhole for a little too long. I mean it also takes time to find your sound, but once you see it, it makes life a little easier. Overall, it’s all about self-care, preparation, having patience and believing in what you create! People will believe in what you create as long as you believe in what you create!
DJ Lean Rock recently dropped the new mixtape, Betwn the Brks. Check it out and rock it in your next practice session.
