Nino Imperio
Nino Imperio is a music mastermind. I worked with him over a few sessions and the music we made was definitely interesting to say the least. Some of the tracks are in the music player, so you can listen to them. I learned a ton working with Nino. He makes the MPC do whatever he wants it to.
Nino Imperio, Stevie Williams, and Tony
What comes to mind when you hear the theme song to “The Sound of Music?”
What the hell? Man I don’t know. I guess the album cover cause I got that record lying around somewhere, with the chick runnin around on the grass and mountains in the back carryin a guitar and a bag or whatever.
What is your favorite album and why?
Hmmn. I don’t know it changes all the time. One day I’ll be all about [Raekown's] purple tape, another day ill be all about [Rage Against the Machine's] “Evil Empire.” I like both those albums a lot.
How would you describe your sound?
Well a couple years ago it used to be real gutter and grimey sounding and I stuck with straight Hip Hop. I mean I still have that sound but over the years I’ve diversified my style. I’ve made all different types of music from Rock, Hip Hop, R&B to movie scoring. I dabble in everything just in case, it’s good to know and understand different styles of music.
How did you convince your parents you needed an MPC for school?
It was actually a graduation present. I remember fucking around with Fruity Loops and being annoyed at the computer cause I’m not down with this mouse clicking shit. I need me some pads and some keys and I was like I gotta get me an mpc and a midi controller of some sort.
What equipment or instruments do you have in your studio right now?
I got the Technics, MPC, Triton, Strat and a Tele, random Indian drums, some maracas and random percussive instruments, and FX pedals all hooked up to my pro tools rig.
What do you typically use to make beats?
Well the MPC is the brains of the operation. I can make a beat with just that and a mic. I’ve made a beat with just sounds from my mouth. It came out dope as hell–probably one of my favorite beats I’ve made.
Why is it that producers have all kinds of equipment in their studios but don’t use them all when they’re making beats?
I dont know it’s like having TVs in the headrest I guess. You don’t really need them but it’s convenient. I mean like if you’re driving down the block you really have no use for them but if youlre taking a trip out of the state then it’s good to have. It depends on the situation. Some tracks a guitar would sound good [on] some tracks it won’t, but even if it doesn’t sound good you can throw it in anyway cause you can. It’s good to have that option.
How did you link up with your partner Anoop?
Me and him grew up in the same area. We were practically neighbors and we still are. I used to skate to his house and just mess around on his keyboard, making techno beats. He’s probably the one that got me into this whole beat-makin thing.
How did you two turn Gotbeats.com into an actual business?
Well me and Anoop were talking about it one day and we just ran with it. We hopped in the studio and just churned out some crazy shit. We sold some beats. We started networking and going to record labels sitting in on beat meetings and got our website up.
What’s the last song you heard that really impressed you?
Fuck. I dont what the name of it is but it’s a Primo beat. I heard it recently. I think it was a Fat Joe track. When that beat came on I was going apeshit. It sounded like someone was being murdered–like they recorded a massacre in the studio and sampled it and threw it on the beat.
What made you take up guitar?
I’ve always played the guitar. I used to be in a punk band when I was younger. I’ve been on and off with it for like over a decade.
Who is your favorite guitarist?
I don’t know there’s a bunch but probably Jimi.
If you could be a producer in any era, what era would that be and why?
I’d be me in the 90s. If I had the skills I had now, back then. I’d rule the world.
What do you think affects how we feel musically, aside from musical and environment influences?
Weed. I make some out of this world type shit when I’m toasted. Some are dope, some aren’t so dope but it’s whatever, but I don’t really make beats when I’m high, I get lazy.
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