HIP-HOP/RAP, Music Reviews, New Fire Music, Producer, R&B/SOUL, TRAP/HIP HOP, West Coast
Producer Spotlight: MaseratiSparks
Sep
Having already laid the rhythmical groundwork for artists like Young Thug, Jadakiss, French Montana, YNW Melly, Jay Gwuapo, Chinx Drugz, and Juelz Santana, to name a few, MaseratiSparks is a New York-based producer who brings together heavy basslines, warm kick-snares, and atmospheric soundscapes. Likewise, the beatmaker throws in soft melodies, subtle hi-hats, and other stimulating arrangements. Not to mention his switcheroo’s halfway into each song.
His songs carry the tag, Ma-Ma-serati Sparks, which is said by a soft-spoken woman. Some might even concur that the mini introduction is akin to Rick Ross’.
But on the real, MaseratiSparks’ sound cannot be categorized. His musical styling garners inspiration from various genres. Subsequently, he’s no newbie to the game! Maserati has ten years of beat direction under his belt.
“My sound is distinct to me,” he adds. “I am a musician, so I am versatile in many styles. If you listen to my music, you can feel influences from different styles.”
For instance, his beat titled “I Don’t Wanna Stop,” pairs ambient elements with hi-hats, a somber piano number, and heavy bass. Although it’s entirely an intimate-like R&B offering, the production switches up at the one-minute mark, making “I Don’t Wanna Stop” draw from EDM arrangements. By the half-minute mark, it goes back to its normal state.
MaseratiSpark’s name derives from his favorite car, which is a Maserati. The Sparks part stems from his former habits. When creating his sound, Maserati starts with the key element, which is the melody. Then, he adds in hi-hats, snares, or claps. Once that’s completed, he’ll build around it. His to-go snack for the stu is spicy, sweet chili Doritoes or Smartfood’s white cheddar popcorn.
“Being a musician gives me an advantage,” he says. It’s easy for me to come up with melodies that many producers struggle to do.”
In Maserati’s words, it’s imperative to be original when making beats. Being consistent, sacrificing, and staying dedicated is important in terms of producing as well.
“It’s so easy to try to emulate what you hear on an everyday basis, but staying true to your sound will win,” he continues.
Sure tracks like “My Way” and “MySlime” bring light to Maserati’s authentic approach to the MIDI Controller.
His beats can be listened to when you’re in the club, strolling the streets, at the gym, or just relaxing.
“MyWay” carries intergalactic synths, piano loops, and other lush arrangements. Twenty-two seconds into the song, a heavy bass comes in with hi-hats and kick-snares. By the time “MyWay” reaches the one minute and fifteen seconds mark, the arrangements are minimalistic, and individuals will only hear the piano, kick-snares, and low claps. After fifteen more seconds pass, “MyWay” goes back to its normal state.
“MySlime,” however, centers in on an ambient musical backdrop. For the song’s entirety, Maserati brings out a heavy bassline. Then, “MySlime” couples subtle elements with 808’s, hi-hats, and an eerie bell loop. Forty-seconds in, ears will perk up at the flute arpeggio going hither and thither.
One song he enjoyed creating was with Dej Loaf, which is set to release soon. He also just dropped his tape, Butcher Season.
“The whole process, from making the beat, then hearing an artist on it and seeing people enjoy themselves to something that you created out of your mind, inspires me,” he adds.
Moving forward, expect MaseratiSparks to debut more singles, instrumental projects, etc. His advice for aspiring producers is to trust the process and work hard.