Today we’d like to introduce you to DJ Corbett.
Hi DJ, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After high school graduation I moved into an apartment with my friends for the summer. One of my friends had a music program on his computer. That was my intro to creating music. I went to college the following fall to play basketball at Wittenberg University, but couldnt get rid of the music bug so after only 18 months I left and went to Minneapolis to study Music Production and Engineering at IPR(Institute for Production and Recording).
After gaining an understanding of the space and building some relationships in the Twin Cities, I saw a tweet from Hi-Tek, a famous hip-hop producer from Cincinnati. His tweet was asking for local producers and writers to send music so he could find new talent to work with. I sent some music and heard back from him. This is the connection that ultimately brought me back to the Cincinnati area. I got to work with Tek for some years and grew a lot as a producer and writer. Tek connected me with an amazing artist by the name of Trademark Aaron. He thought we would work well together and was correct. We made an EP together in 2012-2013 called Act Accordingly.
Trademark would go on to play our music for a local recording engineer by the Sunny(Aka Sun Zoo). It was that connection to Sunny that would eventually lead to 3 Grammy wins, 8 Nominations and plaques of all colors.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early challenges included having signed bad deals or even being flat out scammed by people due to my desperate need to succeed, not having the resources to travel to LA, Atlanta, New York, but taking chances and going for it, having a huge song placement stolen(Meek Mill “Classic”), then getting fleeced by the lawyers, not getting credited on songs I worked on with major artists, my second round of lawyers not charging me the standard 5% and taking half my fees for a year, building a strong marriage and family thru all the travel and weird hours, recent health issues due to “studio life”.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Im a music producer and songwriter. Ive had most of my success in the hip hop and r&b genres, but work in all styles of music. Im most known for my work with Super Producer Hit-Boy. Since 2019 I have worked closely with him on artists projects including Nas, JuiceWrld, Polo G, Anderson .Paak, Nipsey Hussle, Young Thug, Don Toliver, Big Sean, Chris Brown, Bebe Rexa, Noah Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, 2 chainz, The Game, Nardo Wick, Blxst, Benny The Butcher, Bryson Tiller, Kodak Black, DDG, Gunna, and many more.
Im most proud of the fact that thru all the travel and lifestyle changes that have taken place over the last 6-7 years, My wife and I have been able to prioritize our faith and family and keep it together. Also, Ive lived in Florence the entire time which I am proud to show people in our community that you dont have to leave to make strides in the music industry.
I think my ability to plan, stay consistent, and create value in a multitude of different scenarios sets me apart.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
AI will replace collaborators like the loop makers that have dominated for the last 10 years. The business is starting to shift more artists friendly due to all the tools that help independent artists be able to build on their own, combined with some of the transparency that the internet has brought how the music industry works behind the scenes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/corbettmusic
