Known for his heavy hitter production for the Def Jux camp, his releases on Ninja Tune, and his comedic side on the Party Fun Action Committee album, I was able to get a few responses from Blockhead. Currently, he has released his new album "The Music Scene" which has gotten some good response on the PLN network (Twitter, Facebook). Before Blockhead set off to go on tour and promote his new album, he was cool enough to sit down and answer a few questions.
Blockhead. How'd you ever get that nickname? I know you had some other nicknames that were just as funny.
I got the name from my square head. back when I took it on, I was rapping and it was the early/mid 90's. Back when rappers had self depreciating names. As for other nicknames, I actually never had any. I wanted to go by YNOT (cause my real name is Tony) but Common Sense' boy had already taken that.
Ok, cool, so I think I first heard you producing back in between when Aesop Rock put out "Applseed" and when Mush Records put out Aesop Rock's "Float". Breakdown how you got you start in production.
As I said earlier, I was a rapper first. Around late 94 I decided to buy a sampler. Up until that point I had been going over to friends houses and back seat driving with their beats and I wanted to do my own shit. Shortly after that my dreams of being a rapper faded and I realized I was much better suited for making beats.
All of your albums tend to have a heavy visual presence. From seeing your last video, "The Music Scene", you have quite a connection with making sure its done right. How'd that video come about?
Actually, I hod nothing to do with it. My label asked me if it was cool if some dude did an animated video for one of my songs. I said "sure" but didn't really think about it after that. 5 months later , That video came out and I was blown away.
"The Music Scene" from Anthony Francisco Schepperd on Vimeo.
A long time ago, I think you mentioned Willie D was one of you favorite rappers. You ever send him some beats?
HAHA! Nah...I wish. I actually think he still has good verses left in him (when he's not selling bogus cell phones in Abu Dabi or some shit). I simply have no solid connect to him and not enough money to pay him if we did connect. It would be awesome though...
For the beatmakers/producers who drool over their MPCs, what do you use for production?
I rock an old ass ASR-10. Same one I've had since the beginning. Over the last few years I've added Abelton into the mix but I still work primarily off the ASR.
Just recently, it has been clear that Def Jux is either on some sort of hiatus or closing its doors. Being that you were a part of that family producing for Aesop Rock and doing parody music with Party Fun Committee, How do you feel about that?
I'd say it was par for the course. Record labels and selling music are pretty much a wrap unless you're one of those rare, lucky acts that still had crazy fan support. I think Jux pulled out at the right time. It's sad to see it go but , shit, these things happen. Now , more than ever.
Who is the one person you have yet to work with that you are trying to work with?
Hmm...depends. I'll always wanna work with Doom And Ghostface. Willie D. Kool G rap ( for old times sake). As for new guys, Danny Brown, Jay Electronica and Earl Sweatshirt. Basically, cause they're the only new rappers I really check for anyway.
Any final comments?
Eh, Live long and prosper?
Blockhead's new album, "The Music Scene", is out on Ninja Tune.
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