Hot Seat: Making It In The Music Industry… with Onra, hip hop producer

TMN has revived Hot Seat to offer our young industry subscribers an insight into what it takes to make it in the music business. 

Here in Australia as part of the Red Bull Music Academy Club Night series, TMN chats to Parisian beat-maker Onra about creating opportunities, the equipment he uses to produce and his advice for those wanting a career in crate-digging production.

What drew you to a career in beat making and hip hop music?

Everything kind of happened naturally. When I started there was no such thing as a "beat-maker" career. I created this opportunity for myself. I've always had a passion for music, at best I thought I'd be running my own label, or working for a label, I never thought I could actually release anything myself.

What do you view as your ‘big break’ and how did it come about?

I don't think there's been any big break so far. It's been a slow and steady work in progress over the years. I have about seven different releases by now, and I think they all added up to building a momentum.

What are some best practices for those wanting a successful career in beat and sample-based production?

I would advise to listen to a lot of different kinds of music, do your own research, go to the record stores, create and affine your own musical taste. It's got to come from you, yourself. 

Which software programs and equipment can you not live without?

I only use the Akai MPC 1000 to produce, mix and sequence all my music, so I definitely couldn't live without it. I don't use any software.

What are your perceptions of the new crop of talent entering the hip hop production realm?

My knowledge is not deep enough. With all these new names coming out it's impossible to keep up with it. In general, I'm more interested by what's been done in the past. I'd say the new scene kind of lost my interest over the last few years because I hear too many similarities between producers. A lot of people using the same sounds, drum kits, patterns, gimmicks; it's rare to hear someone with a unique sound that stands out. And when one does, there are only a couple of months before hundreds of people copycat its style.

Do you have any advice for them?

My advice for them would be to create something unique. Be crazy, be original, challenge yourself and challenge your audience. There are too many talented people making good stuff these days, the only way to stand out is to truly be yourself.

What would you say to 2006 Onra who had just released his debut LP Tribute?

At that time, I never thought a career would be possible, I didn't even allow myself to dream about it because I thought there was no chance I’d make it. So I'd just say something along these lines: "Keep doing what you do, anything is possible". 

Onra performs a very special free Sydney Opera House show tonight as part of RBMA’s five night studio take-over at the Opera House. Free RSVP here.