Q and A
Luis Zaragoza is a 19 year old college student currently attending the College of Dupage. In his spare time he is a music producer and goes by the name El Dee. He is just a regular guy who likes to make music on the side. Up till now he has had no professional training; he has produced music from his natural ability, and is now planning on going to school to learn everything he can about music so he “can be the best.”
What is Underground Music?
To me it’s music that artists put without any pressure. Doesn’t really sound like anything, it’s just music put out by the artist and it sounds how the artist wants it to sound.
Do you think Underground Music is important? Why or Why not?
Very Important. Why? It is important because [pause] (there is so much, trying to think how to sum it all up) it is real and it makes you relate to it more. It relates to your life. When the artist makes it there is no pressure. People talk about a lot of things that people can relate to. Underground Music artists put feelings and emotions into it. It’s important because you can connect to it. Underground artists are talking about different topics.
What made you interested in making your own music?
Creative Outlet. When I was younger I used to draw. Then I lost interest, and when I got older I got into music. It’s something I can put my heart into.
Are you working on any projects at this time?
Me and my crew are working on a mixtape. It should be out real real soon.
Do you have a title for this album yet?
The name of the album is still waiting to be announced. After all the songs are done, we’ll look at it and come up with a name for it.
How much work goes into making an album like this? How hard is it?
Very hard! Especially because it’s a compillation. Different people have different schedules and have school and work to go to. The process is also very hard. Not everybody has time to write. I don’t have time to just produce. We don’t have the luxury of having to just make music, so it’s hard living life and getting it together.
Do you think making a mixtape is any easier than making a “regular”, mainstream album?
Yes it is easier, well, I think, yeah it is easier because you do what you want to do. You don’t worry about what other people want to put out. You put out what you want. You put out some songs that appeal to everyone, but you put out what you want. Mainstream albums are complicated. Labels and execs are telling you what it should sound like and what kinds of songs to put out. It hurts your creative process because you want to put out songs to make you popular.
Going back, how will you market your product after it’s complete?
Um, locally through our peers and netwroks that we each have. Also through Facebook and make music videos because we can.
Are you on MySpace, Twitter, etc, (social sites) trying to promote your work?
Yeah, I mean, I have a MySpace where I put my beats up. Where I’m from it’s not really used so not really. It’s just by me and my friends.
What do you think of other artists that use this medium to gain recognition and fame?
It’s worked in the past you know. It’s good to get your work out there, but it’s harder because everybody does it. It’s hard to seperate the good and the bad.
What do you think is the best way/strategy to get a record deal?
Master your craft and meet alot of people because sometimes it’s not about what you know it’s about who you know.
Any last words or comments?
Mixtape coming soon! Shots out to everyone at Victorius Ent. and all my Malcriadoz – everyone except Alex!
