Meet Saint Nick, local Atl Dj and Producer who's currently working on a mixtape titled, The Deans List and spins every Sunday from 2-4pm on That's Good Radio

How long have you been making music?
I played the sax in the band all through elementary, middle, and high school. I started Djing and making beats about 4 years ago.

How did you become involved with That's Good Radio?
Brock, one of my brother's friends from college was friends with DJ Battle, the owner of That's Good Radio. Battle told Brock that he was starting up an internet radio station about a year ago, and he needed to have some shows on the station. Brock agreed to do so with the assistance of his friend Russ, and created The Brock and Russ Show, which comes on every Sunday from 2-4pm eastern. Brock knew that I was really interested in pursuing a career in music, so he invited me to come to the station with him to see what it was like. I kept coming back every Sunday after that to hang out, and eventually he made me the DJ for the radio show.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I draw inspiration from any and everybody who makes music for the right reasons. I search for music all the time, whether I am on the internet or in a record store. There is so much music out there, and a lot of it you will never get a chance to hear in life. I listen to everything from hip-hop, soul, funk, jazz, etc. There are too many artists to name.

What is your musical background?
I've heard all kinds of music from playing in the band, including classical, jazz, bossa nova, etc. Hip-hop also expanded my musical knowledge, because after I hear hip-hop songs, I often search for the sample in the song if there was one. Many people in our generation don't realize that hip-hop was built on samples, and often ask the question "Why do so many hip-hop producers sample?" Believe it or not, but sampling can be very hard, you would be surprised. But even when I don't sample a record, I just might listen to it and try to learn a thing or two from it.

How have you developed as a musician over the past few years?
I've become a better producer and DJ over the years by just practicing every chance I get. I use samples sometimes in my music, but now every time I sample I add additional keys to it to enhance my sound. I'm learning how to play piano by ear, however I do plan to get piano lessons in the near future. I believe my sound could be better if I was trained on the piano, but in the meantime, I am working with what I have.

What's the biggest lesson that you learned along the way in terms of your performance? (as in Djing Live at an event vs. radio)
You have to know your audience and the music they want to hear. For instance, I wouldn't play old school music at a high school house party, and I wouldn't play crunk music at a 30+ party. Even though I appreciate all music, your audience may not, and it is the DJ's job to make sure that the majority, if not all the party people, have a good time. I know for a fact that The Brock and Russ Show attracts people primarily in their mid 20's and early 30's, so when I arrange the playlist for a show, I know what I can play what I can't play.

If any, Who are some of the artists you've worked with ? other Atl producers?
I'm currently working with two hip hop artists. One is Dihsan Striver, he is a great storyteller and has songs dealing with his personal experiences in life. He still likes to have fun in his raps, which is always a good thing I have produced a good number of tracks for him, and his mixtape should be coming soon Another rapper, Naj Murph, who I met in college, is a brilliant rapper. He has a crazy flow and can talk about pretty much anything. I will be producing the majority of his mixtape, Opening Act, coming soon. I like working with both of them, because they embody the hip-hop culture and they both wish to say something meaningful in their rhymes. Both of them will also stay up all night writing and recording, and it's always good to have people around you with a good work ethic.

As far as producers, I collab with Introspective Minds from time to time, whether I lay keys or put DJ scratches on one of their songs. Check em out.
I will be releasing a remix album soon entitled The Dean's List. I plan to have 12 remixes on it and it should be out soon, like in the next couple months or so. I leaked a remix off it, which is my version of the Mos Def classic, Ms. Fat Booty

Download his take on Ms. Fat Booty

Check out Nick's beats and songs here

Follow him on twitter Here


And dont forget to check out www.thatsgoodradio.com
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