When you think of the Hype in BZHypeMeter.com, don’t think of it as high energy (truth is we’re  more laid back than most) but think of hype as in high quality…as in great…as that is what we try to reflect in our features. With that said, Deron Thompson, aka Deady on da Beatz (da Belizean Hitmaker) is a Belizean Producer of great quality. The hard working, self-made beat maker is responsible for Mc Melo’s BlueNote Hunter and behind the sound of your last Duets winners, Jeremy and Earlyn. Here is how to achieve a sound of greatness. 

Where are you from?

Deady: Born in Belmopan City but now I live in Camalote Village, that’s where I got my studio.

So how did you end up becoming a producer? Better yet…a hit maker?

Deady: Well this started off like when I was 8 years old. I started playing different instruments in the church and by the time I was 13 I was playing over 8 different instruments. At that age I started a rap duo with my cousin and we called ourselves 3D. We were doing some cheap recordings and using known riddims at the time and it wasn’t until one day my aunt told me “why unu no stop use people riddim and start mek yo own”. Then I decided to give production a try, got a copy of FL Studio and from ever since I have been making beats. I got the name Hitmaker from a guy off myspace, he used to always rap on my beats and liked them. He didn’t know a thing about Belize and said the name sounded unique and just stared to call me “Belizean Hitmaker.” That’s how I started.

Speaking of locally, everything I’ve heard from you has sounded extraordinary; where do you get your inspiration and what makes you stand out?

Deady: Well first of all, I read a lot. I study my craft, I study different instruments and I listen to a lot of different genres. I’m mostly known for producing crunk which is known for heavy 808 drums but I like to mix that with some reggae skanks or some ethnic synths. I can make any genre, so I would say my style is no style. I can do just about anything it’s all about mixing different styles together. My dreams are what inspire me. If you want to make it big you have to work hard. If you want to be the best you have to work the hardest. I’m not the best but I’m definitely one of the hardest workers in the game.

So have you worked with a lot of artists and if so who? Or do you guys keep it in house at Jag Camp?

Deady: Well I started working with a lot of artists when I just started. In the past I’ve even worked with minor artists on Def Jam and Shady Records on mixtape songs. Presently I’m working with JAG Camp artists in-house because we are about team work and we’re building a fortress from the bottom trying to make it to the top. But I also produce for any artists who are interested in investing in their career and buying beats.

How can someone reach you for beats?

Deady: Just email jagcampent@gmail.com (or check him out on facebook )

What are your personal thoughts on the local music scene?

Deady: Well locally there is a lot of work that needs to be done. Belizeans need to be doing quality stuff that’s the only way we will ever be heard. We need to get to a point where people won’t even know it’s a ‘local’ song playing. But the music industry is about to take off in Belize and I like the direction it is heading at the moment.

  

Compared to the usual local stuff, the stuff out of jag camp seems to be of higher quality….I don’t think that is by accident is it?

Deady: Well to have quality you have to be willing to spend and when you spend you have to know how to use what you have. We have invested in JAG Camp and that’s what makes our quality stand out. On the other side I’ve taken audio engineering courses, read over 50 books on audio engineering and I’ve also worked with a professional engineer from France who has shown me a lot when it comes to being a professional. So when it comes to mixing, our engineers are capable of bringing the best out of our artists.

So what current projects are you working on?

Deady: Well at the moment we are working on an album as a group entitled “JAG Camp Allstars” and also this year we will complete Jacob Diggz’s Album called “Rebel Music”. All other artists are working on mixtapes at the moment and also dropping singles through the year which will be distributed globally on  Itunes, etc through Universal Music Group. By summer we will start other albums as well but that’s all in the making.

What advice do you have for other young producer and artists?

Deady: Work hard. Don’t try to get in the game for money or fame because you are going to fade away slowly. Money might come, fame might come but be original and don’t change. Take risks while making music because music has no rules involved as long as it’s listenable. And most importantly, take time to study music. If you don’t know to play an instrument take some piano lessons, drums etc. That will shave off a couple years or experimenting with stuff; garbage in, garbage out.

Anyone you want to thank or shout out?

Deady: I would like to thank bzhypemeter.com for this interview. Also big up to my JAG Camp family, Jacob Diggz, Del Beatz, FiyaMan, MC Melo, Jeanie, Dertty Dhurr, Bird, So Smoove, our manager Wild Turkey and the ZMG Family and everyone who believes in us. Thanks for the support! 2011 will never be the same♦