A few weeks ago, while poking around the internet for random new tracks and artists I ran across this amazing album produced by Alex Goose. I’ll be honest, I hadn’t had a real good chance to listen to Jay-Z’s latest album The Blueprint 3. Here I was at 4am, at the office, playing the tracks louder than I probably should have. I’m sure the guy on the first floor didn’t appreciate it… or looking at it a different way, maybe he did.
Here’s a few tracks to listen to while reading the rest of the article:
I emailed Alex soon after asking for an interview. We sent emails back and forth and here’s what he had to say about this new release.
Desired Hearts: Your recent release “The Blueprint 3 Outtakes” is a remix of beats originally performed by Jay-Z himself, is that correct? How did you get involved with the project and get the stems needed to remix?
Alex Goose: Actually, they weren’t performed by Jay-Z. They were beats that I made for Jay-Z for his BP3 album. I got the opportunity to submit beats to him but none of them ended up being used. After finding out they weren’t going to be used, I decided to release them for the public to hear months later. The remixes on the album are remixes of older Jay-Z songs and the last track, which is a mash up was done by a great dj named DJ LilMan, who is a part of Swurv Radio.
DH: How did you produce the album? Was it just you, a mac, some headphones and a couple of weeks of late nights?
AG: Pretty much. Everything was mainly done on my MacBookPro (I run MAC OS and Windows Bootcamp) and my old PC (because some of the beats are very old but were revamped with better drums). My set up is very simple. I’m not the “big studio” flashy type of guy. I love creating music in my personal space where I have close access to my inspiration, whether it be from a fashion magazine or something out of my record or photo collection. I use an M-Audio Profire 610 and KRK VXT8 monitor speakers to mix. I also use live instrumentation as well… mostly vintage instruments.
DH: Did you have any contacts or previous relationships with Jay-Z?
AG: Not really. I met somebody connected with them that’s an A&R in the industry. That’s how the music got to him.
DH: Tell ya what, we all have a horn to toot and you are obviously very busy; why don’t you plug yourself and let some of our readers hear about what you have planned or what you are currently working on?
AG: I’m currently working on a number of projects. I’m working with a singer/songwriter right now named Jake Troth, and I’m producing his album. I’ll be working with DC based band, U.S. Royalty very soon, which I’m very excited about. Just finished an album with Danny!, an MC I met at SCAD, which will be out soon. Also planning a clothing and music collaboration with a special NYC-based street wear clothing brand, which I won’t say now but it’ll be dope. I’ve got other things in the works but for now that’s what I’m mainly working on.
