AZIO is happy to introduce our newest Blog segment where we feature artists that have made a lasting impact within their industry. Join us as we interview intriguing and influential creatives that are part of the AZIO Family, and get a glimpse behind the scenes. 

Our first feature belongs to a good friend of ours. Elijah Blue Molina, better known by his stage name Scoop DeVille, is an American record producer, rapper and DJ. DeVille has produced records for rappers, such as Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nipsey Hussle, 50 Cent, and Busta Rhymes. He produced Kendrick Lamar's "Poetic Justice featuring Drake, as well as Snoop Dogg's "I Wanna Rock" featuring Jay-Z, both of which charted in the top 50 of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

 

Scoop DeVille

 

1. We're amazed to have learned that you started your career at an early age of just 15. Has that had any impact on the way it has shaped you today?

You know what's crazy, I actually started out at a younger age of 9 writing lyrics, playing with keyboards, beat machines and turntables. I grew up in a home of music, so it came naturally with the territory.

I have definitely felt an impact in many ways, but that topic can be an interview in itself. I will say that it has been an interesting learning experience which has made me stronger and wiser in this present day. 

 

2. When producing music, do you always attempt it with the mindset of making a hit?

Some of my biggest records I didn't think were going to turn into the hit songs that they did. It just happened naturally with no pressure behind it. To be honest, some of them I even felt were not fully finished enough.

I feel there's no right or wrong way to make a record and I don't usually sit down with the intent that this will be a hit. I just let it flow, have fun and allow the energy of feelings to speak through my music.

 

3. What has been your recent inspiration?  

A healthy mind, body and spirit. I feel being the best version of myself keeps me remaining freshly creative as it’s important to keep balance in my life. That’s when the magic happens.

 

4. Is there any instrument or sound you love to consistently include in your music?   

There are so many sounds that it's hard to just pinpoint one, as each sound for me is more based on feeling.

I like to find sounds outside of traditional instruments whether it be recording the city's pulse or mother nature’s rhythms. These soundscapes open up my palette for my own musical approach.

 

5. What is your favorite music equipment? 

I definitely have more than a few in my arsenal from old to new, but currently I'm rocking on MASCHINE by Native Instruments and MPC Live by Akai.  

 

6. Having been around the world, are there any favorite places to produce music? 

As much as I love cities, I enjoy being away and above the clouds in my Southern California mountains as well as overseas in Hawaii, Germany or South Korea. 

There’s inspiration all around this wonderful world and I can't wait to explore it all. 

 

 7. Are there any music genres you’ve stumbled across that has caught your attention lately? 

I've always had an appreciation for all genres and have actually been cooking up some sounds that people are not expecting to hear from me. 

Many know me mainly as a hip hop producer, but what they don't know is that my musical background and roots are genre-less.  

 

8. What are you most excited about on your next release? 

My collaboration project with a creative friend Nosaj Thing. 

The sound of this EP we are working on is going towards a more experimental, intelligent electronic musical approach.  

I’m most excited about that along with many other things I’m creating behind the scenes and can't wait to share with the world. 

 

9. As someone who has such great experience, do you have any advice for those who are just starting? 

Be a forever student.  It’s not about the wand, it’s about the magician. 

10. What do you think about our Retro Classic Keyboard? 

I love that timeless look and feel of those luxurious keyboards. It has the feel and click sound like I'm using on an old school typewriter. 

Plus, it matches my style with being classic yet innovative like a match made in retro heaven, lol!

Even down to the packaging, it was like a designer Christmas box, I was very impressed, Azio Team! I look forward to getting my hands on what you have coming out next! Thanks so much for the love! 

-Scoop

 

We'd like to give a big thank you to Scoop and Dara for doing this interview, and making this collaboration easy and fun. Wishing you the best of luck to all your projects! 

To learn more about Scoop and his music, follow him on Instagram @Scoopdeville.