Illuminati 2G

D~Marc back with another interview and this time we chopped it up with producer/rapper Sterlen Roberts. Many of you may be familiar with his work on Danielle Davis' Crash Course mixtape, as he did ALL of the original beats on there. In the interview we discuss his new single and album dropping soon, his musical influences and so much more so sit back and enjoy.

Who are your musical influences?

My main musical influence is my father, Steven Robert (Grammy Nominated Gospel writer/producer), he is my inspiration. I also listed some others below that have really influenced me.

Stevie Wonder - he can’t physically see, but sees things better than most people

Kurt Carr – my father introduced me to him, but I didn’t know who he was at the time. I started to listen to his music after we met and his music gave me the introduction and inspiration of creating live music (live instruments). The way he structured his music, help to elevate my production skills. When I tried to venture into new territory, it helped me think more outside the box and be more creative.

Prince - His chord structures and creativity is amazing, plus he puts on a great live show, which I think is missing in today’s music game.

Devante – his nickname the "mad scientist" says it all; he is a trendsetter and his creative mind continues to amaze me. I worked under him for 2 years. He was like a big brother to me and mentor at the same time. When I came to work with him, he made sure to let me know I did not need any additional equipment, but to work with what I have (it’s not about what you got, but the talent you have). It was really something that stuck with me. He was so creative; I could always play all my ideas to him, because he always seemed to see the vision regardless. I feel you are only as creative and good as the people that are around you, he gave me the space to feel that way, which really helped grow my production skills. That is such an important thing to have in this music game, the right people around you.

Jay-Z – I bought "Reasonable Doubt" the day it came out, the rest is history.

What's the music scene like out in the Bay Area?

The independent hustle – it’s the real deal; everyone is real original and always starting new trends. I feel the bay breads original talent and bring new light to the music scene

Your work on Crash Course was dope. How did you hook up with Danielle Davis for that project?

I had an emergency situation, where I needed a hook to be sung for one of my songs and my main singers were not available. A friend of mine said he knew this up and coming singer, so I said to bring her to the studio and the rest is history. She has amazing talent; she is a great writer with different ranges of vocals and a unique tone to her voice with a beautiful image to go with all of that. She will definitely be someone I will be sitting next to at the top someday – she got mad talent. I am going to be working on some new material for her to show the world what good.

Damn, definitely looking forward to that. Shouts out to Dani-D if ya checking out this interview. Do you find the process for making a hip hop record and an R&B record the same or do you approach it different?

I approach it the same creatively, I don’t have a vision for what I am gonna come out with. I usually come out with the opposite of what I am trying to reach, but most important my vibe needs to be right – it is all about the vibe – I have rituals I do everytime I produce; I usually put on some Gospel or Frank Sinatra and close my eyes for a while and get in the right state of mind, I also always have the piano with me, but none of my other equipment turned on. I clear my mind so there are not limit on what I will create. I also keep a movie with no sound playing during the creating process, which sounds weird, but it really helps me and most importantly I like to be by myself or with my production partner when creating – to many people in the room can kill my vibe and I never like to hold myself back or stop the creative process.

Tell me a little bit about your new single, She Works, dropping February 26th?

It was produced by Allstar (Omarion, Jadakiss, Mystikal, Joe, etc.) and features Luke from the group Luke and Q on the hook. I think it will be a great song to warm the public up for what is about to come from my musical abilities. I think it will be a good club/radio record to help the public embrace my name and music. It can be both a dance vibe or ride to type of song – I think it has a universal appeal for everyone.

So when is the album dropping? Any big names planned for it?

There is no set release date yet, but I will keep you updated as thing move forward. As for big names, production wise, we have Allstar as mentioned above and Mr. DJ (Outkast, Goodie Mob, etc.). All other production on the record was done by me, myself and I. As for features, the only real big name is Pooh Bear, who is mad talented with the writing and vocals.

Who are some artists you would like to work with that you have not yet?

Beyonce would be at the top of my list, I had a meeting in with her and she was real down to earth – I would love to get the chance to produce a record for her. I think her ideas with my music would be an amazing. She can bring her boyfriend too; I got some hot tracks for dude as well. They are both such great writers, it would be an honor to work with them and have them bless my tracks – it would be timeless music for real.

Any shows or tour dates scheduled?

We are in the process of locking that down now – keep checking my myspace for update (www.myspace.com/sterlenroberts)

Any shoutouts or last words?

MTL Records, the entire team. They are working very hard on letting the world see my talents. I also want to thank my family, they have been so supportive with my dreams.

One luv to all my friends, fans and supporter – I appreciate it more than you know.

Check out my myspace page- www.myspace.com/sterlenroberts and drop me a message

Check me out below – The rapper/producer/songwriter/musician busting on the mic while playing the piano – peace