Interview: Alex Goose “Music Designer”

One of the most buzzed about new producers, Alex Goose talks to us about his upcoming productions and lifestyle. The 24 year old producer made his first strong knock on the doors of mainstream music by producing tracks for Jay-Z‘s 11th album, Blue Print 3. He’s also worked with Danny! of the label Definitive Jux and new artists such as Brittany Bosco the soulful songstress who’s making her name on the Atlanta, GA music scene, and recently Jake Troth, the well-dressed musical wonder. The music that Alex has put together for Jay-Z’s latest album caused a great buzz all over the music industry. With refreshing samples in his music and promising production for new artists to add their talents to, this production powerhouse paints a picture on each track. Currently, Goose is working on Jake Troth’s album, set to release later this year, US Royalty, a band from Washington, D.C. that can be compared to the likes of Cold Play, and Pete Lawrie, an artist signed to Island Def Jam in the UK. If you are wondering where the next sound in music is going to come from, look no further than Alex Goose.

JGM: To start, how old are you and where are you from?

Alex Goose: I am 24 years old and I’m from all over the place. I’m currently living in Los Angeles, CA. Before that, I was living in Atlanta, GA for a few years.

JGM: Were you into music when you were young? When did you start making music?

Alex Goose: Yes, I got into music much younger than most of the people I know. It all started, because my mom would play records by The Beatles and 5th Dimension all the time. I became interested in making music when I was like 7 or 8. I was into rock, because of my parents but also began discovering hip-hop music on my own. I started making simple tape loop beats when I was like 12. After that, I stopped making music ’til I was 17 or 18. That’s when I began to do it more seriously.

JGM: What was the first instrument you started with? What are the different kinds of music that inspired you to become a producer?

Alex Goose: I started with the guitar, which is actually the thing I’m worst at, ha ha. I used to take lessons, then stopped because I became too impatient. Then I began playing piano because of music class in school. Around that time, I discovered DJing and bought turntables and started learning how to sample.

JGM: You’re also a graphic designer, how long have you been designing? Have you presented at any art shows?

Alex Goose: I’ve been designing and drawing for a long time. I ended up going to school for it. I presented at a few shows when I was in college but thats about it.

JGM: Who was the first artist to jump onto your beats?

Alex Goose: I’m trying to think back. It was probably one of my friends from back home in DC.

JGM: How did you and Jake Troth meet? Is he a new artist that you’re working with? Are you going to produce all of his music?

Alex Goose: Jake and I met through a mutual friend at SCAD. Jake is a “new” artist, but he’s been making his own music for a few years. After I heard some of his demos, I wanted to work with him. Right now I’m producing his album and we’re almost done with it.

JGM: What other artists have you worked with?

Alex Goose: A handful of MCs, but most recently its been Danny!, Jake Troth, U.S. Royalty and Pete Lawrie.

JGM: What were some of your influences coming up? How have they changed as you’ve grown?

Alex Goose: I have a lot. The Dust Brothers, Beck, Dr. Dre, and The Beatles. In the last 5 years I discovered Serge Gainsbourg and Ennio Morricone.

JGM: How long does it take for you to make music? Do you use live instruments in your production?

Alex Goose: It depends. Theres really no formula and time limit. I get impatient quickly so if I feel like it’s not going anywhere, I’ll stop and start something new. Sometimes I’ll start with samples or I’ll start with something original.

JGM: Do you rap or write songs?

Alex Goose: No, you’ll definitely never see me rapping unless I’m drunk at a party and Gin & Juice is playing, haha. I’m trying to get better at writing music and songs, but I wouldnt call myself a writer.

JGM: Is there anyone in the game that you would like to work with? What are your feelings on current (popular) music?

Alex Goose: I’d like to work with anybody that could challenge me. Current pop music is all over the place. You’ve got Kesha, then you have MGMT. I really enjoy a lot of pop music. The Beatles are pop. To me, its not about liking or disliking a genre. Theres good rap music and bad rap music too.

JGM: How did you start to get your name up? Is there any particular track that earned you a lot of your popularity?

Alex Goose: I think most people found out who I was when I released The Blueprint 3 Outtakes. A few people in Atlanta knew who I was, because I produced for some local people, but thats about it.

JGM: How did you get the hook-up with Jay-Z? What’s the story behind The Blueprint 3 Outtakes?

Alex Goose: An A&R that heard my music gave me an opportunity to send my music to Jay. It didnt work out obviously, but in the end I was happy with the result.

JGM: Are you a freelance producer or are you with a company?

Alex Goose: I work for myself!

JGM: Describe your style. What are your favorite brands to wear?

Alex Goose: Haha….I’m pretty normal I guess. My favorite brands are Marc Jacobs, Sid Mashburn, and Alexander Wang.

JGM: What is your favorite pair of kicks?

Alex Goose: Sid Mashburn, Double Buckle Monk, and Jordan 4s.

JGM: When did you start getting into producing?

Alex Goose: When I was like 12. I made tape loops then around 17, I bought a sampler and started learning how to arrange beats.

JGM: How does a producer go about being heard If he/she’s not signed to a major label or have a famous rapper on his/her song?

Alex Goose: I honestly have no idea haha. I guess you just need to do things yourself in a smart or strategic way.

JGM: Do you think it’s harder for a producer to come up in the industry now with such a wide range of people wanting to make it big in the production game?

Alex Goose: Yeah it’s really over-saturated. Everybody is a producer or rapper/singer. But if your music is good, it will stand out. Just stick to your vision and do what you like.

Check out some of his production: