If you work in the Chicago music scene, a name you’ve surely heard over the past few years is David D.A. Doman. He’s put in work and paid dues in the local market, having crafted beats for the likes of Bump J, Mikkey Halsted and ZMoney; but David is now making national waves, having recently laced beats for such major label artists as Fabolous, 2 Chainz and Tyga.
David’s stock is quickly rising, and is sure to hit a fever pitch after his most recent placement — the first single from the forthcoming Young Money compilation (featuring Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj and Tyga) — hits the airwaves. So if you’re looking to get some work in with Mr. Doman, you better put in your requests now, because his number will surely be changed soon.
We recently sat down with the incredibly humble and hardworking producer to talk about his recent success, what he has in the pipeline, and he even offers up some advice and words of wisdom for up and coming producers. Hit the jump to check it out.
FSD: So for those who don’t know you, please tell the FSD readers a little about yourself
David D.A. Doman: I produce and song write. I’m from Chicago and I love music.
FSD: How did you get your start in music production, more specifically hip-hop?
David D.A. Doman: I bought my first piece of equipment, the Roland Mc 505 Groovebox, when I was 13. I’ve been into rap since I was a little kid. My parents listened to a lot of great music when I was coming up, and I was naturally drawn to rap — I’m not sure why. The first rap record I remember hearing on the radio was Salt-N-Pepa “What A Man.” I remember loving Dr. Dre’s production on The Chronic and Doggystyle. I always used to zone out to the musical backdrop of hip-hop records and the hooks too. I didn’t always pay the most attention to the verses. That changed as I got older and more into producing records.
FSD: Run through some of your recent accomplishments
David D.A. Doman: A few months back I produced Fabolous’ single featuring 2 Chainz, “When I Feel Like It.” The single I produced for Tyga and 2 Chainz, “Do My Dance,” which I also wrote the hook on just went gold. I produced Tyga’s new single “Young Kobe” — it’s MTV Jams jam of the week this week, and coming to iTunes soon. I’m producing Young Money’s first single off their forthcoming album, and the song has Tyga, Nicki [Minaj] and [Lil] Wayne on it. I’ve got a joint with Tyga and Chris Brown with a big feature on it coming out on the Fan Of A Fan 2 album. Got some more coming up on Tyga’s upcoming album. And some stuff I don’t want to speak on yet.
FSD: How have you been able to land placements with artists like Fabolous and Tyga?
David D.A. Doman: I’ve been working with Tyga a long time. With Fab it’s a more recent thing. In both cases you need to have better beats then the beats they’re getting to get placements, then you also need to make a beat that is easy to make a dope song to. When major label artists first started recording to my beats I didn’t have personal relationships with them, and I didn’t have the luxury of being in the studio with them because I didn’t have the money to fly wherever they were. I just emailed beats out and kept working, improving my sound.
FSD: You live in LA now, correct? Has that been beneficial for your career?
David D.A. Doman: Yes. But honestly if you have real hot tracks and a good business mind you don’t need to live in a major music city to pop.
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