Picture Perfect with P.R
Australian music producer Pedroum Rouz, or better known as P.R has work with artists such as Bone Thugs N Harmony, Ali Vegas, Evidence (Dilated Peoples) and Israel. Setting his mark in the Hip-Hop culture P.R discusses what it’s like to make beats in Australia, his upcoming EP ‘Picture Perfect’ and his thoughts on Aussie Hip-Hop. Margaret Tra writes.
What are your thoughts on Hip-Hop in Australia? Do you struggle to make beats in this industry?
I think hip-hop is only just really starting to catch on in Australia now. Hip-hop in the states goes through quick transitions, whereas here we are still behind in some ways.
I wouldn't say I struggle to make beats but I definitely do find it a bit harder to find more buyers, work and people here on my level that share the same love and have the same drive, and are quite simply doing what I’m doing with music. Luckily, we have the internet which helps me bring in more business, find more contacts and draw more inspiration.
Australian Hip-Hop or Hip-Hop?
Hip-Hop is Hip-Hop to me.
DJ Premier, Dilla and 9th Wonder are you influences, who else is there?
Japanese producer "Nujabes" (R.I.P) is also a very big influence of mine, Just Blaze, Timbaland, Kanye West, Alchemist, Statik Selektah, Nottz, Ski Beatz, and many others.
So many musicians have influences me over the years. It's the when and how that matters.
Who would be your ideal artist to collaborate with?
I've always wanted to work with Mos Def, apart from him, there are a couple others, but really, I don't have main ideal artists in mind. Whoever is talented, real and connects with me musically then I'd love to collaborate with them.
You recently did an EP with Ali Vegas, what was that like? How is it going?
Yeah, I did the new EP with Ali Vegas called ‘Bridging the Gap’ with my music production partner ‘The Iron Ghost’. We make up a music production duo called "Sound Kamp".
We were very overwhelmed by the response and support it got. Downloads are still climbing every day. It came out the way we wanted it too, we are very happy with the overall result of the EP.
You have worked with an impressive line-up of artists, how did you start? And who is was your favourite?
I basically started producing in mid-2006. My first real major track I produced would have to be Israel’s track "My Lady" which was in 2007, and on his mixtape "Burn Vol. 1". It featured Stan Bravo and Mirrah. Working with Israel, helped not only get my name out there, but also helped boost my knowledge in both music production and music business. It also lead me to land two beats on his successful 2009 album ‘The Legacy’. So he is definitely one of the more favourite artists I've worked with.
Apart from him, I would have to say Ali Vegas was another favourite and hearing Evidence (of Dilated Peoples) jump on one of my beats was amazing, same with Bizzy Bone and a couple others. I enjoyed working with most people I got involved with.
You've been described as 4D can you elaborate?
I guess when we say 4D; it relates to my diversity. I am always approaching music from a new angle, with a new sound and style. I always try and keep my music endlessly flowing in all aspects.
I've had some people say to me; "You should try and find one sound and stick to it, and start a new phase with it", but that’s very difficult for me, especially when I enjoy making so many different sounds.
When music is gaining a new sound all the time, so I guess being known for being diverse is really what I want. But, we will see what I come up with next.
Hip-Hop and Jazz why did you decide to mix it? And should other beat makers mix genres?
Hip-Hop and Jazz is the most amazing fusion I've heard. I got my inspiration for it from Nujabes's music.
There is just so much diversity, emotion and vibes in it. It’s unexplainable, but i definitely do recommend producers get into it.
Any future projects?
I'm working on a second EP called "Picture Perfect" under my production duo ‘Sound Kamp.’ It will be a local 6 to 8 tracks. It will feature all Australian artists, production by me and ‘The Iron Ghost.’ We are currently working on the beats for it right now. Apart from that, I have a lot of artists I’m also producing for, so prepare to hear a lot of me this year.