How did you start producing?
It all started for me back when my father one day took me to the music store in town and bought me my first keyboard. It was a Casio WK-3000 keyboard. I couldn’t play but I remember spending hours on that thing trying to figure out how to play just about anything. I was hooked..next thing I know I’m in class counting down the hours until school is over just so I could get on that keyboard. I started to take making music seriously when I was about 15, 16. I had this little part time job working at my church and I would spend almost all my money on recording software, equipment, etc. I started listening to music in a different way…I started paying attention to melodies, chords, & drum patterns…and as im listening I’m also thinking to myself “I could do that”. Whats crazy is I used to make beats…and keep them just for myself to listen to and record over…I didn’t want people to know I made music..until a few people, who found out I was making music were pushing me like u should link up with so & so they rap or they sing..so I began reaching out to different local artist i knew were working on projects and just trying to get my music out there.
Where are you from?
I from White Plains, NY! aka the birthplace of New York State. I know some people are thinking where the hell is that?..or they probably heard about it on the news when Jeremy Lin moved there. Shout out to my city..I love that place..got some talented people out there.
Are there any producers you look up to?
Producers that inspired me earlier on…I would have to say were J-DILLA, DJ Premier, Black Milk, Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Dame Grease, Pharrel, Timbaland, Swizz Beats, Ryan Leslie, Just Blaze..too many to name.
Your production is very diverse, many producers have a sound that people know they did it. How come your style is so diverse?
My thing was always I didn’t want to just have one sound or style. I listen to a lot of different types of music and so much of it inspires me. I want to do it all. I don’t want people to be able to define my sound. Its like once they think they can define you..they want to put you in a box and once they put you in a box next thing you know its hard to step out of that box. Music is constantly changing different styles, sounds come and go quick. I think the key to longevity is being versatile and always trying to bring something new to the table. I want to do this forever!
Who are some of the artists you have produced?
Troy Ave, Lloyd Banks, Pop Dollarz, & V-Nasty…just to name a few…
What is next for Sunny Dukes?
Just trying to keep working, keep making music and really perfect my craft. I got a couple things in the works that I’m really excited about and can’t wait for people to hear..definitely keep your ears open you’ll be hearing more from me..follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and all that good stuff @SunnyDukes
Are you signed or have your own development company?
No, I’m a free agent.
What equipment do you use?
I use an MPC 2000XL, Yamaha MM6, Cubase, and Fl studio
A lot of producers are becoming djs and vice-versa. Do you have any plans to do that?
Yea I’ve noticed that. It’s funny I was doing the DJ thing for a little while..I wasn’t on that level where I was DJing parties every week or anything like that. I started DJing when I got to college. I was doing college radio over at St. Johns University campus radio station WSJU Radio. It was a great experience and I learned a lot. I enjoy DJing but for now I’m more focused on making music.
Who do you see on the horizon as being the next big producer?
That’s a tough one because there are some dope cats out there…but if I could choose at least 3 it would have to be Sunny Dukes, Sunny Dukes, and….Sunny Dukes
To contact Sunny Dukes For Beats:SunnyDukesBeatz@gmail.com
Some of Sunny Dukes Productions
Lloyd Banks -It’s Going Down (V5 Mixtape)
V-Nasty feat. Mistah Fab – Pray For My City (Doin Numbers Mixtape)
Troy Ave – Merlot and Beautiful Face (Bricks In My Backpack Part 2 Mixtape)
