Lately, it seems as if everyone on my Twitter timeline and Facebook newsfeed aspires to be a singer, rapper, or music producer. Actually finding someone that is genuinely talented and serious about their future in music is another story.
Zach Siegel from Alexandria, VA is very much a determined producer. While only 18 and heading off to his freshman year at Elon to study music production and recording arts in the fall, Zach has produced several songs out of his basement that have thousands of likes and reposts on music sharing site Soundcloud by working with different local artists in Virginia, DC, and Maryland.
One of the artist he works with who is also from Alexandria, VA is George Hughes -- better known as Young Hef. The two have worked hard to produce and release five songs in the past six months and have a mixtape being released in August (so stay tuned!)
I had the pleasure of interviewing these funny guys and here is what they had to say.
How did you know you wanted to be in the music business?
Zach: I have really enjoyed music all of my life. I started playing drums in 4th grade and I got a bass for my bar mitzvah so I learned how to play bass as well. I've been making beats for about a year now, and as soon as I met George, we became tight and we've been working everyday this summer.
George: A lot of hard times have happened in my life and I always turned to music. It has always and always will be there for me. I was introduced to so many different genres when I was younger and soon wanted to test out these for myself.
What's the process of recording a song? How long does it typically take for the whole process?
Zach: George comes over in the morning/noon ish. The first thing I do is make a beat which takes about an hour. George writes lyrics while I make a beat for the most part. Then we begin recording, but the whole process takes about three hours.
George: If I ever try to write -- I always get writers block. I can’t ever schedule a time to write. I don’t even really think about the lyrics, they just flow out. I write most of my stuff in Zach's basement. I find it better to write on the spot because if I am already listening to the beat, it’s a lot easier for me to be in that moment and let it flow.
Is there anyone in particular you would like to work with in the future?
Zach: My favorite rapper right now is Logic -- making a beat for him is a dream of mine. I also would love to work with Vic Mensa.
George: I would want to work with Wintertime, Lil Yachty, Jack Johnson, and/or Jason Mraz.
Who are your inspirations?
Zach: The first music genre I listened to is reggae. I've been to countless reggae shows and have always loved the positive vibe it gives off. Also, Felly is a really big inspiration of mine.
What kind of vibe do you want to give to your fans/future fans?
Zach: F*ck it -- have fun.
George: I want there to be happy vibes, no matter what you’re going through it is going to be OK. It is all about the positive energy.
What is your overall goal for your music career?
George: Give people good music make a career out of it. I want to make people happy as fuck, I also want to travel around the world and spread our music and positive energy.
What do you do when you’re not producing?
Zach: We get lit, eat good food, and surround ourselves with good people and have fun.
Who would you like to give a shout out to?
Zach: S/O to my best friend Philly Blunts, my mans Chase Larsen doing big things on the west coast, JD, Ryan, Manny and the rest of the boys, and of course my family for supporting me and letting me pursue my dreams.
George: S/O my boys Nick and Michael, Dean, Ben and Henry, my loving mom and sister, S/O to Phil Reilly, and S/O to Will Lofsky.
The boys have an incredible mixtape coming out (I got a special sneak peak) so make sure to follow the two on twitter to keep up with their latest releases!
Zach - @Tha_Seagull
George - @asap_george
Follow them on Soundcloud as well!
