Macro Polo Interview
Marco Polo defines himself as a regular guy trying to make good music. He is a perfectionist and stubborn about how his music should sound, ask Pumpkinhead. He tries to be respectful and pay homage to those that paved the way and you see that in the collaborations he chose on my new album.
Tell us about yourself. Where did you grow up and what are you presently involved in?
I grew up close to Toronto. When I finished high school I went to a crappy audio/engineering school hoping to learn production which of course I didn’t. When I graduated I was hoping to get help finding a job from the school which of course I didn’t, so I was like fuck it. Let me move to NY and make something happen. That was 5 years ago. Now I live in Brooklyn where I’m working on my new producer album.
What inspires you away from the music?
A lot of basic life stuff inspires me such as going out with my friends, watching a good flick, traveling. I went to Japan and Korea this past summer, that was very inspiring. Digging for records in Korea was nuts! I need to go back because I didn’t have enough time to hit all the spots.
What are some things that got you into music?
My Pop’s listens to all types of music. He would play Donnie Hathaway, Frank Sinatra, Donald Fagen, Pat Metheny, Miles Davis, Cream. So hearing different stuff growing up helped shape where I’m at today musically. So my pop’s definitely played a big part of getting me into music. Then there is the obvious respect for producers like DJ Premier, Prince Paul, Pete Rock, J. Dilla (RIP) who I used to listen too before I made beats and that definitely made me want to learn how to make tracks.
Do you have an earliest musical memory? A first time you heard something and realized, “That’s music, that’s what sound can do.”
Hearing Tribe’s first album. My pops used to play Bonita Applebaum non-stop then I listened to the whole album and thought it was the shit!
How would you define your style?
My style to be honest is all over the place. I’m getting closer to having a certain sound but I’m always striving to make some next shit and stay fresh.
How much does a Marco Polo beat go for?
I have a general price range but there is still no exact answer to that question. If you’re interested in buying a beat hit me up and we can work something out.
How would you describe the Marco Polo’s sound to those unfamiliar with your music?
Right now I’m sounding very angry, dark & boom bap-ish. Punch you in the chest music.
For those people out there that have never heard of Marco Polo, what songs would you personally recommend?
Pumpkinhead feat. Rocky Marciano “Swordfish” Remix”, Masta Ace feat. Big Noyd “Do It Man” and my new album that will be out this year hopefully.
Why do you feel that you need to move from Canada to get to where you are at?
Canada is small. You can only do so much there before you hit a brick wall. I figured let me start from the bottom in NY, the birthplace of this shit. It was riskier and the competition is crazy but it was the smartest move for my career and getting my name out there. If you can hold it down in NY and stick out amongst the flood of producer’s you’re doing alright.
Out of all the tracks you’ve released, can you pinpoint one or two as particular favorites?
Pumpkinead feat. Arch Rival “Swordfish” and the “Swordfish” remix with Rocky Marciano. Skoob of Das Efx “How I get Down” off my canned goods instrumental cd also.
What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Working with Kool G. Rap and Masta Ace on my new album. Also being asked to participate in the Beat Society shows.
Do you like to listen to your own music?
sometimes. I’ll throw my own beats into my ipod but that’s about it. I like my music right when I make it then my A.D.D. kick’s in and it’s time to make the next track.
You are supposed to be releasing a producer album later this year, how did that come about?
My compensation for producing “Do It Man” for Masta Ace was a him recording a song for me. That became the first song towards my solo album and set off the whole idea of me doing a full project. Since then I’ve recorded joints with Kool G. Rap, ED O.G., Buckshot, Copywrite, Rocky Marciano, Kardinal Offishall, Wordsworth, Supastition & Critically Acclaimed which should all make the project.
What are your expectations for the album?
To be honest I have no expectations. I’m making this album for MYSELF and for the heads from my generation who like real Hip Hop and not all this crap the radio plays or even what the underground has turned into. I’m getting MC’s on my tracks that I want to hear. I don’t care who is hot on the damn internet message boards. A lot of that shit is over-hyped crap. I still fuck with cats like Skoob from Das Efx and and too me that shit is a blessing and a honor. These new cats need to read up on Hip Hop history and realize where everything came from. I’m stubborn when it comes to who I work with and I try and respect the culture and the music. So at the end of the day I hope for the best but expect nothing from people in terms of how much it sells. Indie Hip Hop is hurting right now. Distribution companies are folding and sales are really low except for a handful of artist’s. Vinyl is on the verge of becoming extinct for real! Artist’s with talent have the power to change this. We need to step it up big time right now especially after losing a a legend and innovator like Jay Dee (RIP). I’m striving to make a classic album and while everyone is quick to big up there own project’s I surround myself with real cats that don’t stroke my ego but keep it real with me 24/7. Shout’s to my homie Shylow who has been invaluable in the making of my new album.
You have collaborated with a lot of artists, who would you say was your favorite artist to work with?
I had fun working with every artist but my favorite sessions were with Kool G. Rap, Skoob and Masta Ace because they are legends.
Is there anyone you consider a musical peer, not necessarily in terms of sound, but overall aesthetic?
DJ Premier. He is one of the last real voices of Hip Hop. I respect him and his entire musical catalog. He’s worked with everyone in the game and still kept his sound. Premier still finds ways to connect with indie artist’s on a lower budgets just on the strength of his love for Hip Hop and making dope music.
What do you think makes your beats stand out from that of any other producer?
My drum’s and sample choices. I feel my beats push mc’s to work a little harder. I keep my stuff up-tempo for the most part. Head nod shit.
Do you think that music as a whole is suffering due to the follow the leader type of style?
Definitely. I personally don’t get caught up in that. I get my influences from timeless music rather then what’s hot right now. I stay in my own zone. Mainstream radio and television does not rep real Hip Hop at all. There is a reason Ghostface called out cats for supporting songs like “Laffy Taffy”, that shit is trash.
Besides yourself what other artist do you believe we should look out for in 2007?
I’d be checking for Red Clay, Shylow, Wordsworth, Boot Camp and my man Jo Jo Pellegrino is about to kill it, y’all have no idea!
What projects should we be looking out for in 2007 from Marco Polo?
My producer album tentatively titled “Port Authority” featuring Kool G. Rap, Masta Ace, Ed O. G., Rocky Marciano & Jo Jo Pellegrino too name a few. Look for joints I did for Boot Camp. I got a joint on the new Special Teamz album which is Ed O.G.’s crew and also some shit I did for Jo Jo Pellegrino.
Any last words, shout outs or plugs?
Shouts to Rebel Mag. and anyone down to support real Hip Hop and not the bullshit, and bullshit can mean stuff in the underground too!!!
On the web:
Nostalgia Video featuring Masta Ace
myspace.com/marcopolobeats
marcopolobeats.com
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