We've Got The Jazz

Freddie Joachim X WGTJ

We’ve Got The Jazz catches up with hip hop/soul/funk/jazz producer Freddie Joachim just after the release of his Midway album.
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Freddie Joachim hails from San Diego, CA and has since made a name for himself with the true to life music enthusiasts as well as those barely getting into the hip hop scene. Joachim has been kind enough to put time aside to talk with us here at WGTJ and had some very interesting things to say…including chocolate chip cookies on a Friday night.

WGTJ: Freddie, you are quickly building a name for yourself and a constant buzz around your releases. Will you please let the people know a little about yourself and where you’re coming from/what you wish to achieve with your music?

FJ: My name is Freddie. I’m a DJ/producer/engineer from San Diego, CA. I started out as a DJ, and slowly progressed into making music. I grew up very much into hip hop ever since i was a very little, then djing in early high school opened me up to a lot of other genres, like jazz, funk, soul, rock, etc.

The only main thing i want to achieve with my music is happiness. As long as i’m happy doing what i’m doing, and i’m able to create what i want to create, i’ll be good. I’ll be creating music in the future regardless of my age or career, or whatever else is going on in my life. Music will always be one of those things that comes first.

WGTJ: Since you started out as a DJ, you have grown immensely. What was your favorite spot to spin and did you have a favorite record you would always throw on?

FJ: i enjoy spinning everywhere. i usually like chill, lounge type sets. and i especially like spinning radio shows, because i can play whatever i want.

whenever i spin, i probably throw on A Tribe Called Quest’s – Love Movement or Mos Def’s – Black On Both Sides, there’s so many good songs on those albums.

WGTJ: What made you pursue beat making/producing as opposed to being a full fledged club DJ or a battle DJ?

FJ: well, actually, in my late teens and early adulthood, i practiced to be a battle DJ. i entered a couple battles here and there (under a different alias), but they left somewhat of a bad taste in my mouth. At the same time, i was experimenting with production and recording, so i just decided to pursue music production, and hang up my battle dj career. but i still love to scratch and cut it up.

WGTJ: Jazz seems to be an underlying influence in your music, can you tell me about your background with jazz music and your early influences?

FJ: I was actually a late bloomer to the jazz genre. I really didn’t get into jazz until probably the later part of high school. At the time i was listening to Dave Brubek, Maynard Ferguson, Miles Davis, because those were the records in my father’s collection. Later i got more into Bill Evans, Barney Kessel, Milt Jackson, Wes Montgomery, Paul Horn, etc…there probably isn’t a jazz artist that i don’t enjoy.

WGTJ: The California hip-hop beat-maker scene seems to be skyrocketing in popularity once again and more and more heads are beginning to ride the wave. Where do you feel your place is in this new “movement?”

FJ: honestly, i’m not too sure. ha. as far as styles go, i try to spread my production fairly wide. i like being a fairly diverse producer. just a well seasoned across the board.

WGTJ: A lot of producers who sample older (and newer) cuts are often reluctant to give up the artist or album titles they find. How do you feel about this and would you care to share some of your favorite artists and/or album names/record labels you are more inclined to picking up?

FJ: it goes both ways. With songs that have more of a special attachment, i’ll probably leave it a mystery, but with others, i don’t mind. some samples are pretty well known, so they’re easier to spot. i’m getting into sampling less, and focusing on more original stuff. about a 1/4 of Midway was all original.

WGTJ: In a lot of your earlier work, namely your remix beat tapes, you used a lot of samples and you have since transitioned to live instrumentation. What inspired this transition, and what steps are you taking to becoming a more experienced multi-instrumentalist?

FJ: well, i guess it was just my love for music and knowledge. overtime, i feel certain aspects of my music get stale, so i want to try new things, and explore different avenues. slowly but surely, i learn something simple on one instrument, then it turns into a need to try others. i’m no expert in any of the instruments i can “play,” but it definitely helps in my day to day production.

WGTJ: You have been releasing a lot of your solo/collab instrumental work lately and, believe me, I’m not complaining, but are you planning to release anything with original verses from multiple, or solo emcees?

FJ: yeah, i’m still working with a couple singers and mc’s. still working on Lauren Santiago’s album. also working on a live instrumental album with Question. i’m just selective when it comes to working with other artists, but if the vibe is right, i’m always down.

WGTJ: Your work with Son of Ran is what inspired me to look deeper into the man behind the music. Do you guys have anything in stock for the future?

FJ: honestly, not really. ha. me and Ran are still friends, but we’re going down different roads as far as what we’re trying to achieve through music. but i’ll always be there for Ran for anything he’s trying to push.

WGTJ: The collaboration album “Getaway” with Mellow Orange is, without a doubt, one of my favorite releases from the Organology team. Can you give a little background info on how Organology came to be and the part you play in it? Also, how did you hook up with Mellow Orange, and what made you want to do this “Getaway” album?

FJ: Mellow Orange is owned by a very good friend of mine, and i help run part of it’s operations. We’re both very much involved in music, so it was only fitting we collaborate on a few projects. Getway was just one of the first promo projects, just to turn people onto Mellow Orange itself, and later we would release the Last Resort compilation, and then my album, Midway. Organology actually isn’t a label, but more a collective group of artists (music, art, dance, etc).

WGTJ: You have just released an album titled “Midway,” which is amazing by the way, can you tell us a little about your main sources of inspiration for the album?

FJ: Midway is a collection of instrumentals that i’ve been working on for the past year and half or so. I just wanted to touch on a few styles of hip hop and soul, because so many styles inspire me. I wanted the album to express the ‘midway’ point of my creative endeavors.

WGTJ: Music is a very interesting form of art and, as with all art, there is a lot of personal attachment. Are there any tracks on your new release that just stick in your head, or a moment in your life vividly? You want to share that story?

FJ: none of the tracks actually share a personal relationship, but track 21, “The 54″, is an ode to my hometown area of Southeast San Diego. The 54 Freeway runs right next to the area i grew up, Paradise Hills, a neighborhood in San Diego.

WGTJ: What do you want your listeners to walk away with after hearing your music?

FJ: i just want listeners to generally enjoy listening to my music. i don’t want people so caught up with any other info about myself, other than my music. i always wanted to be a well rounded producer. adapting, but not committing to any one particular style.

WGTJ: Is there anything else you a currently working on?

FJ: just a few misc. projects for other people. Lauren’s album. Live album with Question. and still producing and engineering music for a few companies.

WGTJ: It’s Friday night, you’re not going out, and you have a free night. What does Joachim do in this situation?

FJ: i’d probably just watch a movie, and wander the internet. listen to some music or maybe just workout/exercise a little. then a beer and a chocolate chip cookie. something simple.

WGTJ: Any parting words or shouts?

FJ: just want to thank We’ve Got The Jazz for their time. Also, just a big thanks to everyone who has been supporting my music through the years, and quick shouts to my Organology family, Mellow Orange, Unknown Document, and everyone else involved with Midway. i really appreciate everyone’s time and work.

WGTJ: Thank you, Freddie.

FJ: peace man.

OTHER: Midway Giveaway Contest | @freddiejoachim