2018 has been a busy year for Calvin Valentine. He released three albums since early March. He latest album is ‘Keep Summer Safe’.
With an album out now on Mello Music Group Records, SpitFireHipHop caught up with the multi-talented artist to learn more about him. He speaks about his creative process, what life experiences have help him to this point and more.
Where are you from? How did your upbringing shape your creative sense? What was your introduction to music/Hip Hop?
I grew up in Eugene, Oregon two hours south of Portland. It’s a small hippie town, but also the birthplace of Nike and home to the University of Oregon. So growing up we would get some big-name hip-hop and underground acts coming through. I wouldn’t be who I am as an artist without being from Eugene. I started listening to hip-hop at 3 years old with my older brother Celly and our neighbor Lafa Taylor. By 6 my parents bought me a drumset and by 10 I was performing with my group Alliance Crew at the WoW Hall. In middle school, we put out our first project called Brick by Brick. I released albums and performed all throughout high school as well.
What is the focus of your music? That includes the production and lyrics.
I make music first and foremost because I love to create, it’s what I was put on this earth to do. I focus on creating a great vibe for each song through the production and the lyrics. I want my music to make you feel good and confident about being your self.
Do you have anyone that you consider your mentor? How has their help or advice shaped you?
I really haven’t ever had a mentor I’ve more or less taught my self a lot of the game. I got some great people who I can get advice from when I need it and a strong foundation of artists, friends and family to bounce ideas off of.
How does your creative process differ when you are creating beats for versus writing lyrics?
My creative process stays the same throughout the music making process. I just go with what feels right at the moment. I try not to overthink when I’m getting ideas out. After all the ideas are laid down I go back and pick and choose the best pieces. A lot of my songs I don’t write, I just put the beat on a freestyle a bunch of different takes until I find the right pocket/flow/ melody. After that, I fill in the lyrics and clean everything up.
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What is one experience in your life that without it, you wouldn’t be the artist you are today?
When I was in 8th grade I was still really into playing basketball and had hoop dreams of making it to the NBA. That summer before high school I had a talk with my dad about what I wanted to do with my life. We talked for hours and came to the conclusion that what I really wanted was to continue my music and see that through. So instead of trying out for the team, I put all my focus and energy into music. If I hadn’t done that I wouldn’t be where I am today. shout out to my dad, mom, and brother for always supporting me 100%.
You’ve racked up some impressive producer credits. Can you tell us who you have worked with?
Thank you, I’ve worked with too many artists to name but some of the highlights are, De La Soul, Nas, Illa J, Bun B, Juicy J, Devin The Dude, Strong Arm Steady, Planet Aisa, Ryan Beatty, Cub Sport, The Last Artful, Dodgr, Fat Tony, Speak, Sapient, Illmac.. the list goes on. I’ve got a playlist on Spotify with over 100 songs I’ve produced, check that out!
How did you manage to work with such artists?
I worked with a lot of those artists by being prepared for the moment and reaching out at the right time. The biggest part is just networking and having great beats ready when it’s time to get to work.
How did your situation with Mello Music Group materialize?
We linked up last summer via the social medias and tossed around some ideas of what we could make happen. I’ve been a big fan of the label since it started so I am extremely happy to now be a part of its legacy. Shout out to Mike and the team for taking a chance on me, it’s been great having people who truly care about the music and artists and not just about followers and clout.
You recently released a new album titled “Keep Summer Safeâ€. What can you tell us about the album? Who did you work with on the album? Did you produce all the music
Keep Summer Safe is a special project to me. I feel it’s my best work as a solo artist yet. I produced, recorded, mixed, wrote and arranged the album. My girlfriend Danielle Henderson helped sing back up vocals and is featured on a song. My older brother Celly did all the scratches on the album. I also have featured vocals from my budz Illa J and Ryan Beatty. It’s really a family affair. I produced Ryan’s album “Boy in Jeans” which is out now and Illa J’s new album “John Yancey” which is dropping later this month. I felt it was only right to have them on my album. It’s a project about life, love lost and gained, ralph lauren, vhs tapes, bong rips and enjoying your time on this earth. It’s very me.
Who do you have in your playlist?
Roc Marciano, Cub Sport, Curren$y, Burna Boy, No Doubt, Jaheim, Edan, Travis Thompson. So So Def Bass All – Stars, Big Red Machine, John Mayer. (this is me scrolling through my recently added music on apple).
Most artists have a list of people that they would like to work. What does your wish list look like?
Looks a lot like my “playlist”. I really want to produce a whole album for Curren$y and/or a Curren$y x Roc Marciano project. Also, want to produce an album for John Mayer and an album for Young Thug. As far as newer artists I would love to work with, Buddy, Travis Thompson, Kehlani, Rexx Life Raj, Gunna, Amine, Maggie Rogers,
What is one thing about the business that you didn’t know before becoming immersed in it?
When I was young I thought all you had to do was make great music and you would make a living off of it. But you learn very quickly that this is a business and you gotta be smart about every move you make. The music is just the icing on the cake for the “industry” everything else matters more which is sad.
What can we look forward to from you in 2019?
I’ve been producing for a lot of great artists, so be expecting some new and exciting collabs. New solo lp, and some other goodies for sure coming from me and Mello. Follow my socials and keep up to date on what’s going on!!
Keep Summer Safe is available now on Mello Music Group. Get the album here.