If
I can’t save your single, no one can”, jokes Speakerbox.
Although tongue in cheek, it’s a strong observation. Indeed
the days of guaranteed success from today’s top producers
are long gone. However, as a new era of artists come full circle
so does a new crop of producers. Speakerbox learning from the
likes of Quincy Jones, Timbaland and Teddy Riley is making his
mark having sent demos to Danity Kane, Missy, Keyshia Cole, Gnarls
Barkley, and Young Joc .
Born on Chicago’s Southside, Derrick Johnson’s love
affair with music began a child. His father, Alvin Love Sr. was
a Chicago Disc Jockey while his grandmother, Gloria McNulty took
on administrative duties at Chicago’s #1 urban station,
WGCI.
“I still have crates in my basement of records my grandmother
got me from the station,” says Johnson.
A self-taught musician, Johnson would continue to rendezvous
with music throughout elementary and middle school, before making
his way to Kentucky to do production with his older brother.
“We were getting calls for production but people weren't
paying the money we wanted or the artist never had aspirations
beyond "recording music for the basement.”
Never content with just one market, Johnson’s next move
turned out to be a better move. Finally making his way to Milwaukee,
WI… he earned the pseudonym, Speakerbox from renowned
producer, Godxilla.
Unbeknowst to them, Godxilla couldn’t have chosen a better
name. At his essence… he awaits the time where he will
be broadcast to the masses.
“Good music is making a comeback. People are ready to
listen to real, good music,” adds Speakerbox.
Speakerbox’s sound is as eclectic as Chicago’s music
scene, ranging to pop to R&B and hip-hop. Well versed in
both sampling and creating original production, Speakerbox walks
the line between constantly evolving while still remaining true
to his mantra… creating good music.
His drive to achieve more helped him garner membership in some
of the music industry’s most elite organizations including
ASCAP, ISMSounds, WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry), NARAS
(National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences), BumsquadDJz
and bring the first producer affiliated with Core DJs.
But, calling Speakerbox is mere producer is almost insulting.
He’s more than that. He’s a fascinated admirer and
avid student of music, always pushing his boundaries to create
a sonically complete sound. |
