What Makes a Great Record?

Sound Dialect is now on Substack!If you’re receiving this message, it’s because you joined the Sound Dialect newsletter earlier—and I’m excited to have you along for the ride on this new platform! Substack offers new ways for us to stay connected as a community of collaborators. You can expect updates like: • Announcements for upcoming workshops and live events • Access to exclusive playlist • Exclusive access to creative resources To kick things off, I’m re-releasing one of my favorite episodes on Quincy Jones. Don’t miss it—click the link to listen and subscribe.The Lab - Saturday, November 2ndI’m excited to announce that The Lab returns in November with a special workshop! For the first hour of The Lab—from 3 PM to 4 PM—we’ll dive into using analog tape as a creative medium and as a processing effect to add warmth and character to your mix. Through hands-on demonstrations, we’ll explore both approaches, giving you practical insights into how to begin using tape to enhance your work.Connect with Sound Dialect on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sounddialect This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

In this episode of Sound Dialect, Udie Chima sits down with New York-based rapper Louie the Profit to explore his journey of transformation and growth through music. Louie shares how his upbringing in Far Rockaway, Queens, shaped him as an artist, highlighting pivotal moments that pushed him to take music seriously—from losing his father and grandmother to finding solace and purpose in his craft.Louie dives deep into the power of manifestation, explaining how hip-hop helped him overcome personal challenges and the importance of maintaining a relentless drive. He also reflects on his early influences, the transformative impact of fatherhood, and how his fitness journey has reshaped both his life and music. If you’re seeking inspiration on balancing creativity, family, and self-discipline, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Tune in to hear Louie’s reflections on building a lasting legacy, evolving through collaborations, and his future plans—including his upcoming album When It Counts.Connect with Sound DialectSound Dialect on InstagramConnect With Louie Tha ProfitLouie Tha Profit on InstagramArtists discussed in this episode J Cole Jay-Z Busta Rhymes Joey Bada$$ Mobb Deep Statik Selektah Slaughterhouse Joell Ortiz Joe Budden 2Pac Nas Kanye West J Dilla 9th Wonder Musiq Soulchild Kanye West Kota the Friend Just Blaze ISO Indies Pro Era Crew Hollow Da Don This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

In this episode of the Sound Dialect podcast, the Udie Chima shares a personal story from their early years as a music producer, focusing on the struggle of finding acceptance for his authentic sound. He describes maintaining two folders of beats: one with conventional, safe tracks for family and friends, and another with unique, personal beats for select listeners. Over time, the host felt the tension between these two identities and the burden of expectations. Eventually, he began sharing his more authentic music with everyone, breaking free from the pressure to conform and truly expressing their artistic vision. The episode also highlights an upcoming Lab event, a space for musicians find support to courageously share their inner voices.Step out, Plug in, and let's create together⁠Sound Dialect on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

Our guest is a hip hop producer who was appointed by the US Embassy as a music ambassador to Nigeria and now serves as the project manager of the Future Music Project at Carnegie Hall. We discuss his journey of inspiring and mentoring the next generation of artists, and how his experience in Nigeria transformed his views on community and music. We also dive into the concept of "musical lineage" and the importance of understanding the cultural context of music. Join us for a compelling conversation about the power of music and its role in fostering creativity and growth. Sound DialectSound Dialect on InstagramMelbeattsMelbeatss on SpotifyMelbeatss on InstagramArtists discussed in the episode Common J Dilla Pete Rock Jay-Z Alchemist Nina Simone SWV Ja Rule Fat Joe Kanye West Jadakiss This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

In this episode of the Sound Dialect podcast, we take you behind the scenes of our first-ever music meetup. Eight local artists came together in a spontaneous pop-up studio event, collaborating to create two original songs from scratch. Join us as we capture the raw energy, creative sparks, and transformative moments that turned strangers into unexpected collaborators . Be a fly on the wall and experience the journey from conception to creation, witnessing the magic of live music-making as it happens."Live in the PNW area and interested in collaborating in the next event? RSVP on EventbriteSound Dialect Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

In this episode of the Sound Dialect Podcast, Udie Chima sits down with Valerie, who goes by DJ Mad Love, for a vulnerable and inspiring exploration of her dual pursuit of DJing and producing. The conversation covers her chance encounter with her podcast idol, Marcus Bronzi, and how a few simple words gave her with new fuel and drive. DJ Mad Love provides a realistic view of pursuing music and entertainment in LA, highlighting the intense competing nature. Valarie gives us a unique perspective about perseverance and a growth mindset look like up close."⁠SoundDialect on Instagram⁠⁠DJ Mad Love on Instagram⁠DJ Mad Love on MixcloudArtist mentioned in this show A Trak Yeah Yeah Yeahs Junkerman Maya Jane Coles Riva Starr Honey Love Muse U2 Jungle This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

We're excited to have Jermaine with us to share details about his journey from a corporate life to one centered on his combined passions of music, voice work, and homesteading.Our initial connection, based on our shared love for music, was sparked on Amp, which laid the foundation for this conversation.Merging his skills and passions in unique ways, Jermaine embraces the journey with confidence. It's all about him taking steps, big and small, towards what he loves, showing us that the creative path is always a work in progress.Music discussed in the episode include: Stevie Wonder Jamiroquai Ella Fitzgerald George BensonFollow Sound Dialect on InstagramFollow Germain on the following platforms:Germaine on Blast RadioThe Drowsy PodcastGermaine on SpotifyGermaine on Apple MusicGermaine on InstagramDandelion Haven on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

In this special new years Udie Chima explores the many unexpected connections between the rapper Nas and Woody from Toy Story.Connections explored: Competition: Nas is to Jay-Z as Woody is to Buzz Loyalty: Woody and Nas' faithfully stand by their people Desperado: The rebel codes of NAS and WoodyThe show features the following songs: "You've Got a Friend in Me" by Randy Newman from the Toy Story Soundtrack "Ether" by Nas "One Love" by Nas "Oochie Wally" by the Bravehearts ft. Nas "If I Ruled the World" by Nas and Lauryn Hill "I Can" by Nas "The Takeover" by Jay-Z "Buffalo Soldier" Bob Marley "What's Going On" Marvin GayeFollow Sound Dialect on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

In this episode of the Sound Dialect Podcast Udie Chima examines what a track needs to go from a memorable song to become a legendary record. A focus on how great records encapsulate the emotions, energy, and collaborative spirit of the moment with insights from Seal.We will also explore past Record of the Year winners to understand what makes them memorable and enduring, including: Seal's "Kiss from a Rose": Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly" Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" Bruno Mars' "24K Magic"This show features excerpts from Switched on Pop's interview with Seal This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com

Udie Chima is joined by Teal Douville, an LA based record producer/writer with credits including David Guetta, Gwen Stefani, Panic! At The Disco, Nessa Barrett, Ryan Caraveo, Sol, and Big Freedia. Teal has the life most can only dream about—making a living from music. In this episode, we'll discover what it took to get there and what being a music producer in today's industry is really like.Other hot topics include the story of when he slept on Rodney Jerkins' air mattress and Teal will answer how Ty Dolla $ign gets on all those tracks. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sounddialect.substack.com