credit: UNDEFEATED
Earlier this year, the iconic audio software company Serato teamed up with UNDEFEATED, legendary sneaker store & lifestyle brand, and TEC Leimert, the Black-owned & operated nonprofit based in South Central LA creating a blueprint for urban communities to build creative and sustainable lives in today’s digital economy. Together, they launched the Audio Affect Series – a music incubation program geared towards Black musicians and artists in Los Angeles.
As an extension of the program and in honor of Black History Month, Serato, UNDEFEATED and TEC Leimert amplified 12 Black & Brown LA-based rising artists through exclusive content drops, mentorships and a curated playlist & limited edition vinyl of their beats called Audio Affect Series “Beat Tape” – mastered by renowned audio engineer Dave Cooley (Tame Impala, Freddie Gibbs, J Dilla, Paramore, Ziggy Marley). Included in the compilation is rapper, designer, and visual artist Mylo Mu.
Mundane caught up with Mylo about the new release, his musical influences, what he has in the pipeline, and more.
What can you tell us about the forthcoming ‘Beat Tape’ release? What was it like working with the teams at Serato, UNDEFEATED, and Tec Leimert?
The Beat Tape is going to be fire! It’s a compilation featuring 12 producers who have been part of the Audio Effect series, all mastered by David Cooley (known for his work with Tame Impala, Paramore, J Dilla, and more). The tape includes a limited-edition vinyl and a special edition zine. Working with Serato and Tec Leimert has been an amazing experience.
Observing the intersection of culture, technology, fashion, and education in this project is precisely the type of initiative I’m eager to see more of in the future. These collaborators are dedicated to innovating their products/programs while emphasizing community building. Producing the instrumental for the workshop series and contributing to the album allowed me to witness the different contexts in which my music can exist.
What made you want to be a part of the Audio Affect Series? How do you think it’s going to impact your career?
As a producer/artist, my most cherished skill is my ability to be a great student. Each workshop featured distinguished guests such as Georgia Anne Muldrow, Iman Omari, Dibiase, Lyric Jones, and DJ Dahi. Being able to witness their production processes and learn from their experiences in the music business is incredibly valuable for me.
I aspire to grow and contribute timeless music, delve deeper into artistic direction, and explore business/education ventures. This project is an opportunity for people to discover new music emerging from LA, not just from me but from everyone featured. It’s also a way for me to send out a signal for people like myself.
What kind of music did you grow up listening to that influenced your style?
I have a sentimental connection to all the music I listened to growing up. My mom played a mix of Donny Hathaway, Blackstreet, Slick Rick, Ice Cube, and Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers, spanning R&B, Hip-Hop, and Gospel. The first Beat tape I bought was Madlib – The Beat Konducta Vol. 1-2: Movie Scenes. The texture of that album is everything. CDs for Christmas and birthdays were all I really wanted. My favorite albums growing up that shaped my style include “Fly or Die” by N*E*R*D, Kanye’s “Late Registration,” Kelis’ “Kaleidoscope,” Slum Village’s “Fantastic (Vol.1),” Bill Evans’ “Midnight Hour,” and Ol Dirty Bastard’s “Enter the 36 Chambers.”
What are your thoughts on the music industry and the rap and hip-hop scene at the moment?
My focus is on building my ecosystem, following Nipsey Hussle’s mantra, “From production to consumption.” Building a strong team and figuring out how I can contribute to the culture of hip-hop and ensure its innovation for another 50 years is my goal. Traditional models are failing, and it’s time for us creatives to build. It’s happening within my beat community with platforms like Beat Cinema, Burgers and Beats, A Love Supreme, Organic Beat Session, and Flip a Beat Club. We are learning how to nourish our own communities, and the “industry” will have to catch up to what we are discovering on the streets and online. It’s necessary for the music to get better, as we all sharpen each other.
Hip-hop will continue to evolve at a speed so fast that most people are usually late to the party.
What can we expect from you this year? Any projects, goals, etc.?
Expect great music! K. Solar and I are wrapping up our follow-up LP to Star Fire and Waters of Life; I’m also executive producing that. Additionally, I’ll be releasing rap singles throughout the year while building more networks and avenues to share knowledge. Overall, expect growth in all aspects. The goal is mastery: Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation!
