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“The Akai MPC is the start of my career,” says multi-platinum producer Zaytoven.
After being loyal to the Akai MPC platform for more than two decades, Zaytoven continues to create music with the standalone Akai MPC Key 37 G2. It’s powerful and portable, and he can work without a computer. In this exclusive demo from Atlanta’s legendary Patchwerk recording studios, he shares some production techniques and shows how his developed his signature sound.
Buying His First MPC at Guitar Center
“I remember going to Guitar Center, and they had a layaway program back then,” says Zaytoven. You’d pick out a piece of equipment, put some money down, and keep paying on it. I wanted the Akai MPC2000XL, which was around $1,500 at the time. I remember working every day trying to just get some money to get that MPC off layaway.”
Why He Likes the MPC Format
“I think the reason I like using the MPC so much is it’s just so straightforward. Everything is right there in your face—how to change tracks and so on—and I really like the feel of the
pads. When I first got into music, I was playing drums at church. Beating on the drums is kind of where I got my rhythm. So, hitting on the MPC pads made me feel like I was a drummer at church. Nothing could really can beat that feeling.”
Bringing a San Francisco Bay Area Influence To Atlanta
“My dad was in the military, so we moved a lot. I first started making music when we were living in San Francisco. But when I came to Atlanta, the music was different than what it was in California. I think that helped me stand out, because my music didn’t sound like it came from Atlanta. It still had a Bay Area swing and feel to it. So, people in Atlanta would flock to my studio to rap on my beats—maybe because it felt like it was something different.”
Shop Now: Akai Pro MPC Key 37 G2 Standalone MPC Production Keyboard
Why the MPC Key 37 G2 Fits His Workflow
“My favorite thing about the MPC Key 37 G2 is how portable and powerful it is, and the workflow makes me feel like I don't need anything else. I can do my drums here on the pads. It’s a small 37-key keyboard, but it’s enough for me to play fluently. There are so many sounds, patches and plug-ins that I really don't have to outsource anything. Every sound I'm looking for—everything I'm looking for—is right here on this keyboard, and I can pick it up and go. I can take it on a plane. I can take it out of town. I can take it everywhere I go and make music right without having to attach anything else.”
The Studio Where It All Changed
“Patchwerk Atlanta is a legendary studio. I remember the first time coming here, seeing all the equipment and the big board. It was a sense of, ‘I'm here. I made it as a producer. I'm in the music game.’ My first big song was ‘So Icy’ in 2004. We recorded the song here in the B room, and we mixed it in the A room. I remember hearing the song coming out of these speakers, and it just made me feel like I had made a hit. I think that's why I'm so attached to Patchwork. Besides my home studio at my parents’ house, this is the only other studio I'd come to.”
Want to learn more about the MPC Key 37 G2 and the entire MPC line? Contact a Guitar Center Gear Advisor or stop by your local Guitar Center store. We have the people who can help you achieve your musical dreams.