Grammy and Juno Award-winning producer/engineer David Strickland releases debut solo instrumental album, Foundation
Grammy and Juno Award-winning producer/engineer David Strickland has released his debut solo album Foundation via MNRK Music. The 20-track instrumental project seamlessly blends his hip-hop-fuelled musical inspirations over the years. Boasting production credits with a who’s who of rap superstars including Drake, EPMD, The Clipse, Def Squad, Method Man, Kardinal Offishall, Saukrates, Maestro Fresh Wes, and many more,
Foundation arrives as a follow up to his last critically-acclaimed 2022 release Spirit of Hip Hop: Elements album, and its prior accompanying series, that celebrated, showcased and highlighted a wide range of North American rap icons alongside emerging Indigenous rappers.
“This album represents the first time I did something musically that was just strictly by myself. No MCs or singers. Just me alone. Producer and engineer,” explains the Scarborough-born producer/engineer who has quietly worked behind the scenes for decades, producing, mixing and/or engineering records from the likes of Canadian urban music legends including Glenn Lewis, Ghetto Concept, Jelleestone, Choclair and k-os. “I was in NYC going through beats in the studio and I was looking at the last two albums I released and the instrumental versions, and it made me think about how guys like DJ Muggs and The Alchemist have been doing instrumental albums for years. I spoke to my A&R and VP about the idea, and then locked myself in the studio and banged out and revamped a couple beats and it just all came together.”
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Peace. My name is David Strickland. Producer/Engineer. I’ve been making music in Toronto and New York, at times Atlanta and Miami for almost three decades. It all started when my friend Rumble from Rumble & Strong showed me how to use an SP-1200 back in 1989. I haven’t stopped since!
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My recent release is the first project I have ever done alone. My first time doing an instrumental album. and my first time only listening to my own opinion about the music I was creating without any outside influences.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I just vibe when it comes to writing. Sometimes I might start with a hi hat other times it’s a sample or a guitar or piano sound I like and for me, at least things just have a way of falling into place while I write. Sometimes the music just comes naturally and fast if I’m inspired.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
There’s gonna be something coming up soon that I am working on with DJ Everfresh. A way of doing a show together that will embody moments of music from my career where I can share stories and interact with the audience. This release is important because I enjoyed the process so much it may become something I do once a year. Stay tuned!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
One of the biggest highlights of my career was when I got to work with my favorite MC of all time which is Redman. Not just one song, I was blessed to do many songs with the God MC. Hands down the GOAT. I would also say to check out BYDK (Breezy Ya Dun Kno). Phenomenal artist.
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