Today we’d like to introduce you to Alphonso Davis.
Alphonso, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started pursuing music in 2003. My stepbrother & I would make beats in Guitar Center until we saved enough money to buy our own equipment. A friend gave me his saxophone, which would’ve been my first instrument but I pawned it so I could buy Reason 3 off of eBay (production software, Sorry Roman!). We built a make-shift studio in our bedroom & started working with Reason & Pro Tools. If I wasn’t in school, most of my time would be spent in either our or someone else’s studio. A few years later I would intern/in-house produce for David Johnson (sound engineer). I learned how to write & arrange music with other people & I also improved as a musician at his studio. Some years later I would branch out & started working with independent artists such as Artivous Ennals & Scorsese Shells, collaborating with Killer Mike, Pastor Troy, Sir Michael Rocks & Big Rub, etc.
What were you like growing up?
Goofy but shy at times. Robin Harris (RIP) was my favorite comic & I thought I would be a comedian as an adult. I’m not that funny so i guess it worked out.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Far from easy, but being consistent & curious about sound/music has kept me going. I was fortunate to work with some great artists & producers when I was getting started. I was usually the youngest in a session so I didn’t speak much; I would pick up on a lot by just listening & helping where needed. Philip Wright (producer) & David Johnson would let me crash their studios weekly. Phil would write each key on his keyboard, from “C to G”, just so I could memorize each note. I was making Great Value Kanye type beats on his MPC2000 & he still let me come through! I honestly don’t know where I’d be if it weren’t for them opening their doors to me. I’m doing what I love to do & they believed in me early. I have to pay it forward now.
Contact Info:
- Email:alphiedavis@gmail.com
- Email:hnnyenem@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphadavis
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/alphadavis
Image Credit:
Brandon Scott & Eric Guzman
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