Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Pryce.
Kebomusic is Atlanta-based music producer and keyboardist Derrick Pryce. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Derrick has spent over a decade in Atlanta crafting his own personal sound. Derrick got his start in music playing keyboards for a variety of soloists and gospel choirs. As a producer, he initially started shopping tracks to local artists for placement on their projects. The next logical step was to release his own material under his music production company Kebomusic.
In 2010, Kebomusic remixed Jazzanova’s single “I Can See” featuring Ben Westbeech. The remix was subsequently featured on the German DJ/Producer collective’s compilation entitled Upside Down: Dig Deeper. The track received positive reviews from DJs in the U.S. and Europe.
Inspired from several influences such as jazz, R+B, gospel, and hip hop, Kebomusic Presents: The Experience was released in February 2013. The debut full-length album received critical acclaim from around the world. Notable accomplishments include securing distribution in Japan via Sweet Soul Records and receiving airplay on radio stations in the UK and Europe. The lead single “All For You”, featuring Tracy Cruz, entered #4 on the UK’s Top 10 Essence Of Soul chart. It also has appeared on DJ Henroc’s Soul Mixtape Vol. 10.
Kebomusic Presents: The After Work Sessions is Derrick’s 5-song EP released in 2017. This time around, he focused on the instrumental aspect of his productions. He also takes the opportunity to feature some familiar faces. Fans of the debut album will recognize the melodic tones of saxophonist Derwin Daniels on the track “Landscape”. The EP’s infusion culminates in a unique affair, taking the listener on a musical journey of soulful grooves and hypnotic beats.
In 2018, he produced Atlanta-based vocalist Shawndella’s single “Dealin'”. The song has since gone on to receive critical acclaim worldwide in locations such as Europe, Australia, Brazil, and Japan.
Derrick Pryce is also a software engineer and technology entrepreneur. He graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada in 1999. He then proceeded to have an 18-year career in software development, spanning sectors such as telecommunications, finance and supply chain management. He started his own custom software development company called Ventrya in 2016.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it has definitely not been a smooth road. There are always challenges being an independent artist and starting a business. Getting your music heard by the masses is always tough. Without having a major “machine” behind you pushing your music, it is difficult to break through and have your material heard. However, with the advent of the internet, things are a lot easier. Not having a major record company behind you can also be considered a challenge. You handle all aspects yourself, such as marketing, promotion, accounting, website design, music production, etc. Many of those things I enjoy, so I don’t mind it. I also enjoy being in control of my product.
Kebomusic – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I have my own music production company called Kebomusic. I am the music producer and keyboard player. I write and produce my own music and collaborate with other artists, which are mainly vocalists. I handle the music while the vocalists write the lyrics. The thing I am most proud of is establishing a distribution deal in Japan for my debut release Kebomusic Presents: The Experience back in 2013. Many artists don’t have the opportunity to have their music sold in Japan, so I am grateful for the opportunity. What sets me apart is that I strive to make timeless music. Hopefully, you will be able to play my music at any time and not know what year it was made. I combine soulful, funky grooves with positive lyrics.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I do not regard success as strictly monetary. In regards to my music and creativity, if I am able to touch people with my music, then that is success. When I released my first album, Kebomusic Presents: The Experience, somebody said that they had dedicated one of the songs to her mother. I regard that as success. If I am able to make good music and have people respond to it positively, that is all I can ask for.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kebomusic.com
- Email: dpryce@kebomusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kebomusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kebomusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kebomusic
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/kebomusic
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