Qwel & Maker Interview w/ The Examiner (courtesy of Sherron Shabazz)

Qwel & Maker Interview w/ The Examiner (courtesy of Sherron Shabazz)

In the fall of 2009 Qwel and Maker released the follow up to their 2004 CD The Harvest, So Be It. So Be It is raw Hip-Hop at its best. Qwel spits introspective lyrics without lacking flow while Maker provides the sound. Both men have various side projects that are dope but together they fit like hand-in-glove.

I spoke with Qwel and Maker about So Be It, their various side projects, and their February 13th show in Chicago with Mos Def and MF Doom.

VIEW ORIGINAL INTERVIEW HERE (via examiner.com)

SS: Qwel, explain to the readers of Examiner.com what the Four Season Series is.

Qwel: At the time of the Four Seasons conception I wanted to do something challenging for myself. I also wanted to try out projects with one producer throughout. I figured that way the albums would be more coherent, not only sound-scape wise, but would transition topics from track to track. In some ways I feel I achieved this, but in some ways I fell short by my own standard. I also chose to take up the occasion to describe current events through the biblical descriptions of the four horsemen accordingly. I wanted to record the change in my life at a critical time in human history as well. Life changes like the seasons.

SS: Why did you name the album So Be It?

Qwel: Actually the title came about while working in the studio on So Be It. Maker and I were only focused on making the best songs we could, well that and outdoing The Harvest. We didn’t even really discuss titles or anything, we just focused our energy and talent on songs. Then me and Wes Restless recorded an interlude for the record and he started to mix it there while me and Maker started debating song titles and track order for the record. While Wes was mixing he put the interlude through the monitors where the interlude ended with me saying “so be it.” I don’t remember who said it first but we all knew it was the album title at the same moment. It fits perfect. There’s a freedom in just knowing that things aren’t always in my control…so be it. Plants grow towards light…so be it. I’m not the center of the universe…so be it.

SS: How is So Be It different from The Harvest?

Qwel: So Be It feels and sounds more mature to me. I’m starting to find a sort of beauty in simplicity. Not in dumbing it down, or dressing it up, but just saying exactly what I mean. It feels more to the point. It sounds more hopeful than my other stuff, which for me is honestly a bit more uncomfortable, but needed.

SS: Qwel, how is working with Maker different from doing a Typical Cats album?

Qwel: The dynamic is way different. Writing with other writers I have to juggle mechanics to fit things phonetically, plus there’s a bit more compromising with two dope ass writers. If Gwa and D write verses about the planets, I’m more or less inclined to do likewise. It’s funny ‘cause Maker also brings a lot of structure to the plate too, it’s just different. I’m less inclined content wise, but way more inclined rhythmically. I’m not gonna let Maker provide a dope ass bridge on a track and not cross it properly. Maker’s tough to work with ‘cause he has the right to expect a lot out of me. That’s why we make good music ‘cause if Maker doesn’t scrap a song or lock me in his closet there’s not a lot of criticism that hits the mark.

SS: Maker, what beat making equipment do you use?

Maker: Right now I am using Cakewalk Pro Audio 9, Ableton Live 7, the MPC 1000, the Korg MS2000, the Kurzweil K2500X, and the Kawai SX240.

SS: Talk about the difference in producing for Qwel and producing for Glue?

Maker: There is a big difference between the two. With Glue we were going for more of a b-boy-party vibe with a little experimentation and a good vibe. With Qwel I thought the sound needed to be stripped down and gritty. His style and flow is already complex so I tried to play the opposite of that and balance it out. We kept it short and sweet. We will see where the next one takes us!

SS: What are your favorite songs off the new album?

Maker: Personally my favorite songs from the new album would have to be Lunch Money, Back Stage Pass, and Friend Or Foe. Lunch Money is such a well written song that almost anyone can relate to it. Back Stage Pass is that party rocker that can make anyone move and still get blown away by the flow. Friend or Foe is my favorite beat on the album and I was really happy with the way the song turned out.

Qwel: I like No Joke and Har Meggido. Lunch Money is undeniable, but I don’t like feeling all soft and [stuff] yo.

SS: You guys are performing on February 13^th at the Congress Theatre in Chicago with Mos Def and Doom. What do you have planned for the fans in Chicago?

Maker: Many surprises! You will just have to come and see for yourself!

Qwel: I’m coming out on stage with a one handed cartwheel.

SS: Are you excited to see what Mos and Doom have in store that night?

Maker: I am very much. I’ve never seen either live and both are favorite artists of mine. Mike Relm as well. It’s going to be an epic show!

SS: Why should fans go out and cop So Be It?

Qwel: So Be It is a rare album these days, well most days, but these days especially. It’s back to bangers with content. It’s different ‘cause its dope and innovative. Not just to be different. Plus then we can buy hot tubs and Volkswagen’s.