In the world of Hiphop no sound is as hot right now as the Trap inspired Rap sound coming from Atlanta, with everything that comes out of the ATL being played in our clubs and on our radio stations it was only right we tracked down a talented producer who is putting upcoming talent on the map out there. Jeremy ‘Backpack Miller, responsible for hit Rae Sremmurd Intro ‘Lit Like Bic’ and known for collaborating with Chicago artist Lil Durk amongst others, is part of the new wave and considers himself to be not just a producer but a composer. We had a chat to find out more.
When did you decide that you wanted to become involved in music? And can you remember what pushed you in that direction?
When I was 5 my mom put me in piano lessons. I loved it and ever since than I’ve developed a love for music. As far as producing, I started taking it serious about 5 years ago when I sat down at the computer and learned how to put a song together.
Can you remember the first artist you worked on with a track and if so, who was it?
My first artist I worked with was an artist named Luey V from STL. We had a big internet song together called ‘Drowning’. It could have really did something in my opinion, but hey we were both young and just grinding.
You’ve been referred to as not just a producer, but a composer. What do you think that means and is this something that you’ve consciously tried to aim for?
Yes, I’m a composer not just a producer. A producer just makes beats and that’s it. A composer puts the whole song together as far as finding an artist for a particular beat or finding writers to put hooks etc. to music. It just doesn’t stop at the beat.
Who were, and still are, producers that you look up to and aspire to be?
I love Kanye West and Pharrell. They are musical genius’. A lot of my weird chords and style comes from them.
As a producer, do you find that it can be hard to promote your craft to others? And how do you go about making connections with other artists?
Yes it’s very hard these days because producers rarely meet the artist they have records with. Everybody does music now and days, so you have to standout and be different. I really just promote my beats like artist promote there music. Go hard
How do you believe that your production process has changed over the years? And has this come through experience or learning from your peers?
My production process changes and get better everyday because I’m constantly working on my style and choice of sounds. This really comes from being around different artist and traveling hearing different music instead staying in my box or circle.
Your biggest hit to date is your production credit on the Rae Sremmurd hit Like Like Bic [which currently has over 2 million views on YouTube], how did that track come about?
Man it’s so funny because I made that song summer time before I took a trip to LA. I was hype and ready to smoke lol but when I sent it over to Rae sremmurd they took the same energy and feeling I had and turned them into words. Perfect track, people are still sleeping on a good song.
Were you at all surprised by the reaction the track got?
Yes, everyday I am! The song is still growing on people daily and it makes me feel good. It’s like a low key national smoking anthem
You have always been quite vocal in saying that you want to support independent talent and give them “a chance to be heard”? Why do you think this is so important and why do you want to ensure that you help support these artists?
It’s soooo much talent out here that goes unheard of daily and if I can help these individuals I try my best to. Somebody gave me a chance and I want to give the next big artist a chance. A lot of artist and producers just don’t know what to do to be heard.
While many producers can remain faceless, you been very active in creating video blogs about your day to day work and sharing these with your fans. Is this to show the man behind the beats?
Not only show the man behind the beats but I wanted to show people I’m really out here grinding. Nobody gave me anything. I’m really coming from the ground up and I want people to see the process. It hasn’t been easy and I know it’s millions of people in the situation as me. They just want a chance to be heard
We can tell that you’re an avid user of Soundcloud and use this medium to share your music with the world. Do you think sites such as YouTube and Soundcloud are benefiting your field of work or not?
Yes both soundcloud and YouTube has helped me a lot. It helps me promote my major project but also gives my fans to hear some raw new talented artist I work with.
Your latest project, ’Whats in That Bag Boy EP’ features artists such as Lil Durk, Casino and Rackboyyz. How did you go about putting this project together and how did you get everyone involved?
My friends and peers wanted me to put out a beat tape but I didn’t want to go that route. I’m to talented for people just to hear my beats. I have a great eat for music and I’ve been working with some dope artist lately. All the artist featured on my tape I had a chance to work with these artist one on one in the studio and really learn there music and style. Perfect for my project. It’s street music but I plan on doing different what’s in that bag boy series to show my different styles of production.
Do you listen to any UK rap/grime/dubstep and if so, how do you think these genres would be received in the states and would you ever consider branching out into genres like these as well?
Yes, I love dubstep. I produced a few dubstep records and I mix a few dubstep elements in some of my songs. It started to grow in the states fast but kind of faded a lil. I don’t think a lot of people in the states have adjusted to that sound yet. It’s different but I definitely plan on branching off into different genres
Where you are at now, is there any particular artists you would like to work with, and if so, why?
It’s so many artist I would love to work with before they are completely out the game but Kanye, Jay-Z, Rhianna, Kate Perry, Schoolboy Q, Kendrick Lamar just to name a few, it’s defiantly a lot more. I’m really focused on breaking out new talent right now
Do you have any upcoming projects in the pipeline and what can we expect from Backpack Miller over the next coming year?
Yes I’m working on my next What’s In That Bag Boy EP this one is going to be BIG. I’m aiming for a summer release. I also have a lot of records with some of your favorite rappers rapper lol So definitely keep your ear open to hear that “What’s In That Bag Boy” tag on a couple hot records this year. Not going to say any names cause things change daily but 2015 is defiantly about to be a good year for Backpack.
To Keep up with BackPack Miller’s journey follow him on Twitter at
@BackpackMiller
Interview by: Nathan Tuft – @Natz_AO
