NugLife's 4/20 Debut Album Full of Tracklib Samples (Interview)

My process was a bit of beautiful madness and producer-OCD, that changes during certain stages of the project. With all projects and beats, I mainly try to just find great samples that strike me and create some great original melodies as well. Overall, digging on Tracklib is a normal ritual for me: I’ll just listen and let tracks play when I first arrive at the studio for 10-20 minutes while getting organized. Or even while doing admin business work for NugLife as a brand.

I like to treat this platform of digital crate-digging, the same as I would with normal vinyl crate-digging. Just let it play, explore the music, and when something sparks inspiration—CHOP IT UP! I find comfort in knowing that the samples I use are fully clearable. Especially as I’ve progressed, the artists I work with tend to appreciate that, too…

Man, it’s like heaven on earth and dreams come true! I specifically reach out to artists that have influenced my craft and whom I seek on my production. So it’s an honor.. Even to work with underground uprising friends like Rocky G, Don’t Sleep, FrankieOG and everyone else, because I know they’re ready to be passed the torch soon.

I think the most notable session before COVID-quarantine began, was with Planet Asia. From the jump, he pulled up to the studio giving legendary vibes and was loving the beat for the track “Roulette.” I shared some other songs from 'NUGLIFE 2020' to set the mood, and he wrote his vicious verse in about 30 minutes. This man “one-taked” (no punch in’s) his verse about three different times before we chose the one that we felt was strongest. Those are the legendary “OH SHIT!”-recording moments: when you’re engineering and you hear fire being laid down on raw wax right in front of your eyes & ears in real-time.

After recording the song, time flew by as we shared conversation of music and world politics over some spliffs. The vibes that were set in that room, are the kinds of vibes that yell possibilities of future collaboration.

Sure. But I don’t necessarily approach my digging style specifically looking for “library music.” I just go with what strikes my ear! I like colorful jazzy, soulful, and worldly sounds and instrumentation. I think since using Tracklib, I may have added that to my genre of sampling under my tool belt! You guys seem to have added a nice vast collection over the past year or so.

The first thing that came to mind when listening to that Magic in Threes track, is that its bassline had similarities to Erykah Badu’s track “Didn’t Cha Know,” produced by the great J Dilla. It captured me almost immediately. And then came in the psychedelic sounding synthesizer layers and I was done being teased. I had to sample it! Overall, the group Magic in Threes has kept me on my toes when digging through their records.

I really like to be surprised, so I’ll just start by skimming through any new curated Collections, and then to the Newly Added Tracks. And sometimes, I use the Popular Tracks filter. There have also been times when I look by specific genres such as Soul, Jazz, World, or Classical. Other times I’ve looked by year: normally within the 60s and 70s, seeking psychedelic sounds. Even mixing up combinations of all those digging styles. There isn’t one way to go about it I guess. Just start digging somewhere, whether it’s a quick skim or a detailed listen. Crate digging can feel infinite.

Ahh man, I remember the night I came across that catalog premiering on the site! I normally use more obscure and lowkey records being placed on the platform. But when I saw that new Isaac Hayes collection, I went ham! I was already pretty familiar with Isaac and his music from crate digging. And, of course, him being the legendary voice of Chef on South Park. It’s cool to see unreleased music get recycled back into the music community in cool new different chops and styles. I think I have at least one more track sampled from the Isaac Hayes collection that I plan to release in 2020. One together with artist and close collaborator, Rocky G.

Tracklib is a first-mover and ahead of its time. Even then, I wish the world would’ve had it even sooner. Prior to Tracklib, sampling was seeming to be a legal train wreck for the industry, and independent artists were thought to never see the light of day when It came to clearing samples. Tracklib is the brilliant middle-man to obtaining licenses when clearing samples for large or small artists and entities. The more that the Tracklib catalog grows in music and matures, the more the potential growth will naturally happen from my perspective as a producer.

[Laughs] Great question… But I’m not too worried. With my fan base prepared, and my fellow collaborators helping with the promotions, I believe all the right people who would appreciate this project, will get to hear it right on time. Your right, though, 4/20 is a bit crazy and polluted with promotions from stoner artists, cannabis brands, and more. The thing is, “NugLife” as a producer and brand is the perfect candidate for every 4/20 celebration. So hopefully, the name and music can one day be recognized alongside the cannabis legends and greats in years to come...

Listen to 'NUGLIFE 2020' by NugLife below, or follow him on Instagram to hear more: