// ROCKA.CANDY // | THE ANTHONY MACKIE OF BLOGS

Considering his family’s success in all things music, it would seem that serial DJ turned wunderkind producer Mark Ronson was destined for a career stocking records or spinning them – luckily he choose the latter.  Since he’s the man responsible for the latest British invasion, producing major hits for both Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse, he’s set to become an iPod favorite with his own album, Version.

Describe your sound?

What I strive to make is stuff that sounds a bit timeless; I am inspired by the classic stuff.  It’s not all Motown or soul, it’s just shit that sounds kind of vintage-y. Or it reminds me of classic times.  That can be from any genre, I don’t have a particular sound like Timbaland or the Neptune’s or certain talented people you can hear their sound.  For me it’s about each song and wherever it needs to go.

What was your favorite album in high school?

Probably Momma Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J and Gunz ‘n’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction.

Tell me your craziest studio moment?

I keep it professional in the studio. I don’t mind if people want to go out afterward, obviously being in the studio with someone like Old Dirty Bastard is an amazing experience and kind of surreal because it’s someone you like, and look up too. He had this reputation as a quirky character, but it was actually a civilized experience.

Speaking of ODB, you used him on a remake of Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” how does something like that come together?

I worked with him and we did a few songs before he tragically passed and I had this verse left over and I thought it sounded really kool, so I experimented with it over “Toxic” and that was it.

Would you ever work with Britney as an artist?

I would meet with anybody, but I am not sure if our music would really marry that well.  Actually the people that I have worked with in the past year, like Lily and Amy, there was no master plan. I met them we talked about music, we vibed on liking some of the same shit, and it went from there, it was an organic experience.

Why is everyone on Amy Winehouse jock?

I think it’s been a really long time since anyone, english, american, black or white has made a really great soul record from start to finish that isn’t producer driven.  She’s got such an amazing voice, and she writes great songs. 

I remember when I used to listen to Voodoo by D’Angelo - soul records that just feel alive - as opposed to a collection of singles or hot producers.   I think that’s the thing, it’s really good music and refreshing, and she’s cool and honest and that shit adds to it.