In this conversation we speak with James Dukes the founder of Unapologetic. Dukes is a producer/engineer headquartered in Memphis. Unapologetic is a juggernaut of creativity made up of musicians, journalists, and various artists working to spread the ethos of Unapologetic. We have "unapologetically" published the entire two hour interview for your enjoyment.
5:00 Dukes’ brother gets him in the direction of music.
8:30 The move to Manhattan (“Jon…you…uh got some notes there?”)
12:10 Quad Studios story
19:50. Mentors, memorable engineers, and the “Hey, ‘I’m not dumb’ moment”
27:50 Hierarchy of a studio (Quad Studios)
33:27. IMAKEMADBEATS is “born”
39:09. Carl ruminates on being a musician and learning how to be a “valuable assett”
40.38. Why didn’t you stay in New York?
45:00. Low points and reemerging
53:52. A very…very driven person. The new scene in Memphis and first glimpses of Unapologetic.
1:00:00. First team/movement…the ups and downs. The trials of running a business.
1:04:55. The new beginning of Unapologetic, new confidence and in general learning to value and trust yourself…and other heavy shtuff.
1:13:49. Building the Unapologetic crew. “Bragging” on Memphis…and MacGyver!!!
1:17:15 It sounds like Jonathan makes disparaging about Louisiana…eek! Let it be known that this is not the case. I love Louisiana. I was merely pointing out that the rest of Louisiana will usually point out that New Orleans is not representative of all Louisiana and vice versa.
1:17:35 IMAKEMADBEATS album Better Left Unsaid.
1:28:55. Next level people, artistry, technique isn’t everything…the balance between making a living and creating art and others realities of the industry (past and present)
1:36:15. Being fearless. Mono Neon. Focus
1:41:10. Carl’s story of the Welshman’s search for healing in Memphis.
1:46:50. Nerding out and more Memphis perceptions
1:50:50. The fantastic vocalist Cameron Bethany and “Mod-Fusion”…CAMERON BETHANY!!!
2:03:08. Where is Unapologetic today? The App, the Exposition, the expansion of the team, and the future.
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