#223 - Apollo Brown INTERVIEW

Listen/Watch on: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / YouTube

With today’s guest, from the moment his signature vinyl needle drops and the crackle is heard… you know you’re in for some hard, gritty, soulful, hip-hop s***.

Apollo Brown is a Detroit producer extraordinaire who has caught my ear for over a decade, with amazing collaborations with the likes of Planet Asia, Westside Gunn, Skyzoo, Ghostface and more. Additionally, he has crafted incredible instrumental albums that are rich with emotion and introspective beauty.

Personally, Apollo’s instrumental works have been what excited me the most with his art, as he's consistently put together sonic experiences that make me think and make me feel.

From the moment I heard Clouds over a decade ago, and right now with his brand new, outstanding instrumental album, No Pressure, No Diamond.

In today’s episode, we discuss his signature sound, his affinity for music that is emotional and introspective, and the inspiration behind his new instrumental album, No Pressure, No Diamond.

Apollo is one of the absolute best producers out. You do not want to miss this.

—

*timestamps provided for YouTube version

The Plug (0:50).

The Interview (2:28).

DJ Premier and other formative music (6:38).

Apollo’s choice to become a producer (13:35).

Apollo’s “I’ve arrived” moment (18:20).

Apollo’s signature sound (20:56).

Production workflow (29:53).

The emotionality of Apollo’s art (35:41).

Apollo’s journey to becoming a ‘diamond’ (52:51).

The sonic vision of No Pressure, No Diamond (1:01:59).

What Apollo hopes listeners take away from No Pressure, No Diamond (1:07:47).

What brings Apollo pride with No Pressure, No Diamond (1:12:17).

Upcoming projects / tour dates / merch (1:17:13).

—

Buy/stream No Pressure, No Diamond here.

Follow Apollo Brown on Twitter here.

Follow Apollo Brown on Instagram here.

Intro/Outro beat by: BLOODBLIXING

Video animation by: Big Flowers