Urban Vault caught up with Berlin-based producer Meeco ahead of the release of his forthcoming project WE OUT HERE, featuring Smif-N-Wessun, Masta Ace, Big Shug, and A.G. (of D.I.T.C.) just to name a few…

Described by music journalists as a German wonder boy and multinational phenomenon, Berlin-based producer and beatmaker Meeco has been an internationally respected big name among music lovers and music experts for quite some time. Deeply rooted in Jazz and Soul music, he has released four albums featuring an eclectic mix of star guests from different genres including Talib Kweli, Gregory Porter, John Scofield, and Casey Benjamin (Robert Glasper Experiment), always moving effortlessly between Jazz, Soul, and Hip Hop. Not a conservative musician by any stretch, Meeco is used to doing things big, out of the norm, and striking new approaches.

What is your name?

Meeco

Where are you from?

Berlin, Germany

What‘s the Hip Hop scene like in Berlin or Germany in general?

Hip Hop is very popular in Germany and Berlin is known for a particularly aggressive style.

How long have you been making music?

About 30 years (OMG). I started little by playing piano and quickly started with producing music when I was around 16 years old.

You have recorded with jazz greats such as Benny Golson, Gregory Porter, Ron Carter, John Scofield… tell us more about that?

I always loved Hip Hop but started my musical journey on a professional level with Jazz first. My aim was to record my music with legendary musicians such as Eddie Henderson, Hubert Laws, who I admire, but to put them into a slightly different musical context, i.e. a blend of Jazz, Soul, and Classical Music.

Tell us more about the recently released single ‘Do That’ with Lil Fame of M.O.P. and Teflon?

Working with Lil Fame, Teflon, and DJ Skizz was very impressive. Their energy and professionalism are just on a different level. The song reflects on the vibe in Brooklyn and the things that are actually happening in the USA right now. This is the first single off your upcoming album entitled ‘We Out Here’ which is scheduled for a release by the end of the year and featuring lots of Underground heavyweights such as Masta Ace, Smif-N-Wessun, Big Shug, A.G., and many more.

How did you get in contact with all these artists and what can people expect with the album?

The album is mainly a boom-bap album produced exclusively on the legendary EMU SP1200. It was a natural development, I met Sadat X and El da Sensei in Berlin and they came over to my studio. They introduced me to A.G. Lil Fame and I have friends in common and he introduced me to Teflon, DJ Skizz, Termanology as well as Dyce Payne. It’s basically a family affair.

What do you think of the music industry in 2020?

It’s tough and completely a different game than a couple of years ago. It’s now all about playlists, social media, likes, and streams. CDs have basically disappeared and vinyl is on a low level only. As an artist, you can only survive by doing live shows, which is tough during a pandemic that we are currently experiencing.

What do you do when you not making music?

LOL If I am not in the studio, which is mostly the case, I spend my time with my wife and daughter, maybe on the playground or enjoying a good meal in a restaurant.

Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram?

100% Instagram

In a few words sum up your thoughts about Urban Vault and what we’re trying to do?

Many thanks for supporting independent artists and giving them a voice to express themselves but also to inform people about the culture, news, and developments in the Hip Hop game.

Thank you for your time and may you carry on making dope, fresh music…

Salute – I appreciate you!

Meeco ft. Lil Fame (M.O.P.) Teflon & DJ Skizz – Do That via iTunes/Spotify

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