Ace’lo
Raised in the cold streets of New Orleans, comes a talent like no other. Ace’lo is a combination of rapper, producer, engineer and C.E.O. Rapping since the age of eight, Ace’lo (now 24) got into producing while looking for beats for his first independent release. With the help of Carlos Stevens (Beats by the Pound), Mannie Fresh, and D.J. KLC (Beats by the Pound), Ace’Lo quickly learned the craft of producing hits. Years later, Ace’lo has gathered an extensive resume for himself. Some of the things that he has done include three remixes for Truth Hurts second LP (Pookie/Capitol), production work for UPN, and voice over production for local radio station 104.5. During this past year, he has also engineered for Jazzy Pha, Cadillac (formerly of Cash Money Records) and a slew of other independent artist.
Although he is known throughout the city for his excellent production skills, Ace’Lo is a rapper first. Exceeding what people perceive about the South, Ace’Lo has the lyrical ability to challenge heavyweights from any region. His rap and production style are a reflection of the streets because he is a product of the streets. His voice is commanding and his flow is excellent, and he uses those to convey his pain of living the street life. Surviving a slew of gun charges, drug cases and assault hearings, he has gone on to become one of New Orleans prominent artist. On March 20th 2006, local newspaper The Times Picayune labeled him as one of New Orleans top Entrepreneurs to watch for in 2007. He was also featured in The Source Magazine’s “Unsigned Hype” column in the November 2005 issue.
Artist Q&A
Q: How did you first hear about Open Labs?
A: I first heard of Open Labs about a year ago. Alot of producers locally were talking about it and lusting over it. So once I found the website, and read the specs of the Neko, I knew I had to have one.
Q: How has the NeKo changed your method of work?
A: The Neko has changed my method of work a couple of ways. For one, I have access to unlimited amounts of sounds. And for two, I can intergrate everything into one ... producing, recording, editing ... you name it.
Q: Has the NeKo changed the way you write music?
A: Yes, it has changed the way I write songs - I can do everything on it and don't have to transfer anything into a seperate DAW.
Q: How have you integrated the NeKo into your current studio setting?
A: I have the Neko being controlled by my drum machines (MPC2000, MPC3000 and SP1200). It's the brains to all the other toys I have in the studio.
Q: What is your NeKo primary function?
A: My Neko is my main workstation. It functions as the main sound source of the studio.
Q: What is your favorite software on the NeKo? How do you use it?
A: Cubase 4, Native Instruments Komplete 4 and all types of secret goodies!! I use Cubase 4 for all my sequencing and I use the VST's as sound modules.
Q: Which kind of keyboard(s) have you owned in the past and how do they compare to your NeKo?
A: I've owned all the keyboards you can name ... and none of them compares to my Neko. How many keyboards can you use Protools and have access to over 4TB of sounds? My Neko can!
Q: Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
A: No. The use of choirs, synths and variety of other sounds is not possible in the other keyboards. Usually when you get a keyboard, you have the sounds that come with it, and you can get expansions. But once it's fully expanded it's done. But with the Neko, you can keep adding sounds until your heart's content.
Q: What artist have you produced or are you currently producing with your NeKo?
A: I've done two remixes for Truth Hurts (formerly of Aftermath), Da D-Boyz, UPN Network and all of my own artist. I just did some tracks for XXLMAG.com, submitted some to Xzibit, G-Unit and everyone that wanna get a taste of this flavor. Shout out to Sha Money XL.
Q: What is next for you and your NeKo?
A: The next thing for me and my Neko is to get placements with alot of independent and major projects. I'm using the Neko to craft my own sound for my region and my label Power2Move Entertainment. I will use it as a tool to carve my niche into the already cluttered production game ... it's my secret weapon.
Equipment Used
Purchased NeKo SE (Gen3)
Artist Links