Phireworx Ent
It started in 2000. They were about to be freshman in High School. During their last months as 8th graders, Cleatus told Rashad and Travis about a new machine he'd got from his cousin. The only thing he knew about it was, "We can make beats." Cleat' did most of the experimenting, then 'Shad, and then Trav'. They each had it on their home computers and like clockwork, they would teach themselves how to do something new each day. Somehow they knew that if they continued to master their craft, they could be just as great as - or even better than - those in the industry now. And so a dream was born.
Over the past eight years they have each grown physically and mentally stronger with their passion for music. The music they make now has gained a level of maturity far beyond their young age. Black Wall Street artist Juice saw the quality and potential they had when he heard a track they produced back in 2005. Blessing that track with his lyrical swag got him signed to BWS later on in his career. That success gave the boys a moment of clarity, when they knew that they could make it, that they had something to offer the music business that few other up and coming producers did. Since then they have been excited to continue to improve and succeed at their passion.
In mid 2007, they started hearing about a brand new instrument that was taking the world of music equipment by storm. As soon as they began hearing about the gear they wanted to learn anything and everything about it. That’s when the MiKo and NeKo were introduced into their lives, and they couldn’t wait to get their hands on one. After they learned that the producers they looked up to most, like Timbaland and Teddy Riley, were using the MiKo and NeKo, they were even more determined to obtain one for themselves.
The group's level of production has risen both in quality and quantity since they recieved their MiKo, and they plan on continuing to raise the bar. They have yet to fully experiment with the board, but it has already become an imperative part of their production process. Phireworx Entertainment know that it will help bring their dream to a reality, and they are working diligently to make that happen.
Artist Q&A
Q: How did you first hear about Open Labs?
A: PhireworX was introduced to the MiKo, by a friend. His name is Ninja Ben he's another hot producer that we do business with.
Q: How has the MiKo changed your method of work?
A: It has allowed our team to break into the scene with a leg up on the competition. The beat making process is alot easier and alot more professional.
Q: How have you integrated the MiKo into your current studio setting?
A: The MiKo is the center piece of our studio. It's all we need! It's also the future of production systems.
Q: What is your MiKo's primary function?
A: Mainly we use our MiKo to record vocals and make Beats.
Q: What is your favorite software on the MiKo? How do you use it?
A: Our software of choice is Fruityloops 7 XXL Producer Edition. It is our production system.
Q: Which kind of keyboard have you owned in the past? And how do they compare to your MiKo?
A: Cohesively PhireworX has owned a Phantom X6, and there is no comparison. The MiKo puts all other production systems to shame.
Q: How different is the composition process compared to the standard computer or laptop system?
A: We dont write songs but, they way we produce has been changed forever. Musically the MiKo has expanded our production range.
Q: Do you have any music produced on your MiKo that is in current rotation on radio, TV or film?
A: Currently our artist Pthoro has music on the radio in Phoenix. We are working on getting some tracks with Jeezy and Ludacris.
Q: Do you think the quality of your production now would be possible with another keyboard?
A: Absolutely NOT! The MiKo has graduated us to a professional level of production.
Q: What artist have you produced or are you currently producing with your MiKo?
A: Pthoro, Juice, The Game, Ya Boy, Jay Rock, Willy North Pole, and KoKane Shane.
Q: What is next for you and your MiKo?
A: To become the next big thing in the music business as far as production goes, and to educate the world on the MiKo. (The Dopest Production System Out)
Equipment Used
Purchased MiKo LX (Gen 3)
Artist Links
Phireworx MySpace Video about their MiKo