BOONIE MAYFIELD TIP #5: “How Criticizing Holds You Back”

Boon Doc

Boonie Mayfield, aka Boon Doc, is a Colorado-based hip-hop, soul and funk producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist (his stage surname is a nod to Curtis Mayfield, a pioneer of funk and political consciousness). An internationally known producer, Boonie credits YouTube as part of his present day success. His highly esteemed YouTube videos have over 5 million views, including one of his MPC videos at over 900,000 views alone. His homemade videos actually began early in his career. To prove that some of his beats were stolen off of the internet by another producer, Boonie purchased a cheap video camera, recorded himself playing the beats, and posted the video as proof that the beats were indeed his. This eventually led to him making more homemade videos showcasing his MPC skills and, now a days, sharing his beat-making process. Music took an instant hold on Boonie as a child when he first heard classics from the likes of Michael Jackson, Anita Baker and Luther Vandross. However, when he was first introduced to hip-hop at the age of 7, his love for music thrived even more. Groups like A Tribe Called Quest, Leaders of the New School, Pete Rock & CL Smooth as well as others were in constant rotation in his walkman headphones. By the time he was a teen, Boonie began popping and b-boying as well as writing rhymes and poetry. In high school, he had his first professional studio experience recording a song with a close friend/mentor. Boonie eventually took on the art of producing for the sheer fact that he had no one to produce the soul-infused beats that reflected his style as an MC. With little funds and no formal musical training, he began making beats on Reason 2.0, which was given to him by a close friend. After years of trial and error and tireless practice, Boonie has managed to make a name for himself and has been praised by fellow producers, artists and music lovers around the world for his unique, soulful and funky sound as well as his energetic and positive attitude. Much of Boon-Doc’s work is clearly derived from hip-hop's "golden age" sound as well as the 70's soul and funk era with an update of enticing arrangements, loose grooves, swinging rhythms and playful bass-lines. In 2009, Boonie won the first place title in the Red Bull Big Tune producer’s competition (the highly respected national hip-hop producer battle) and is now the reigning two-time champion of Red Bull Big Tune – Denver after winning the top spot again in 2010. Denver's Westword Magazine also named Boonie the Best Hip-Hop Producer for 2010. On September 5, 2011, Boonie independently released his highly anticipated debut instrumental album, Black Koolaid. With the mass interest he has sparked around the world, and his unstoppable hunger for creative growth, Boonie Mayfield is surely on the verge of becoming a household name. Weapons of Choice: Logic, Ableton Live, Keyboard, Electric Bass, Drums, MPD24 and 26, MPC 1000, APC20 and Percussions http://twitter.com/BoonieMayfield http://www.booniemayfield.com/ http://www.youtube.com/blacktuezday http://www.myspace.com/booniemayfieldmusic https://www.facebook.com/BoonieMay