Artist Interview: Niam

This is an interview that was done with one of the hottest young producers/ artists out of NY. He is Niam and he he also goes by the moniker of The Remix Kid, and he been remixing some of the hottest songs from artists such as Jay-Z to even Madonna. He is definitely bringing new material and ideas that no one has brought to the table before. So for everybody that hasn’t heard of this producer/ artist before this is your time to get aquainted with this very talented producer/ artist.

So for everybody out there that hasn’t heard of you, let them know who you are and where you from?
My name is Niam, I’m an artist from the Bronx and I have been dealing with music both on the artist and production side.

How did you get your start in music?
Prior to graduating from High School in 2004, I was able to obtain an internship with Dame Grease. I was able to gain a position as an in-house producer under his music imprint, Vacant Lot/Lotmusik Productions and I worked under his direction as his protege’.

So besides going by Niam, I see that you also go by the name of the Remix Kid, how did you get that name?
A friend of mine use to let me hear his remixes and he had a mixtape he put together with a bunch of his remixes. After I realized how cool it would be to start remixing, I sort of just ran with the idea of remixing and put out two different remix mixtapes under that alias.

I see that you have been doing a lot of projects lately, which has been your favorite and why?
The Madonna Mixtape Project was my most favorite because it was something different. It wasn’t hip hop and it made me explore a side of production I wasn’t use to dealing with. It was really unique and it caught a lot of attention after I released it. I got a lot of great reviews from it and a lot of Madonna fans praised me for actually taking the risk I did with remixing a lot of her classics.

So what is your first love producing or rhyming and why?
I would have to say rhyming because it was what I was introduced to first. My friends use to rhyme in class and at lunch so eventually, I started doing it with them up until now. I just love playing around with words and I’m a writer first, before anything else.

What is your focus and goals for the new year?
I just want to accomplish something major. Do something different and see where my music takes me. I would love to be able to land a major deal, but I’m still taking baby steps, so I would say that for the most part. A solid deal.

What were some of your influences in your music?
On the artist side, Pun, Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, and production wise, Grease, Swizz, JD and Timbaland. A lot of alternative rock bands such as Hoobastank, Evanescence, and Nickelback has had a great influence on me as well.

How would you describe your style/ sound?
It really depends on the direction I’m going, but mainly, I would say Theatrical. I love soundtrack-type music. Anything with deep horns, soft strings and grand piano mixed in with dirty drum sounds.

Do you have any music projects on deck right now?
Yeah, two projects. My third remix project I’m releasing in a couple of weeks with DJ Muh Fiya, and my mixtape, Black & White. I’m almost finished with that and I’m going to have a couple of guest features that I think will raise a few eye brows. I’m planning to release that for the first quarter of next year.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
In another country with a smile on my face.

Download:
Niam – Bounce Swag
Niam – Brooklyn Bitch