Band as One: What name or alias to you go by? What’s the origin of that name? Have you changed your name before?

The L.A.Ment: I Am The L.A.Ment. Pronounced “Element”; in which represents my position in hip hop: I am the element of hip hop. A producer and beat maker are the main core of any and every one of the 4 elements of hip hop. Myself as well as every producer in this industry knows how important it is to create a vibe that constitutes the world of hip hop. The LA.Ment also has L.A. in it, from where I was born and raised.

Band as One: What is your respective instrument or position as a musician?

The L.A.Ment: The instrument I use for my process is FL Studio. It’s funny cause I downloaded this program for free, and It is the easiest and fastest way for myself to make instrumentals. I know that a lot of beat makers claim that using an MPC with a higher priced program makes you a legit producer, but in my experience, those guys create an identity crisis for themselves; they can’t do them, they have to be better than the next guy. If it comes out perfect, and it sounds beyond CD quality, it doesn’t matter.

Band as One: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences? Do you work with any other artists? if so, who? How did you meet?

The L.A.Ment: My instrumentals have a grimmey / street / classic feel; nothing directly straightforward, I leave it to the listener to paint their own journey through each sequence and sound I provide to there mind, a lot like a Rorschach. A major influence of mine is life, I vibe as the vibe hits me. I have an album with Born5thChild, and am currently working with some of my other long time friends. I’ve met them all from child hood to more recently. Music has created many bridges and opportunities for me.

Band as One: When did you dive into music? What inspired you to make music?

The L.A.Ment: I 1st started DJing @ 16. After a while, my mind opened, and I knew that I could get to the same talent level as the artists I am paying. After a couple years of $200/week binge on vinyl, I needed to start my journey. I started making beats on my old Casio, as i followed the BPM’s of the records that I played of my tables. I even got a notepad and broke down many types of song structures my intros, hooks, bridges. There are ALOT of different ways to arrange a beat. I still have that notepad!

Band as One: Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

The L.A.Ment: I have a personal Indie label, TEN19 Productions, which I plan on launching when i am fully established to financially set in stone, but for now, i am working with different artists, and establishing my name as a producer.

Band as One: What can you tell me about your instruments or gear? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available? What made you choose the instruments or styles you have now? Was it cost or was it a style / model / brand / color preference?

The L.A.Ment: You know, I’m open to anything that will create a competitive and beyond quality soundtrack that I would feel comfortable competing against someone who is a seasoned veteran. I’m not picky with my software or equipment, I’m a computer geek, so i will find any mastering, or plug in program and make it work for me. The only thing i bought was the laptop I use…so i am a pretty good saver, or a software pirate, depending on who you talk to.

Band as One: Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

The L.A.Ment: I have performed at The 2nd Street Jazz Club in L.A., The Blue Cafe that once stood on Long Beach, CA, Aladdin Jr. in Pomona for Jelani Kimball, a few other small bar venues around the OC and LA. I like the internet for my music, i know its promotion more than performance, but my idea of the internet is performing international, compared to locally performing. All these venues are all my favorite my love of music got me this far. I’m actually in the process of venue hunting with my co-artists.

Band as One: Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?

The L.A.Ment: Every show was to be different, and never to get old. With the right chemistry, many artists that collab can make a fire show, so no song should be performed repetitively, often, it should be original and different, mainly for those fans that show up to every show, that” mainly for them, so they wont get bored of you. Make it new every time they come out.

Band as One: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

The L.A.Ment: It is a creative process. Many things are premeditated, but the core feeling and mood for music is always formed during the creative process and will fall into place and just be perfect.

Band as One: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?

The L.A.Ment: You need a feeling, any feeling, one that you would talk to someone about, and translate it into music. get that perfect drum loop that u can feel matched your mood, throw in a melody that gives u the goose bumps, and once u feel those, u know that your mood is turning into music. bass lines and add ons, play a part, just like the sun or moon, its there, u know it, but its in the background supporting your surroundings. hit play, tweak a few channels and the rest will transform into music you can feel.

Band as One: What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?

The L.A.Ment: Spontaneous is the preference. I know planning is a must, but too much planning leads to disappointment, and that should never be welcome to a show. This is a passion, not a hob, when it becomes a job, then, its time to change it up.

Band as One: How has your music evolved since you first began making music?

The L.A.Ment: Oh man, where do I start…lets just say, I was caught up in the sounds that were available to me.. the radio was my lifeline to music, so I created what I knew…but my knowledge and appreciation for all music genres have grown and developed intensely, so i have embraced those genres and created my personal creative pallet.

Band as One: What has been your biggest challenge as an artist? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

The L.A.Ment: Getting people to understand the importance of music and cooperation. One person can be a perfectionist, and the other would be fine as is. Those opposing ideas don’t mix good at all. My thing was that I needed a artist that took music serious, and not just a hobby. When I was using my free time for shows and music, the other was drinking and sleeping, it didn’t work. Collabing with many artists is a better way of business and better when they WANT to be on YOUR album.

Band as One: What’s your ultimate direction for your music? Are you seeking fame and fortune?

The L.A.Ment: If it happens, it happens, its all love for the music, cant lose sight of who u r or who got you there. I am still cool with the real homies who r not the ones that just use everybody for stepping stones, REAL ARTISTS .I’m not quitting, I have decades till retirement age, and I will keep traveling that journey to the spot in which all these invested years will make it all worth while.

Band as One: What advice do you have for people who want to start making music and getting into the industry? How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a web site with sample songs or a demo CD? Albums? Videos? Etc.

The L.A.Ment: Just be you, and be open minded to what you can create. Don’t be stuck in one category, go against the grain. Be different; those are the ones that stand out in a crowd. You can find me on Facebook, just search and “like” The L.A.Ment, ReverbNation/theLAment, Twitter.com/theLAment, MySpace.com/TEN19Pro, search The L.A.Ment on Band As One.

Band as One: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

The L.A.Ment: Everyone I Have worked with, because music connects people…Born5thChild, growing up be childhood friends, I never imagined having an album with you, Rakaa Iriscience, you are a true MC, I will never forget going to the pad and u flowing over my beat, Phil the Agony, too much phone tag, Jah-Mex, you ARE an artist, Azma Instigator, your verse was crazy, FredEx, thanks for giving me your sample to bless the album with, Jharon, good look on the studio and mixing, gotta collab on those video game scores.