1/ So First Off - Tell Us your Name, City and Country and what you currently do for a living?
Sean Machado - Music to Curator
My name is Sean Machado from Brooklyn, New York City, USA. I currently make my living as a personal Driver working weekly with weekends off.
2/ Is This Something You Always Wanted To Do? What Do You Enjoy About It?
I would say Curating is something I've definitely always wanted to do. As a child I grew up as a fan of many artists and knew music was what I wanted to do very early on. Creating a catalogue or playlist is your own personal touch of music to the world. Putting these songs in a collective is like being a personal DJ, sharing with others what you like most.
3/ Tell Us About Your First Musical Memory - Why Do You Think You Remember It?
My first musical memory would probably be watching videos back in the day. There was a show on TV called "Video Music Box" where viewers could call in and request videos they wanted to see. I would watch this show everyday after school and visually, one of my earliest memories were of a popular rapper at the time known as "Big Daddy Kane". There were others who would also draw me to them such as "Slick Rick" and "Special Ed". I thought they were dope.
4/ Who Did You Make Your First Mixtape / Playlist For - What Was The Result - Did They Dig It?
My first Mixtape/Playlist was one of my own. It was a collection of songs I had put together just for friends. People definitely liked the tape and I was always encouraged to put out more music, which I eventually did. I would make different tapes of Rap and R&B, making sure i got whatever were the most popular records on it at the time. I also knew how to arrange the tapes, putting the songs in what i felt were the Best (proper) order.
5/ What Made You Go Online And Search About Music Curation?
Honestly, I Didn't really go online to search about music curation. It came up as an Ad i believe on Instagram and when you love music as much as I do, you get involved in certain things that look interesting on the subject. I thought this was a good platform you have here because it involves community, and people on the same wave length. Sharing "Dope Music"...
6/ Tell us about the name of your Playlist - where did that come from?
My playlist is called "Music To Soundtrack Souls" because I thought it was real creative. I take music serious and it can give you emotion. Emotion comes from the Soul. Therefore if I'm giving you something to listen to, I'm basically the Music Score for your Soul. Im the guy who Soundtracks your Soul if your listening to my list.
7/ What does a track have to have to make it onto your list, is there something special that you look for?
I'm going to be completely honest. To make it on the list, a track really has to capture me. Especially if its by an unknown artist. Not saying a not so popular artist can't make the tape, but I believe you have to be that much better than average to compete and be on a list with bigger artists. No, its not all about the popularity, but the Quality of that music. So if you want to make the list over an artist who is established, your music has to be Top Notch.... It has to hit the soul or the ears real hard.
8/ What can an artist do in their track submission to your list to ensure that you'll listen to their track?
In order for me to really listen to a track I like to read about the artist and why music (not just the track) is so important to them. I like artists who are really involved, pushing and working their record. The ones who prefer Quality over Quantity are the best ones in my opinion.
9/ We know - these change all the time - but as of this week - what are your all time top 5 favorite tracks.
- Special Ed "I Got It Made"
- Slick Rick "Children's Story"
- New Edition "If It Isn't Love"
- Sade "Is It A Crime"
- Phil Collins "In The Air Tonight"
10/ And finally - which Music to Curator should we interview next?
I think the next Curator you should interview is "Music To Rep New York". Considering I'm a New Yorker, its only right I recommend someone representing the city right. Salute to him and the entire Music to Crew. Peace.
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