Monte Booker in His Own Words
Originally from Chicago, Monte Booker is known for being the magic hands behind a few Smino projects(read: all of them), is one of the founding members of Zero Fatigue, and makes a valuable addition to Soulection, which he has been a part of since 2016.
Now based in LA, he notes that he owes his success to the city of Chicago. “I'm from Chicago, Illinois! [it’s not] this terrible place that everyone thinks! It's beautiful. I wouldn’t be here without the city's love for music.”
With a signature sound and no-stress persona in tow, the 25-year-old producer is quickly blooming to step into himself. We caught up with Monte to explore how he manages to stay creative during quarantine, and his solution is simple: “I’m making beats ALL DAY!”
In our interview, he outlines his plans to release more of his own music (which he describes as ‘‘experimental”), what he wishes he knew when he started this crazy journey, and how he hopes to collaborate with some talented Afrobeats artists in the future.
Monte in studio with J.Cole. Credit: Monte Booker
The interview below has been lightly edited for the purpose of clarity and context.
Jade: Tell me a little bit about where you’re from and your history with music
Monte: I'm from Chicago, Illinois! Chicago isn’t this terrible place that everyone thinks! It's beautiful. I wouldn’t be here without the city's love for music. I grew up in a family of music heads. My mom was big on 90’s R&B and all east coast raps(laughs).
Pops was all over but mainly Reggae! Even my grandparents loved music.
Jade: What’s your star sign?
Monte: I’m an Aries! ARIES GANG
Jade: Was music always on the cards for you, or did you have something completely different in mind growing up?
Monte: I was honestly lost for the longest[time]! Music has always been my vice. I've always been intrigued by the instrumentals of songs. In high school, it hit me randomly like “oh I should start creating my own”
Jade: To what extent has the global pandemic impacted the work that you do?
Monte: Luckily I was taking a break from live shows this year. My focus was on production/records this year so the pandemic hasn’t really affected me too much!
Jade: Talk me through what your average day looks like while in quarantine
Monte: [I’m spending quarantine] at home in my little studio or on random late-night cruises through the city bumping old Kanye. I start the day by getting a little workout, [then] relax until I get inspired. After that I’m making beats ALL DAY!
Jade: Are there any African artists you’re looking at with regard to a potential collaborative project?
Monte: REMA ! Dumebi is one of my favorite songs right now, and I know we can make some smoke![Laughs]
Jade: What are you proudest of?
Monte: This one is hard for me! I’m proud of everything I’ve done equally. Some of my favorites would have to be “Smino blkswn”, Soulection White Label and my work on “Revenge Of The Dreamers”! Those few changed my life.
Jade: What's the one thing you wish you knew 5 years ago?
Monte: Balance! I wish I knew how to balance music and [my] personal life. Learning now but being so tunnel-visioned [when it comes to] music can ruin some healthy relationships!
Jade: What’s your favorite record of all time?
Monte: [laughs] Wow this is the hardest question of all time. So let’s do a top five, in no particular order:
Kanye West - Graduation
Kanye West - Late Registration
Jay Z - Blueprint
Flying Lotus - Los Angeles
J Dilla - Donuts
Jade: What can we look forward to hearing from you on the other side of these uncertain times?
Monte: SO MUCH! I'm most excited for my bro Smino new project! Definitely coming this year. And looking forward to releasing more of my own music so we’ll see!
