Travel issues prevented Timbaland from appearing in person for his keynote interview at the ASCAP “I Create Music” Expo (April 29). But the in-demand producer did the next best thing: appearing via live feed from Miami. And erasing attendees’ disappointment, The Emperor of Sound (the title of his new book] presided over a rollicking session that was part-tutorial, part-The Voice -- and thoroughly entertaining.
Timbaland addressed everything from his start in music and collaborating with Justin Timberlake to overseeing the music for the hot series Empire (whose latest soundtrack was released that day) to scoring original music for -- and the status of -- his own album Opera Noir. (He’s up to six songs that aren’t fully completed.) At the producer’s request, several questioners launched into impromptu singing auditions that won the audience’s attention -- and Timbaland’s (colleagues with him in Miami whipped out their phones to capture the performances).
As an animated Timbaland noted halfway through the session, “Right now, I’m loving making music again.” Among the additional insights the award-winning producer related during the late afternoon session:
Having a signature sound without being redundant:
"I use different rhythms. My brain moves faster than my body. I have all these concepts in my head that I’m constantly hearing; I hear rhythm in [people] talking. My mom told me that nobody can copy what God gave you."
The importance of building the right team behind you:
"You need a team. It’s your talent but you need the right people around you to orchestrate your talent. It starts with having a key person who believes in you more than you do; who sees beyond what you see. And that one person orchestrates who else comes along with additional expertise to help further guide you. When you have the right people, you can go hard. It’s all about God, teamwork and timing. My time and God’s time are different. I had to learn the hard way that tomorrow for me might be five years later."
The secret behind his 20 years-and-counting career longevity:
"It feels like I’m just getting started, so I don’t know. What I couldn’t do [yet] in 20 years … the world has no idea what’s about to happen."
Describing the creative synergy between him and Timberlake:
"We both honestly love music: we don’t do it for the money but to better ourselves. It’s something you’ve got to see; I can’t describe it. You just know it’s crazy when we get in the studio. He gives me power and I give him power. It’s almost like going to therapy -- getting stuff out to renew yourself."
His success with Empire:
"[Series co-creator] Lee Daniels had an idea, I believed in the idea and we clicked. The beauty of it: this was new for him and new for me; we’re growing together. It’s been a blessing and a cool challenge -- I’ve got a couple of more shows coming out. BetweenEmpire and the NBA, I’m now getting to do what I’ve always wanted to do".
Timbaland Accepts The Top Network Series Award for 'Empire'
Composer Timbaland accepts the Top Network Series award for 'Empire' onstage during the 2016 ASCAP Screen Music Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 24, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.
Timbaland, best known for producing artists like Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott, Nelly Furtado and Madonna, won the Top Network Series award for his work on Empire. In his gracious acceptance speech he made it clear that he is interested in more screen work. “I’m a newcomer to this film and TV world,” he said. “I love movies more than I probably love music. I want to join some of you great composers. Hans Zimmer is my favorite.”
Timbaland and Jay Z tied for songwriter of the year, and Sony/ATV claimed publisher of the year during the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Music Awards last evening (June 25).
Held at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles, the 28th annual ceremony also honored the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed ASCAP songs on the 2014 R&B, hip-hop, rap and gospel charts. Named top songs of the year: “Drunk in Love” written by Beyoncé, Jay Z and Timbaland (R&B/hip-hop), “Show Me” written by Jeremih and Kid Ink by Kid Ink (rap) and “I Can Only Imagine” written by Bart Millard (gospel). Collectively, Sony/ATV songwriters penned 24 of the most-performed songs.
Timbaland and an absent Jay Z tied with four songs apiece, including “Drunk in Love,” “Part II (on the Run)” and “Tom Ford.” Taking the stage, Timbaland prodded the audience to “give a round of applause for the thing we love to do -- music.” Adding that it’s not awards but the next generation of talent that excites him, the Empire tunesmith threw shout-outs to K. Michelle (“You can sing your ass off”) and Jeremih (“You’re a bad dude who can write your ass off”) as well as writers Mike Will Made It and Matthew “Boi-1da” Samuels
“Music isn’t about hating but congratulating,” continued Timbaland, who also noted that Missy Elliott (“my rock”) will be returning with new music in July. “We’ve got to join together. All the young artists need to work together, not against each other, and make magic.”
Having a signature sound without being redundant:
