Today we in talks with Grammy-nominated producer Chris ‘Big Duke’ Malloy and his debut solo instrumental EP, #LOFIDUKE Vol 1, the EP heralds a new chapter in his outstanding artistic journey. #LOFIDUKE Vol 1 is headlined by ‘Original Eazy,’ which inspired The Game’s and Kanye West’s hit song ‘Eazy,’ the EP takes listeners on a musical cruise where they will be exposed to Big Duke’s immense talent.
With a decade of experience in the music industry and more than 300 million streams, Big Duke is all set to reshape the frontiers of quality production. He was born and raised in Cleveland and now based in LA. From collaborating with icons like Kanye West to The Game, 21 Savage and Diddy, his resume speaks for itself. His work on Symba’s “Results Take Time” and The Game’s “Drillmatic” proves that he is not only a talented producer, but also a visionary.
In this exclusive interview Big Duke sits with us and divulges the influences that shaped his music and the path led him to this point. Musician Big Duke begins his story in Cleveland, where he came from a humble background, and he shares with us his creative process, musical influences and goals.
Listen to #LoFiDuke Vol.1 below
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What is your stage name?
Big Duke
Is there a story behind your stage name?
The name Duke originates from my grandmother it’s actually a family name
‘ The Duke ‘
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere the world is a stage for inspiration. It can be something as little as a song playing on a commercial or a string section playing from a movie. Literally anything can inspire or spark an idea
What was the role of music in the early years of your life? Music was the soundtrack to everything that was going on. Family events , car rides to school , parties etc music was everything especially growing up in the 90’s lol
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
I come from a blue collar working middle class family. Others in my family have artistic abilities but often never pursued.
The Midwest is ruff dreams are far and few but a good hourly job u can work til u retire that’s usually the goal smh. I took a different route. Far from the norm
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I wouldn’t say I was inspired to be in the industry being someone from ohio I never thought about it even being possible. Me and my friend just wanted the city to hear what we were doing. Somehow we managed to get the world to hear it.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
Early years I had choir in school. If it was any class that I payed attention in music definitely was the class. For some reason it just spoke to my soul.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I’ve been to so many concerts in my lifetime it’s hard to remember the first lol but I can remember one of the first rap shows. It was “ Project Pat “ me and my friend and fellow artist ‘ Chip Tha Ripper ‘ waited stageside at a classic now closed cleveland venue “ The Metropolis “. He didn’t start performing til 1am we definitely weren’t old enuf to be in this place but we snuck in and boy was it worth every second. He performed all our favorite songs at the time that concert changed my life.
How could you describe your music?
Melodic , rhythmic , chest pounding drums…. I like music that instantly takes u somewhere other then where u are listening to it at. My music is a ride lol
Describe your creative process.
My creative process is different than most. It never really stops or starts its ongoing. I can wake up and it will be music on my mind that I have to get out. I can start chopping samples on my phone or saving them in notes while listening to music. I Literally can be creative anywhere
What is your main inspiration?
My inspiration is the feeling of touching the world musically. Music heals all I’m a healer
Music is my medicine and will heal the world.
What musician do you admire most and why?
Ye for blunt honesty
Jay z for his hustle and infrastructure
Pharrell for his attention to detail
Timbaland for his brain and ideas
Dr Dre for his genius
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yeah I’m always evolving but keeping things I learned along the way
Who do you see as your main competitor?
The man in the mirror lmaooo
Although cliche I thing I’m my biggest comp. I wake up everything trying to beat the day before
What are your interests outside of music?
Cooking if I wasn’t a producer I would be a chef. I literally get the same feeling and it requires the same focus and attention to detail.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
A chef , or instructor of some sort I love teaching and helping lol
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Lack of care for others. Sometimes it’s a dog eat dog world when it comes to business.
