Hannz shows Fayzo a few tricks about audio production. Photo by Ismail Kezaala
(Deejay Fyzo met the producer at his Kabalagala-based Hannz Records and shared an evening talking music and inspiration.)
Whats up, I’m Fyzo.
Hi, I’m Hannington Muhumuza.
How did you start this production game?
I started production when I was at campus, in my ka-room. It was a small studio, not like this one. I didn’t have much but I had a big dream. I had inspiration and it’s what keeps me going successfully.
What were doing at campus?
At campus, I was doing a Bachelors of Information Technology, but unfortunately I didn’t finish. Then I went to the US and did sound engineering and record production at Audio Institute America, AIA.
What was your target while starting out as a producer?
My target was to make music that would change the game, so I came in with a new style. I wanted to help ease the penetration of young artistes into the industry, which by then was being monopolised by a few big camps. I wanted music that would suit young people’s tastes. Luckily, we had very many young artistes come through our studios and become successful, the likes of Rabadaba, Mun G, GNL, Mighty San, Atlas and Klear Kut.
What are the best songs you have produced and feel proud of?
Surprisingly, I’m very proud of all the songs that I have produced or work on, because each of them is a product that has come from nothing to something and that is something worth being proud of. You know, I have worked on very many songs that I have even lost count and each and every one of them is worth being proud of.
What else does your company Hannz Records do apart from producing music?
Hannz Records is a predominantly entertainment company. We deal in making sounds that please the ear, just like the word “record” suggests. We do music and more music, we do jingles, radio ads and callback prompts for telephone networks like, “Your caller is on another line, please try again later,” those are recorded and edited in studio. Hannz Records is diversified to that level.
How challenging is it to work with big artistes in the studio?
The challenges we meet are the same for the big artistes as they are for the up and coming artistes. You have got to set yourself in that condition where you just have fun, but also keep the professional self awake. The professional bit only makes sure you don’t make silly mistakes like keeping the microphone too high because if you do that, the artiste will record distorting sound. Otherwise I do it like it’s a hobby, that way my products come out sounding natural and original.
How is the music game today in your perspective?
Music has grown, a song produced five years ago can’t compete on the market today because of the changes in production. There are so many artistes, and everybody has come with a new style, so it’s too competitive. And where there is stiff competition, there is a lot of good work.