Producer DJ Spotlight Part 1 - Charles Martin Roane

This month, we are happy to share a three-part series spotlighting music producer and music editor for the hit Netflix series “Rhythm and Flow” starring Cardi B, TI, Chance the Rapper, Ludacris, DJ Khaled and Latto.

Born in Chocolate City Washington DC and raised in Rockville, Maryland, Producer/DJ pka Charles "the Mixologist" Roane got his start in the music business by being a true fan of the greats and then studying their music. In turn, those foundational artists provided his early inspiration when it came to creating a mix or a new beat. Charles attests: "when I started, I thought Rakim's music was the most incredible thing I ever heard." As unmatched on the mic as the God Emcee is, Charles is also drawn to the craft of beatmaking/songmaking. Charles says "I also liked the way Mantronix programmed beats on the 808."  At that time, maestros at the top of their craft including Michael Jackson, Herbie Hancock, Babyface, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis to name a few provided Charles further inspiration - and more importantly - the craft and foundation of songmaking. "I learned a lot from these artists about making songs that stand out."

Every producer is accompanied by the music and the equipment. Charles attests on his go-tos for equipment and software.

"I like to switch between Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Logic. Ableton is where I usually start and lay down the basic ideas, I like Logic for the instruments, the pianos, pads, and so forth. Pro Tools is what I use to do the final mix and any edits."

Charles takes us into a deep dive of his beginnings in music. "I started interning at WPGC 95.5 in Washington DC.  Not long after I came to the station, I began working alongside on-air teammates Big Tigger, Donnie Simpson and Jesse Collins.  I began remixing songs that had acapellas (or not) for the radio station.  Then that remix would become the main version that the station would play.  Artists would come to town to promote their music and stop by the station for an interview.  Then the station would play my version of their song and soon I started getting commissioned to remix songs for labels to be included on the single [release].  I made new versions of everything - from “Whoomp, There It Is” to remixes for Michael Jackson himself.  Then I started making original songs and I got my first artist, INOJ, signed to So So Def back when Lil Jon was their A&R. We did an abum and some successful singles that charted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

"I would use my inspiration from the mix shows I did, as WPGC grew to become
the #1 Station in the whole country. I would [get in the studio], try out beats with acapellas, like when I looped “Push It” by Salt n Pepa and played “Love You Down” by Ready For The World. It sounded so good, we did a remake and that became the first single for INOJ on So So Def."

Part 2 of this series will post next week, where we dive into Charles' segue into full time music producing and running a popular recording studio.

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