Kato Interviews With Shaved Head Asian

SHA is something of a niche site. In their own words, the site is

A look at notable Shaved Head Asians from the Asian diaspora making moves in their respective industries

Lucky for us, Kato is one such person that fits their criteria. So the result is a quick interview on the Southern producer based in Atlanta by way of VA. So if you’re looking to read a little more on the beat smith and occasional MC, check out the interview in full after the break or by making the jump over to SHA.

On a related note, I wonder what a Shaved Head Asian such as myself would need to do to get a feature =P.

Follow him @KatoProducer

I learned about Kato’s music on Twitter and soon enough began posting his work on this here Tumblr. As an up and coming beatmaker/producer Kato has taken it upon himself to work with up and coming rappers and do the occasional remix track for well-known girl K-pop groups. Read more about him right here…

How did you get into music production?

I’ve been playing instruments almost my whole life, and it was in my freshman year of college in Philly that I finally discovered the wonders of making this little thing I like to call rap music.

Which artists typically come to you looking for help?
Mostly up-and-coming, independent artists who have heard my music with artists I work with on the regular.

Tell us about your background. Where were you born and which city/town do you represent?
I was born and raised in Fairfax, VA. so I rep VA. to the fullest for my upbringing but I really credit Atlanta and the whole south for molding my sound into what it is today.
Why do you cut your hair low?

To keep my head cool in tense situations.

If you could produce for any artists who would it be?

To be honest, there aren’t really any established artists I’m dying to work with. I feel like they already have their own sound. I’m more concerned with creating something new with my team and my artists. I would however love to collaborate with more talented Korean & Asian-American artists.

What other producers do you look up too?

I was influenced by DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, J Dilla, Drumma Boy, Shawty Redd, DJ Toomp, and even the newer producers like Lex Luger and Sonny Digital.
Any shout-outs?

Shoutout to my team first and foremost – Jarren Benton (@JarrenBenton), Elz Jenkins (@ELzJenkins), Sam (@FACECARDENT) and all the people that support my music, tweet about it, and post that shit on facebook. And thanks to all the other shaved head asians just like me.