For L.A.-born GRAMMY-winning musician, songwriter, and producer Khris Riddick-Tynes, crafting tunes is virtually a family business. His father—who was in a band with Randy Jackson of the Jackson dynasty—and grandmother were songwriters and seven-time GRAMMY-winning engineer Neal Pogue is his godfather. When his dad bought a Pro Tools rack, he needed help to learn how to use it, which is what prompted the then-teenaged Riddick-Tynes to begin to write and produce with friends. He soon partnered with Leon Thomas III and has gone on to work with artists including Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, and SZA.
One of his latest projects is the Kehlani single “Folded,” which dropped on June 11. But the pair have worked together for years after they connected online when they were both still in their teens. Interestingly, the song had multiple writers and producers. “That wasn’t really a challenge because the pieces and credits came from different parts,” Riddick-Tynes explains. “It wasn’t like everybody was in the room stepping on each other’s shoes. I kind of came in and tied everything together when it came to flushing out the hook. With her, I look at myself as the finisher. I asked questions like ‘How can we say that better?’ and ‘What are we really trying to say?’ It’s about collaboration. That’s how these things happen now.”
Perhaps one of the most important insights that Riddick-Tynes has gained is the importance of hustle. “You’re not in the music business,” he asserts. “You’re in the business of music. You have to understand relationship building and where you fit in. You can’t wait for Beyoncé, Ariana Grande or Drake to pick your record. They get a million sent to them every day. If you’re talented enough and work hard, you’ll get a fair shot. The opportunities are there.”
Riddick-Tynes’ favorite mic is the Sony C-800G and his chain includes an Avalon M5 preamp, an Avalon AD 2055 equalizer and then a Tube-Tech CL 1B compressor. Recently, he completed his home studio, which he finds less congested than commercial spaces and there’s less pressure to make a hit.
Currently, the producer has a number of projects in his queue, most of which are too early to discuss, Kehlani’s upcoming full-length record excepted. Earlier in his career he earned his law degree while he continued to produce. Later he logged some time in A&R with various labels. Both experiences taught him a lot about the industry.
Visit Instagram @khrisriddicktynes
