As one half of the Atlanta-based production team FKi, Markous “FKi 1st” Roberts has worked with artists like Iggy Azalea, T.I.、Tyga、2 Chainz等等. 自从毕业于 录音艺术 2008年og体育, 1st and his partner Steven “Sauce Lord Rich” Bolden have turned out eight gold and platinum records between them, 而且没有放缓的迹象. In addition to his work as a producer, 1st just dropped an EP on Diplo’s Mad Decent Label. 这张唱片叫做 一切都是第一次, scored him a touring gig with Justin Bieber and Post Malone, whose hit record “White Iverson” was also produced by 1st. We caught up with 1st on a recent visit to campus to talk about his time at 满帆, 平衡多重角色, and why it pays to remain tenacious in a fast-paced industry.

满帆:你和Rich都是在亚特兰大长大的. 你是怎么找到满帆的?

1st: One of my friends, Mayhem, is a DJ and a producer and he was a grad. 我知道我不想上普通大学. I wanted to find a program that focused on what I was doing — making music — so I checked it out online and eventually went down for a visit.

FS:你在这个项目里过得怎么样?

1st: It was fun and very fast-paced, which makes sense because the music business is fast-paced too. They teach you how to learn fast and pick up on things really quick. You have to know how to do that because the music business is always moving and changing. 满帆 was my introduction to ProTools and also to Apple products. Also staying up 24/7 and working at all hours because the classes are at all different times of day and night.

FS:毕业后你搬回了亚特兰大, where you’ve cultivated a strong foothold in the music scene. How did you go about making a name for yourself in a competitive industry?

1st: It was really about creating opportunities around me, not depending on other people. When I got back to Atlanta I just linked with people I knew, and then through them linked with other people who were working in the business. It’s really just about keeping yourself in the loop and always staying around the music. 你必须在拍摄现场.

FS:你和Rich是一起长大的, and have continued to collaborate through your time at 满帆 and beyond. How has having a creative partner helped you in your career?

三个臭皮匠总比一个诸葛亮. Rich is who I grew up making music with since high school, so it just made sense for us to go down there together and keep doing what we were doing. 这也使我们的友谊更加牢固. I also think it increases your chances of making it when you have a partner because there are twice as many opportunities to meet someone and have something blow up.

FS: As both a producer and an artist, do you find it difficult to switch between creative modes? What advice would you give for someone who wants to do both?

1st: Not to sound cliche, but my best tip is to just do it. 置身其中. You are never going to know what you’re capable of until you get in there and try. You have to jump in and make everything fall into place. 没有什么是自动发生的. You really have to create the opportunities around you.

FS: Is there one thing you can point to that’s been a driving force behind all of your success?

第一:职业道德. 如果你不做，别人也会做. There is always somebody else out there doing the same exact thing you’re doing. Its about learning how to force yourself to stay in the studio and stay creative. 永远做好你的工作. Never forget there is always somebody waiting to take your spot if you stop.

努力工作，要有耐心. I do feel like everything is happening for me, whether fast or not as fast, it’s coming together. You just need to find out what you’re good at and stay in your lane. 找到你的路，沿着它开下去. 然后用力，用力，用力. 工作，工作，工作. 这是一万小时理论. If you put the time in, the results will come to you.

FS: What advice would you give to new grads looking to break into the industry?

1st: Keep in contact with everyone you meet at 满帆, 尤其是老师, 因为你永远不知道他们会认识谁. 也要跟上其他学生. 把爱传播出去. If you have room to help out another engineer in need, throw them a bone and put them on something. Because if they are in position they may turn around and do the same for you.