Bryan Michael Cox is a consummate musician. From handling the boards to handling the pen, Michael Cox has been instrumental (no pun intended) in some of your favorite songs. While his profile has loomed larger over the past couple of years due to steady guest appearances on Diddy’s Making the Band, those in the know in the music industry have always known the man they affectionately call BMC. From Usher to Alicia Keys, the Grammy-Award-winning Michael Cox has the type of track record most producers dream about having.
For Songwriters week, Michael Cox sat down to talk to VIBE.com about the difference between producers of today and yesterday, and why producing comes natural but writing is his best friend.
I co-wrote “Burn” – the hook and first verse with Jermaine – and obviously was going through something that kind of inspired me to write that.
Bryan Michael Cox: Teddy Riley has always been the one. Here’s the deal, I’ve always known I was gonna be a producer. I started writing credits in my little notebook. I was like 8. Song titles, written and produced my Bryan Michael Cox, over and over and over again. In the Bible it says you speak things into existence, premonitions, you write things into existence. If you look at those tablets, I would even write certain names, just dreaming. You know, written by Bryan Michael Cox and Kenny Edmonds. And then it happened for real. Or written by Bryan Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri. So, it’s really an amazing story because as far back as I can remember I wanted to be a producer.
What is your definition of a producer?
There are so many different definitions you have. The producer who is like the orchestrator. Quincy Jones was like master orchestrator. Back in the day, producers were the people who put together the rhythm sections. They were the ones who hired the string masters to go get the conductor and go get the strings, who hired the horn arranger. They were the masterminds. With the progression at technology, producers then turned into one-man bands. Only until now, writing and producing is merged. Cause you can be a producer and not be a writer back in the day. A producer would go get the song, like basically A&R and then produce the song.
What do you feel is the hardest, writing or producing?
Producing is so natural for me, beats and creating and composing because I play piano, guitar, drums, and all that. So for me, that’s what comes naturally. Writing lyrics can be challenging at times because you have to be inspired. I’m not that kind of songwriter that just writes about anything. When I write, I’m usually inspired. I co-wrote “Burn” – the hook and first verse with Jermaine – and obviously was going through something that kind of inspired me to write that.
Would you advise other producers to stay in their lane?
Everybody has his or her own goals and reasons for doing whatever. For me, I wanted to be a producer in the background, that’s what I wanted. I didn’t start producing because I wanted to be a star. Bottom line, end of story, I wanted to be a producer.
What would your advice to producers be?
Challenge yourselves. Learn an instrument. You’d be surprised how many producers don’t know how to play.
Are you learning an instrument? What’s Bryan Michael Cox learning how to play?
I am learning how to play the bass (laughs). Every piece of equipment that comes out, you’ve gotta know it. Every day I’m trying to challenge myself, using new equipment. Listen to everything. I’m trying to merge new sounds. I guess it goes back to somebody asked me in the room earlier if I’m gonna make it, I’m challenging myself lyrically, and progression wise.
Is writing like you’re good friend?
Without a shadow of a doubt. Writing’s therapeutic.
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