TRAKGIRL
You’ve probably heard TRAKGIRL’s production prowess throughout your Spotify track-hopping journey without knowing it. It’s no one’s fault really—except maybe the culture’s obsession with the celebrity thrust before you—-but producers are the brain magic behind so much of the song, but get the least credit. We were doing some research on female music producers and came across TRAKGIRL aka Shakari Linder, an incredibly talented producer, songwriter and entrepreneur who has worked with artists like Jhene Aiko and Omarion and is potentially cooking something up now with Mark Ronson. The up-and-coming hip hop producer is also using her platform in the male-dominated music industry to highlight women in music with The 7% Series, an initiative created to unify all of her women peers music, from producers and engineers to lyricists and artists. As an innovator in her field, TRAKGIRL’s production style is deepened and differentiated by her vast exposure to all musical genres. Whether it’s culling from jazz syncopation, the rhythm and blues of Quincy Jones, or the shamanistic sampling of our dear Yeezy, TRAKGIRL soaks up the sounds of the greats and infuses that amalgamation into a tone that’s uniquely her own.
TRAKGIRL is a perpetual student, a uniter of women, and is always striving to be the best version of herself—all of which and so much more make her so damn Dandy.
How are you doing mentally? Where have you been spending most of your time for the past six months?
I’m content right now. I’m in a space of calmness, but my mind is also super active on what’s next. As a visionary, my mind is always racing and thinking about something—but these past few months, I’ve been practicing stillness and it feels nice. I’ve been spending most of my time on the east coast, between New York, D.C., & Martha’s Vineyard.
How has quarantine/pandemic affected your creative output? Did you already have a little studio set up in your living space or did you have to put in some work to create a space?
Honestly, I’ve made the most music during these times. In the beginning the pandemic affected my creativity, because there's so much chaos in the world—but music is healing for me. It brought me light. I’ve always had a studio set up in my living space and I’ve definitely upgraded it a bit, so that helps spark inspiration.
Where are you at - in this moment - in the production process? Are you in the melody-making phase or are you playing around and ideating? And is this your own project or in collaboration with a certain artist?
Right now I’m in the phase of just creating ideas and revisiting those specific ideas later. I’m also finishing other records with artists that we’ve been working on pre-COVID. Right now, we’re not trying to rush to put music out. We’re focused on when it feels right.
You’ve made music with artists like Jhene Aiko and Omarion. It must be different every time, but we’d love to have a greater understanding of how you work in tandem with one of your favorite collaborators.
It’s been a journey of discovery. I’ve really spent a lot of hours practicing my craft through learning and exploration. I’m also very thankful to be able to learn from my mentors and to be in spaces where I can soak up knowledge by seeing and doing. The process definitely varies, but overall I like to be a part of the entire creative process—from the beginning to final outcome. For me, I like to be hands on in different phases of the song, from ideation and recording to mixing and mastering. I also take my time with songs. Great songs take time.
How has virtually communicating in the process of making music been for you? Nothing is like in-person connection, but we have to take what we can get these days.
Virtually communicating during the process of music making hasn’t been too difficult considering I have already built a connection and relationship with my collaborators. The concept of doing virtual sessions has been new for me because I do love in-person sessions, but we’re making it work for us.
Tell us about a time in your career when you had a “holy shit is this really happening?” moment.
I feel like I’m in a dream. Being able to do what I love is a blessing. One moment for me was my first time meeting NO ID in 2014. I was at Big Sean’s studio preparing to play him some music and I was waiting in his studio lobby already nervous. I expected Sean to come out first, but it was NO ID who came to the lobby. I was having a fangirl moment but kept my cool. It was a crazy moment for me because he’s a legend in my eyes. He’s one of my favorite producers and just a wise and great human being in general. He’s one of my inspirations and someone who I learn from often over the years; a true mentor.
We saw your Instagram in the studio with Mark Ronson. Are you guys currently working on something?
He’s awesome! Hopefully magic happens.
When you’re in a MOOD, who are some artists you put on to make you feel more at ease?
I listen to a lot of R&B. I really love Snoh Aalegra, Jhene Aiko, Sonder, Summer Walker, Drake, and 90s R&B. I’m into different genres. I can listen to Jazz and classical music on certain days. I LOVE 70s soul.
Women account for less than 7% of producers and engineers in the industry. You took initiative with your 7% Series to create a safe-haven community for women in the industry and encourage growth and representation. When you first started out, did you run into women who were not looking to open doors for you or help in any way?
When I first started out, I didn’t see a lot of women who looked like me in the studio and initially that was discouraging, but I shifted that discouragement into a positive. I wanted to be vocal about the disparity in the space and I took action by creating a platform for girls like me. I’m blessed to have people throughout my journey who have helped me along the way.
Scoring a film or TV episode has this whole other layer to storytelling. You have to interpret emotion through dialogue and scenery into a musical component that fits the narrative and feels right. How much of that is skill and how much is that the ability to feel deeply?
Scoring is a language within itself. Being able to create emotion musically through visuals is an art and there is a balance of skill and the ability to feel deeply. I’m an empath in general. My advice is to put feeling and passion in all that you do to create the best moments.
Speaking of feeling deeply, we can only project that you do indeed feel things in a real and deep way. Have you ever struggled with possessing that depth of feeling?
I’ve struggled with this before when I tried to force the energy into the music or force things in general. I want to make sure what I create comes from the heart and is pure.
Confidence is key to developing your own sound/style. Did you always have a strong sense of what made you unique, or was that something you had to work on truly believing over time?
I’ve had to build my confidence throughout my journey. It wasn’t always easy and I do believe I'm growing and evolving daily.
We can go from listening to The Beach Boys to Kanye to Radiohead to The Ronettes within 15 minutes. You also love listening to and studying all different genres. Has your vast knowledge of different music types actually helped you in the studio in a noticeable way?
Yes! For example, I love studying Quincy Jones and how he incorporates his musical skill and his own style into his compositions. My brain is always breaking down songs so that I can incorporate various arrangements and sounds into my production style. I feel like it only enhances my skills and music.
What are your five favorite beauty products?
Pattern Beauty products for my natural hair, castor oil, tea tree oil, Byredo fragrances, The Ordinary skincare line, and water!
While we’re at it, tell us your 5 favorite songs that stand out to you with incredible production:
“So Appalled” - Kanye West (The production IS INSANE! Probably top favorite)
“Universal Soldier” - Jay Electronica
Chloe x Halle’s Latest album is so good!
Are there any cool upcoming projects you're working on in the near future?
Of course! Focused on finishing up some projects including my own.
What are your vices:
Video games, vintage equipment, and shopping.