NAMM Interview: Superproducer Che Pope’s Timeless Wisdom and Flawless Ear

For 34 minutes, we got to pick the brain of Che Pope, one of the most accomplished producers and teachers in the game.

He opens up about everything from his seminal work to advice for young producers who want not just technical proficiency, but to be better artists, smarter entrepreneurs, and wiser people.

We learn about both the technical brushstrokes of how he uses tools like Auto-Tune for vocal bonsai, and the mindset and passion that have carried him through banner projects with Eminem, Lauryn Hill, Kanye West, Dr. Dre, Christina Aguilera, and countless others — all during his continued ascendance from production legend to industry shaper and entrepreneur.

He has GRAMMYS on the shelf, but it’s his North Star of seeking “timeless artifacts” in sound that make him shine still.

This is what production greatness sounds like, whole-hearted and fine-tuned.

ANTHONY GORDON: Thanks for coming out to join us here at the Auto-Tune booth. Today we’re here with a most honored guest — I would say he’s most known for this record or that record, but there’s too many of ‘em. There’s too many, not just great records: Classic. Timeless…