Making of the video:

The video:

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WWW.IRKO.IT

As the culture of hip-hop has become a global symbol for innovation, Maurizio Sera watched everything unfold from Venice, Italy. Starting out as a producer for his own group of musicians, the man known today as Irko (pronounced ear-ko) found himself wanting to takeover engineer duties as well, Irko went to European Audio Engineering School to become one of the most sought engineers in the industry. As he looks to bring his gifts stateside, Irko chose Baltimore to build a project he hopes will bring some of the city’s hottest artists together as a burgeoning collective. As he completes projects with 88-Keys, Ox and La Miss, even a young dude from Italy recognizes the Baltimore hip-hop movement is stronger than ever.
How important is an engineer to a musician?
Very much. … My goal is to make the artist shine at the best of his abilities. That means I first need to set the studio to where I can technically record him at [his] best, then help him while performing, then pick up the best portions of his takes, then blend the recordings real nicely within the other elements of the song.
What drew you to the Baltimore music scene?
I was drawn to Baltimore by my manager. She was born and raised right here in the city. I’m currently working with Skarr Akbarr, who just recently signed to a label in which I’m not sure I can disclose. He’s also an artist managed by Swen Brock of U-Turn Management. The two management companies, Morrison Management and U-Turn, linked. So, I’m working with the artist under his umbrella. I’ve done a few projects with an artist named Ox who’s also from here.
What do you think of the Baltimore hip-hop scene?
The Baltimore hip-hop scene is a little different from any other places I’ve been. There is a great blend of hardcore hip-hop, dancing with the club mixes and the Southern-type sound. … This city seems to be on the come up. I’ve learned about a few of the pioneers in the city as well — Sean Caesar, Scotty B, Kevin Liles and K-Swift … I’m excited about the city because I see so much potential here. Rest in peace, K-Swift.

Can you talk about the project you’re looking to place here in Baltimore?
I own a very large studio in Italy where music is not as major as something like fashion. I look at a place like Baltimore and see the artists like Skarr, Bossman, Mully, Comp, Smash, B-Fly and ShellBe Raw, and I see how hard they grind. I’d like to have a spot where they can further develop their craft and have industry power players check them out. I’ve been looking at some commercial real estate here so we will see what the outcome of that will be.

For more on Irko, visit irko.it or contact Sherida Morrison at Sherida.morrison@irko.it. Timothy Cooper is a Baltimore-based hip-hop writer. Contact him at nativsunn@yahoo.com


Enjoy your time visiting..
WWW.IRKO.IT