Today we’d like to introduce you to Colin Curtis.
Hi Colin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m Colin ‘ADG’ Curtis, I was born and raised in Kansas City, KS and I have had an interest in music as back as I can remember. I began making beats and learning to record in 2005 while in high school at Sumner Academy, and working with my peers/ local artists Novacain, Dewey Da Don, and Yo Wingman, among others, to produce and record their mixtapes.
After high school, I went off to college and pursued a career in politics for ~15 years where I worked as a strategic communications and campaign management professional and gained experience working in government and senior leadership roles across the country.
In 2022, I was feeling pretty burnt out with politics generally and took a step back from working on campaigns, and began working on other projects while also refocusing on music production. That same year, I also began working closely with Kansas City’s resident Super Producer, Joseph ‘Jo Blaq’ Macklin, to build partnerships and help manage operations at his new state of the art studios and multimedia hub here in town – The DISTRKCT. Since making the switch I have been lucky enough to work with numerous up and coming Kansas City artists including NoLimitTC, Jooby Truth, Sweetss, Kelron, Sovi Haze, Mike Doso among others; as well as artists in DC, Baltimore, Dallas, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Deciding to step back from a steady career in politics and ultimately land back into music wasn’t the easiest decision or adjustment to make. I’ve been lucky to have a strong support system, as well as a good network and welcoming artist communities both in Kansas City and DC that have allowed me to make that transition.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am music producer and audio engineer. I enjoy the production side of things most, from listening to albums and searching out new sounds or samples to coming up with melodies and drum patterns. I find it therapeutic and enjoy the moments of escape it can provide. I try to remain consistent so I make a lot of beats – usually 2-3 a day – and within those try to explore new ideas or genres as I learn. Overall, I tend to pull a lot of influence from Jazz and 60’s/ 70’s Soul and Funk records, as well as early-mid 2000’s hip hop in my production.
I’m really proud a lot of the music we’ve made here in Kansas City this year and the creative community that we’re building over at DISTRKCT. I think we’ve got an incredible amount of talent here and that it’s a good time for the city’s music scene, feels more united and collaborative than I’ve ever seen it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My wife, Jane, and my parents. I never would have stepped back from politics without their encouragement/ reassurance.
Jo Blaq for his encouragement, feedback and advice over the last few years. He’s taught me a tremendous amount about music production, engineering, and how to approach the music business overall.
Novacain, Dewey Da Don, and Yo Wingman who are some of the first artists I ever worked with and have probably heard ever beat I’ve ever made since high school – good, bad, and ugly. Their feedback and support has been essential as I’ve gotten back into this work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ADGBeats.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colinacurtis/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColinACurtis
