We had the good fortune of connecting with Rolando Ordonez III and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rolando, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Taking risks is a huge part of why I’ve been able to achieve my dream of music production and working with many artists. Dropping out of college to pursue music was my biggest risk because it meant that i had no backup degree to fall down on, and to maintain supporting myself in this choice, I had to really give it my all. Taking risks comes in all shapes and sizes, your small risk is as big of a risk as your more scarier life changing risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a music producer, my main art is in creating a sound that the artist hears in their head, and bringing it to life. The way my brain works in music production is super specific to the artist I am working with or my own music and mood. Many producers will create loops and make a beat effortlessly to upload to a site and sell. My brain has to create the beat around the artist to fit them as best as possible. I will start off in a session with an artist bringing a basic melody to life and a drum pattern to get the artist inspired to begin writing. i’ll than create a simple arrangement for the artist and have them come back to the studio to record vocals. I then finish the beat with counter melodies and percussion and more intricate drum patterns to compliment their main vocal melody so the song fits to them and their style. I am most proud of my studio. It began super simple in my bedroom on a square monitor and some headphones, to the full setup that it is today. Dedicating the most amount of time to practicing and investing in myself to become the best producer that I can be. It wasn’t easy by any means, but, persistence and accountability with people I trust. A lesson that has truly brought me far in this journey so far is to not be afraid to break the rules. There are guidelines to what sounds good and what works, but sometimes stepping out of the box is what leads to finding your niche and sound that separates you apart from other producers. I want the world to know me not as an individual creator, but as the conductive force for all that I create. What’s important to me is the message behind my music and the style it is produced in, and I want people to recognize that before they recognize me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Fabrication Yard is a great place for unusual sights. It’s a free wall space for graffiti artists in West Dallas, and you’re bound to find something that inspires. I’d definitely bring a visitor there. On the weekends, the Dallas Farmers Market is a great place to hang out until noon, and has some great spots for food. Ka-Tip is a local favorite, serving Thai street food. We have a couple great record stores here too that I like to bring guests from out of town, my favorite is Spinster Records in Bishop Arts. Josey Records is also a good one, with a huge selection.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout goes out to all the music producers and artists who have also dropped out of school or quit work to pursue the scary industry in independent music. The huge, yet tight community on youtube, instagram, reddit, various forums & much more is super helpful when pursuing this passion. I’ve found myself on youtube watching videos or speaking with strangers over random forums to get help in marketing, production technique & even vocal training. The online community is a huge help in getting started in this industry.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialrolomusic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RolandoOrdonez3

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/RolandoOrdonezIII

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/28YUjXiXYtUsgW6lphLKih?si=U7ZJNlOCTiWwZLaMqmRTNw

Image Credits
Photos shot by: @lane.photo @saruhrose @deportra_st @schraderfotowerks

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.