Lenny Hamilton, Jr.

Official Autobiography (courtesy of Lenny Hamilton)  

Howdy! I'm a producer, songwriter, & musician currently based out of Nashville, Tennessee [USA]. There is one thing about 'me' that definitely sums me up in a big way... I am crazy about music! My whole life has revolved around it. It's impossible for me to imagine myself doing anything else but music. So, here I am.. in 2010.. and almost 25 years since I made my very first recording on my trusty little 4-track cassette tape machine. I am still making music. Welcome to my world! :-)

I grew up listening to just about anything I could get my hands on! There was always lots of soul, R&B, 70s disco.. you name it! I was in love with Natalie Cole when I was 6 years old (my first singer-obsession). Eventually, I discovered 'Songs In The Key Of Life'. I was too young to truly understand and appreciate Stevie Wonder's genius at the time. But, isn't it amazing that I am still listening to that album more than 30 years later!?

I was lucky enough to grow up in an era with lots of great music as a kid. Then.. when Prince came on the scene with 'Purple Rain' in 1984, a whole new world opened up for me as a young aspiring musician. I found an appreciation for music that transcends genre, race, culture, etc. Today, I definitely I have very diverse, eclectic tastes in music.. for which I am truly grateful. You should see my iPod!! I'd say my main influences have been people like Sade, Luther Vandross, Seal, Bryan Loren, Chuckii Booker, Daryl Coley, Sting, Nile Rogers, Jeff Lorber, David Gamson, and of course.. Prince (who inspired me to pursue a music career in the 1st place).

After graduating from University of Miami (with a business marketing degree of all things), I imagined my life as a aspiring recording artist would continue as planned. I figured I would be able to work in the marketing field if this whole singing career thing didn't work out. Yet, I was surprised to discover I had other interests relating to all things 'technical' and 'behind the scenes'. I even went back to school for audio engineering.. finishing at the top of my class and feeling re-energized within a very competitive field. But, I had been neglecting my first love of producing, writing, and just making good music.

These days I am embarking on a whole new journey in my career. I am excited to be able to put everything that I have learned over the years into a full-length album ('WAYOUT'). I am working to become more visible professionally and bring more awareness to what I do as a musician, producer, writer, graphic designer, you name it. I definitely have found my own voice musically and personally; that is really big. I really love having the freedom to work in a more independent music environment; it is inspiring. The 'rules' have changed drastically over the years.. so.. I don't have many rules other than 'just do it!' My feeling is.. if you want something in life or career, you have to go get it.. believe in yourself.. have passion.. and never give up on a desire to do what you love. If there is something you are looking to do in life.. do it right now!

One thing that I am really proud of is the way I've always been able to make what little technology I've had over the years sound good. In my earlier recordings, I did my best to use restraint and try to be more clever in my approach to producing and building layers of instruments.. because I didn't have an unlimited amount of resources. I had to figure out a way to make everything sound as professional as possible. Not much has changed since then. At times it can be a little challenging to achieve the sonic quality I'd like. But, I didn't want to let anything keep me from moving forward or cause me to question whether or not my work holds up to any standards out there. Life is not long enough to waste time wondering if you are good enough, worrying about what people are going to think, or feeling limited in any way. These days I feel 'at home' in those big studios with all the bells and whistles.. because at the end of the day.. give me just a few pieces of recording gear and I can make it work.
~ Lenny


"Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can"
[Arthur Ashe]