Spotlight: Orhan Tagizade AKA The WNeork
Orhan Taghizadeh, known professionally as The WNeork is a singer, songwriter and producer who was born in Baku, Azerbaijan. During his childhood, he attended both educational school and music school simultaneously. At music school he studied the piano and singing. He started to compose songs on the piano when he was 6 years old and wrote his first song called “Moonlight”. During his school years he played several concerts with an orchestra. Upon graduating from music school, the director encouraged him to continue his music career at a professional musical conservatory. however, due to fewer and fewer opportunities for musicians in Azerbaijan, Orhan was not able to continue his career in this way.
After studying economics at university and a stint working at the Central Bank of the Azerbaijan, he made the decision to focus on his true passion - music. He never stopped writing, singing songs and working to realize his dreams, so he took a chance and moved to live in the United Kingdom.
Below we find out how this classically trained, determined musician is embracing music in today’s modern world
Tell us about your musical journey – how did you get into production?
I started going to music school when I was 6 years old. I was playing piano and I was a member of the school choir. From my childhood I started to compose songs on the piano and sing them. Despite achieving my masters degree in Economics, I’ve always wanted to be a musician. Music is part of my life that I would never give up.
What’s your major career goal?
I have always wanted to be a famous musician and be remembered for my songs. I want to decorate the world with my melodies and encourage people to do more in their lives. Music is the language of feelings and impressions, I want to talk in this language with the whole population of the world, from little children to the older generations. I also want to compose music for a movie with an orchestra in the future. I have composed many soundtracks without publishing them.
What are your upcoming releases?
A song called “Language of Love” by Francesco Paky. I like this track so much and it will be released in 2-3 weeks by a well-known record label. Also a song called “Summer Up”. My own songs “Feel Me Dark” and “Greenback Talks” will be released on my own youtube channel: “The WNeork”
Tell us about your setup – from your studio to your DAW. What’s your favorite piece of gear?
Im using a Digi001 on an Athlon TB 800 System built around an Asus A7V Motherboard. Close second would be my drum mics, an AKG Emotion 5-pack drum mic kit, and a Shure sm-57 for the snare and vocal. The DAW is the crowning glory, the mixer is the cornerstone, and the Mics hold everything up/together.
Tell us about your production process. Do you have a particular formula you keep to?
Every song that I compose is valuable for me. To prepare them I need a fresh brain and deep emotions. For this I always drink coffee or tea with chocolate or candy while processing and closing my eyes and listening carefully. This is the best formula to keep me in my project. It allows me to see the future of the song.
Out of all the records you’ve made, what’s your favorite and why?
My favorite record is the first song that I published on my youtube channel - “One Way”. In it I explain my own life in the music video - that I’m searching for a place where I will find myself and it can happen in only one way.
Who would you most like to work with, and why?
I always prefer to work with people who love doing their work and enjoy music, because enthusiasm brings creativity and creativity creates good music.
Which artists do you find inspiring? Why?
For me, first of all, it is Michael Jackson. I like it when an artist is not only singing, but is also making us feel the need to feel and understand a new concept, and use it in our own life to reach success. Secondly I watched movies about that guy, “Mr. Nobody”, but had never heard about his music career. When I heard his voice while singing the 30 Seconds to Mars song “Kings and Queens” I had nearly the same feeling as when listening to MJ. His singing is so deep and emotional.
Who is your favorite producer? Why?
I guess it is Dr. Dre. He is a living legend of music and has done many successful works during his career. He loves his work so much and doesn’t stop improving himself. Also his work with my favorite rapper, Eminem, made me respect him more. In addition, I like Kanye West, Drake, and Pharell Williams too.
What are your top 5 favorite records of all time?
Crawling by Linkin Park
Born to Die by Lana Del Rey
Skyfall by Adele
The Show Must Go On by Queen
Lose Yourself by Eminem
What’s your guilty pleasure song?
My Humps by Black Eyed Peas.
What do you look for in a singer?
Love of music and responsibility. If these two things are combined, there will be no problems. The singer and the producer have to inspire each other to work. Without desire how can the final result be beautiful?
Do you have a favorite microphone you prefer to record vocalists on? If so, why?
Shure SM58, for a long time now, has held the crown of “Most Popular Vocal Mic in the World“ and it works just as well in the studio.
Have you made new connections through Vocalizr? Has it opened any doors for you?
Yes, I have made many friends here from other countries like France, USA, Mexico, Spain, and Australia and it’s great to work with them without meeting each other face-to-face. We’re talking daily with the help of social media. It’s such a great opportunity for all of us. I’m very thankful to Vocalizr - that it launched and gave us a great chance to find ourselves in music and to find a way to reach our main goals.
If you were stuck on a deserted island, what are 3 things you couldn’t live without?
My piano of course - without music I can not live. A pen - not just to write, it also helps me to concentrate. And soap to stay clean as I can.
Social links:
My instagram: instagram.com/the_wneork
My facebook: facebook.com/thewneork
My youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxWFn3qKemfJyiycuGLjeAw
