Music producer Inferno, aka Marshaun Dunigan, CEO of the The Administration Production Team, may be by far one of the most personable players on Detroit’s multi-layered music scene. And in an industry where so many complain about the cut throat nature of the industry, that speaks volumes. Inferno skillfully maintains a balance between outright enthusiasm and cold hard business savvy, making him one of the most sought after producers in the business. Established in 2008, Inferno has managed to position his APT company to handle the upper echelon in Detroit’s hierarchy of talent and artist. Rolling out spoke with the talented producer recently while recording at UDetroit Cafe about his musical musings and his plans for the future. –roz edward
Who have you worked to this point?
There are so many I am afraid I am going to miss some, but we have done production for K Jon, Mary J.Blige, Jennifer Lopez, Benzino, Pen Pal and a slew of others. We have just done a Chrysler Imported from Detroit Commercial for the 300 M and we are working on a couple of things right now for Ford Motor Company.
What are you working on now?
Right now we are working on Keri Hilson’s album where we are doing some production for her. And we’re actually in conjunction with Notting Hill Music which is a publishing house in California, where we’re doing some things with major artists out there — but it’s nothing I can discuss right now. But I can tell you that we are working on rising star, Jennifer Sheffield’s new album.
So, how did you move from artists to production?
I was signed to Brian Waters in conjunction with Bad Boy Entertainment for four years, and that’s where I got the behind the scenes take on music and what it entailed. That’s what motivated me to start a company and move forward in that direction.
What do you like best about the music industry and what do you like least?
The best part is that we can be as creative as we want to be and we can express ourselves freely without restraint. What I like least is that people don’t understand or appreciate the time and effort that we put behind the music. From the production end from creating to writing to mixing and mastering all the way to getting it to the consumer’s ear, takes 16 to 24 hours for a three-minute track.
What keeps you inspired?
My staff. I love them to death and they keep me inspired and motivated — DeShawn Studavent, Desmond Travis, Sean McClain, Clinton Johnson, Michael Luster, Khamall Dunigan, Floyd Simpson and Marcus Beeks keep me going.
