Fanatic

Grammy Award Winning Producer

Interview by Teresa B. Howell

Andreao “Fanatic” Heard is a record producer from Greensboro, North Carolina. He produced “Crush on You” for Lil’ Kim and “’Yall Know’” for Will Smith’s ten million seller “Big Willie Style.” Discovered by Vincent Herbert, Fanatic moved to New York City, where he connected with P. Diddy and became a part of his “Hitmen” production team and produced records for the Notorious B.I.G. and Ma$e. He then produced the song “Heaven Can Wait” for Michael Jackson. Next, he received recognition from the Grammy association for his participation as a producer on Beyoncé’s 2003 GRAMMY Award-winning album “Dangerously in Love,”. Fanatic also contributed as a producer on Anthony Hamilton’s 2013 Grammy nominated album “Back To Love”.

In 2019, Heard worked with local artists, community leaders and activists in Greensboro to create the “Artists United to End Poverty” album, which features original material in various genres of music as well as interludes of spoken word. The album was released on September 9, 2019 jointly by Heard’s entertainment company, The Culture Pushers and Sixthboro Entertainment, and all proceeds from the sales went to United Way of Greater Greensboro to help end local poverty.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a Grammy award winning record producer from Greensboro, North Carolina and now a recording artist and frontman for my band Billie Lennox.

How long have you been involved in the music industry?

I have over 20 years of experience in the music business.

What made you decide to be serious about music?

Music got serious for me pretty early as the Hip Hop group I was in started getting our songs played on the radio and we started making records which was rare at the time coming from Greensboro.

Who are your major music influences?

My major influences were Mantronik, Biz Markie, Dj Premiere, Pete Rock, Dr. Dre, Ali Shaeed Muhammad, Prince, Cream, Led Zepplin, The Beatles, Curtis Mayfield, D’Angelo, Maxwell, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Phil Spector, Sly Stone, Ohio Players, Marvin Gaye, Devante’. I am consumed with music. Which is how I got the name “Fanatic”.

I know you have worked with many talented artists/ celebrities. Can you tell us 1 to 2 of your favorite stories?

So many stories. So many artists. I’ll give you this. I was told Lil’ Kim didn’t like the track to “Crush On You”. Biggie had to convince her to record it.

Michael Jackson warmed up with his vocal coach for 2 hours and then only sang 15 mins and then broke out.

I made the beat for The Fugees, “Killing Me Softly”. Wyclef didn’t pay me, give me credit or any publishing. Then, actually tried to sign me years later.

What is it like working with major stars, opposed to working with up and coming artists?

I like working with major stars versus new artists. I’m an artist today because of all the things I learned working with Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Biggie, P.Diddy and Vincent Herbert.

Which people or books have had the most influence on your music career and why?

I read a lot of biographies. I’ve read probably 10 to 12 Prince biographies, Sly Stone and Elvis’s manager Colonel Tom Parker’s biography. Prince probably had the most influence on me but so did Colonel Tom Parker as I’m moving into the artist space. The early part of Elvis’s career was orchestrated to perfection. His image, his music, career moves etc. Now I see why Prince and Michael Jackson were secretly mirroring a lot of the things Elvis did.

What would you say is the #1 key to success in the music industry?

The key to success for a producer is “signature sound” and “fusion.” Every icon in the music industry did a fusion of multiple genres, so that their music attracted a larger audience. All the greatest producers and artists have a signature sound.

Tell us about Billie Lennox. How did this project come about?

Billie Lennox came about through my frustration with producing artists that had the talent, but quit when the other aspects of the business got tough. You have to be resilient when it comes to being a recording artist. You have to believe this is what God sent you here to do. No matter how hard it gets you have to believe you are gonna make it. You have to believe that God sent you all of these songs for a reason and it’s your job to deliver them to the universe. You have to believe you are the messenger and you are here to inspire millions. The pandemic happened and when everything stopped, I started writing and recording with no distractions. When I looked up, I had found a consistent direction and sound that was different. I also wanted to show the world a black man doing Rock and Roll again. A black, confident front man. We haven’t seen that in awhile. It’s like the industry forgot about Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Terrence Trent D’Arby, Pharell or Andre 3000. They forgot about the fashion, sexuality and how unique they were in their expression. I can’t wait for them to see Billie Lennox. It’s all of those things and more. There’s Prince, Hendrix, Creme, Arctic Monkeys, The Kills, Queens of The Stone Age and Kanye all in this music. Whenever we do Rock and Roll we do it at the highest level. I’m definitely shooting for “Best New Artist” and “Best Rock Album” at the Grammys.

Tell us about Culture Pushers. How can artists interested in helping out get involved?

The Culture Pushers are a non-profit I started with Anthony Hamilton’s manager Eli Davis. We focus on protecting the dreams and passions of artists and musicians. Many of our most gifted creatives fall victim to the complexities of everyday life or adversity in the music business. We address these issues through financial assistance, counseling, wellness, access to our extensive network and mentorship. We put a huge spark in the music community here in Greensboro and gave so much hope to those that desire a career in music. Covid-19 slowed us down with our initiatives for this year but as things start opening back up we will continue to be of service to the music community here.

Any new projects in the works you can talk about?

Billie Lennox is the only project that I’m focused on right now. It’s necessary in order to deliver this jewel God has placed so carefully in my possession. It’s my obligation to see it reach its fullest potential.

Does your music come from a place of passion or a place of necessity?

My music comes from a place of passion but I also believe it’s a necessity that the industry sees black artists doing something different and avant garde in a space that we haven’t occupied in awhile.

What advice can you give other individuals who want to follow in your footsteps?

The only advice I can give anyone that wants to be an artist or producer is don’t ever quit and don’t do this for money. The money comes and goes, but you have to always maintain your passion for creating music. That will get you through the low moments.

What is the song you sing in the shower?

I don’t sing in the shower, but my kitchen has the most amazing acoustics, so occasionally I’ll hit one of my songs from my album that I sing in falsetto.

Please list your website and/or your social media platforms.

You can find me at @fanaticakabillielennox, https://www. youtube.com/c/THEFANATICEXPERIENCE, https://solo.to/billielennox

Check out the music videos for “Scars” and “Electrixxx Sex”. They’re very provocative and thought provoking. The imagery and messaging is powerful.