Artist Spotlight: Music Man Ph. D.

Dr. LaMotta Roundtree, known as Music Man Ph.D, is a multi-talented musician, pastor, and humanitarian dedicated to giving back through his work. His new song, “Heartbeat of the Heartland,” honors American workers, and all its profits will go to humanitarian causes. He created the track in collaboration with a UK studio and has produced around 200 songs with them, many alongside his wife, Lorraine J. Roundtree.
 

With a background as a professional drummer who worked with major artists, and holding doctorates in philosophy and humanitarianism, Roundtree leads a diverse career that includes owning media outlets and creating music across many genres. Despite his busy life, his main goal is to promote love, peace, and global connection, using his music to help address suffering and support others worldwide.
 

Pulling back the curtain, Dr. La Motta Roundtree AKA Music Man Ph.D shares what fuels their artistry, the pressure of legacy, and the joy of creating something timeless

Eye On Pop: How do you approach writing music for different projects, like films, commercials, or collaborations?

Music Man Ph. D.: Whenever I get visions or dreams about something strong that catches my attention. I write it down no matter what time it is. Next, I begin to replay my vision or dream over and over, from that point, something kicks in, and a picture begins to form that opens me up to create. 

Eye On Pop: Have you experimented with different genres or styles in your music? What’s that been like?

Music Man Ph. D.: All my life, I've listened to music. Yes, I've studied many different artists from different genres. It took me many years until I could hear their style playing in my head throughout my day. 

Eye On Pop: What’s your favorite part of being in the studio or recording a song?

Music Man Ph. D.: My favorite part of recording is playing the role of an audio mastering tech. I was the Audio mastering tech for ASR Recording Services of California. I master music from living and non-living ones who have passed on for the contract company K-tel, video games, and medical audio and video training. When I'm in the studio, I can hear every instrument in my tracks and others. Many times my listening I had to send audio back for parts to be recorded in before public release.

Eye On Pop: How do you stay inspired and motivated to keep creating new music?

Music Man Ph. D.: From my vision and dreams, there's always something about love, encouragement, inspirational words, and what it would sound like if audio were added. That's my inspiration. I remember when I was a child, my mother made me turn off listening to music. She explained to me that music is the only thing in my life all day, every day. It motivated me for the love of all music that has the message of love, encouragement, and inspiration. 

Eye On Pop: How do you think about failure and success in your music career?

Music Man Ph. D.: I've wanted to learned the same song and dance from those who fulfill what I wanted to become as one of the greatest. I've also learned that failures always play their role in my learning my lessons. My success in music is from learning that one day, when that day comes, I will learn what to do and what not to do. 

Eye On Pop: How would you describe your artistic identity—what makes your sound unique?

Music Man Ph. D.: My artistic identity as a songwriter is known for the rules that make a writer different from all other songwriters. If you look at a group, you know its differences from any other group. Mine are words of melodies that roll throughout the whole audio music style. I focus on bridges the intro, verses, choruses, bridge,  instrumental, and outro. All I'm doing is telling a story from the beginning to the end. There's only a small number of songwriters who took that class in learning to write.

Eye On Pop: What’s the most technically challenging song you’ve ever worked on, and why?

Music Man Ph. D.: Technically challenging songs I've written were lyrics from other countries and their music style, including instruments. Learning that country musical sound and vocalist arrangement songs that are their top picks on their charts, I'll take it on, because it's still music. Because I only speak English, it's challenging to know and understand their feeling and meaning behind a language that songwriters don't know, yet I'm still learning. 

Eye On Pop: Is there a dream director or visual artist you’d love to collaborate with for a music project?

Music Man Ph. D.: Yes, Jefferson Airplane/Starship Grace Slick. I've studied their style just about all my life. For Heartbeat of the Heartland, it was Dolly Rebecca Parton, the legend of country music. I wanted her to record her version of America's national anthem. Jefferson Airplane/Starship's messages in songwriting had spiritual codes within, without saying any names about whom they were writing about.

Eye On Pop: Are there any upcoming projects, songs, or releases you’re especially excited about?

Music Man Ph. D.: Yes. I'm creating the music videos for all my songs as the Creator, Director, and Editor. Alone with Lorraine J. Roundtree. I've finished one already to be released as a music video with its new song. "I've learned the hard way what not to do," written by Dr. La Motta Roundtree, AKA Music Man Ph.D.

Eye On Pop: When people listen to your work, what message or feeling do you hope they take away?

Music Man Ph. D.: I dream that my messenger as a songwriter is the message the people take away is not saying the word Love, Joy, and peace, but to show the love, their Joy, and our peace.