Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Emile Ghantous

Emile Ghantous is the mastermind behind the scenes. The Grammy-nominated, NAACP Award-winning producer has worked on the biggest tracks in music by artists ranging from Chris Brown to Snoop Dogg to Pitbull. But like the rest of the world, Emile was forced to adapt to a new normal when COVID-19 hit. And he did.

During this unprecedented time, Emile teamed up with internet sensation Now United to produce their smash hit, “By My Side,” which has quickly racked up over three hundred thousand streams and over three million video views in under a week.

We caught up with Emile to learn about his career and what adjustments he’s needed to make in this COVID-19 reality.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Emile: Ever since I was a kid, the only thing I ever would think about was music. I remember being seven years old and begging my dad to buy me Michael Jackson’s Thriller. I would play that album over and over and wonder how all those sounds were made. Most kids want toys. I never really played with toys; I would play with stereos.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Emile: I would say Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, L.A. & Babyface, Dallas Austin, Eddie F and the Untouchables, Puffy and the Hitmen, Troy Taylor, and my good friend, Teddy Riley.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Emile: It’s funny, but I don’t feel successful. Even though I’ve heard my songs on the radio for years, I still feel like I’m trying to make it. But I guess if I had to choose a moment, it would be when I was sitting in a crowd of about twenty thousand people and they were all singing a song I had written.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started your career?
Emile: A demo is actually your final master recording if you never touch it or work on it again.

PC: We’re living in unprecedented times, and we’ve all had to adjust to this new normal. How has COVID-19 affected you and the music industry?
Emile: When COVID-19 hit, I lost a lot of business. I never play the victim, so I had to strategize and figure out how I could continue making a living. I had been doing remote writing and production sessions for years, and so I decided to work harder than I’ve ever worked and focus on that one hundred percent. I’ve honestly been busier than I’ve ever been in my career.

PC: Did anything surprise you about producing Now United’s new single remotely?
Emile: Well, I recorded all of the vocals using an iPhone for the mic, and I was pretty surprised that I was able to pull it off.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist
Emile: Jasmine Guy

PC: First album you bought?
Emile: Michael Jackson’s Thriller

PC: First concert you attended?
Emile: Conway Twitty with my dad at a fair.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Emile: New Edition’s Heart Break because I still listen to it now as much as I did thirty years ago and every song has all the ingredients that an R&B and pop album should have. And the sounds were groundbreaking at that time.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Emile: My wallet and phone.

To keep up with Emile, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.