Life & Work with Adam Ducey of South Hampton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Ducey.

Hi Adam, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
It all started back when I was in middle school. I was on YouTube and saw a video of someone creating a beat in FL Studio (music production software). I thought it was the coolest thing, so I figured out how to get a copy of the software and started messing around with it. It became a fun hobby of mine. I made a little home studio in my parent’s basement and started producing beats under the name “DJ Duce,” which was given to me by a childhood friend. Throughout High School, I taught myself the ins and outs of the software and enjoyed creating music even if the beats were trash, lol.

In college, I got into DJing to make some easy money. I would DJ fraternity and sorority events, bars, and pool parties. I made a few tracks throughout college but learned quickly that making dance music is different from making beats, so I was trying to teach myself on YouTube. At this point, I had stopped making beats and started getting into mainstream dance music.

I graduated from the University of Missouri in 2019, got a job, and got married to my beautiful wife. I wanted to keep creating music but felt it was past me. What turned me around was a buddy showing me a band called Rufus Du Sol, a different kind of dance music I needed to familiarize myself with. I enjoyed the style and listened to similar artists and ended up going to a Lane 8 concert at Red Rocks with some of my best friends. There were moments in the concert when I felt this was what I needed to be doing. So when I got home from the trip, I started creating again and found myself making the progressive and melodic house sound. That was in the Fall of 2021; since then, it has become a huge part of my life, a very aggressive hobby I like to call it. I’ve learned a lot and met many great people so far. In January 2023, a dream of mine came true when I released my first track, signed by Masvingo Recordings. I changed my name from DJ Duce to just “Duce.” I have a bunch of music in the works now, creating many connections in the industry, and it’s been a great journey getting to where I am today!

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
1.) Learning Mixing & Music. The theory is that I didn’t know anyone else producing the same music as me; YouTube can only help you so much. I’ve always produced based on what sounds good, have never really paid attention to the notes on a scale, and thought it was something I would never understand. It was tough because I felt like I had the pieces to create a great song, but having experience with mixing or music theory took a lot of work. I had to overcome the fact that I wouldn’t be able to learn these overnight, but I wanted to spend my time making music instead of teaching myself. But you learn to mix throughout, creating track after track and getting feedback and advice. It was way more effective than studying a YouTube video since they were actual comments on tracks I made. Sometimes I look back at tracks I made a year or two ago, and it’s cool to see how far I’ve come in terms of quality since then. But a big regret of mine is not taking advantage of music or production courses offered in college.

2.) Finding A Community. It was challenging when I started creating dance music because I needed someone to turn to for feedback or advice. I found a few like-minded producers on Instagram and started leaning on them for feedback and advice, just asking random questions because I had no idea what I was doing then. Discord groups were also something I had just learned about when an IG producer invited me to one that was all melodic and progressive house producers. I have finally found my community and have used them to help me grow.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main focus right now is to consistently release high-quality music that resonates with my audience. As part of my goals for 2023, I aim to put out 5-10 tracks, which I believe is attainable. To make this happen, I’ve been working hard during my free time, putting in long hours after work and on weekends, and so far, it has paid off.

I’m especially thrilled about an upcoming collaboration with my buddy, Jackson Brauer (JVXN), which is set to be released on May 26th via STIG Records. We’ve worked very hard on this project, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. I also have a few more releases in the pipeline, so I’m doing my best to keep the momentum going.

What are you most proud of?
I’m incredibly proud of myself for continuing to pursue my passion, even when things get tough. There have been times when I’ve felt discouraged and wondered if all the effort was worth it. However, my motivation has always been centered around creating music that I genuinely love.

For me, music is a form of self-expression and an outlet to channel my creativity. When other people appreciate and enjoy my music, it’s just the icing on the cake! Ultimately, my focus is on creating something that I’m proud of and that resonates with me on a personal level. If others connect with it as well, then that’s just a bonus.

What sets you apart from others?
As a melodic & progressive house producer, what sets me apart from others is my commitment to creating music that balances both melody and rhythm. I try to create tracks that not only feature memorable melodies and harmonies, but also powerful and driving beats that move the listener.

My aim is to create music that moves and grooves people, without sacrificing the melodic and emotional elements that make the genre so special. I love experimenting with different sounds and textures, blending organic and electronic elements to create a unique sound that reflects my style.

What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next couple of years, this style of music will become a lot more mainstream than it is now. Look at Beyonce & Drake’s newest albums, a lot more dancey than we are used to, and I’m all here for it. There is so much room for creativity and growth in this style of music (melodic/progressive house) I don’t think it’s going anywhere. And I will do everything in my power to continue to produce this kind of music – if I’m not producing in the next 5-10 years, I better be dead or deaf! Hope not lol

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djducemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theducemusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-ducey-2823b4156/
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/duce_music

Image Credits
Liz Ducey (sister) IG – @lizduceyy