From Gainesville to the GRAMMY Stage: A Conversation with Record Producer Sean Momberger
Last Sunday night, celebrated rapper/songwriter Kendrick Lamar made repeated visits to the stage of the Crypto.com Arena in his native Los Angeles to collect five of the most coveted accolades in the music industry, namely the GRAMMY Awards for Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Best Music Video, Song of the Year and the prestigious Record of the Year, all for the hit track “Not Like Us.” This last trophy was especially notable in that it is only the second time in GRAMMY history that Record of the Year has gone to a Hip-Hop song, the first being 2019’s “This is America” by Childish Gambino. A big part of the massive success of “Not Like Us” is due to its innovative production team comprised of Mustard, Sounwave and rising music creator Sean Momberger.
A 34-year-old record producer from Gainesville, Florida, Momberger took equal inspiration from hometown hero Tom Petty as he did from Kanye West. After first cutting his teeth on drums and piano, Momberger started experimenting with a drum machine. He began producing in his teens, and by age 23, had moved to Los Angeles to pursue a full-time career.
Now a GRAMMY-winner himself, Momberger sat down with BMI fresh off his big night to discuss his remarkable journey. Here’s what he had to say.
How did you get your start?
I got my start at the age of 12 in 8th grade when my parents bought me a beat machine for $100. I was interested in music since playing drums in middle school in Gainesville, FL.
Was there a specific piece of music that first compelled you to pursue it as a career? If so, what was it?
One song that will always captivate and inspire me is “Through the wire” by Kanye West. After hearing it, and subsequently The College Dropout album, it sparked a pursuit of beat-making and a desire to want to learn more about musical production and do it myself. I was actually listening to The College Dropout while getting ready for the GRAMMYs this past weekend, so it’s still an inspiration and something that propels me even now.
You’ve already amassed a pretty diverse array of credits, having worked with everyone from Doja Cat, Nicki Minaj and Kodak Black to Gunna, Lil Baby and Justin Bieber. What’s the secret to a fulfilling collaboration?
First of all, I appreciate you for mentioning such great collaborations that I’m thankful to have been a part of. I think all collaborations are unique, and it’s always been helpful to work with intent and to focus on only one or two projects to work with at a time. I’ve found sometimes narrowing the focus and only being a part of a few collaborations with select producers and artists who I frequently work with has helped with enjoying the process of collaborating and leading to a fulfilling feeling after the song/project you worked on is released for everyone to hear.
How did you first get involved with Kendrick Lamar?
I began working with Kendrick Lamar through working with Mustard. We first started in 2020, when Mustard invited me to his studio. Mustard and I have been working constantly for about five years, and just recently produced “tv off” on Kendrick’s new album GNX.
When you were working on “Not Like Us,” did you have any perception that it was going to be the monumental record that it became?
I actually did the sample for “Not Like Us,” and it began with a Monk Higgins/Ray Charles song. I explored the sample because I thought it would be a great contemporary adaptation of the Delta Blues. I loved the idea, initially of course, but I must say, I definitely didn’t think it was going to be the home-run that it is today. I sent the idea to Mustard for Kendrick, along with a few others. And after a day or two, Mustard said Kendrick had chosen our beat, and once he told me which sample they used, I thought it would be a cool song. But I didn’t ever imagine it would grow to this magnitude and become what it is today. And of course, there was some secrecy around it, so Mustard and I didn’t hear the complete song until it was released. But I always did recognize the fact that being a part of a Mustard and Kendrick collaboration would be a huge moment, because of each of them being such talented creators with such storied and decorated musical histories and both being from Los Angeles and working together for the first time.
What was your first reaction when you learned it was nominated for Record of the Year?
It honestly didn’t feel real, at first. But my first reaction was excitement, of course, and then mostly gratitude for Kendrick and Mustard for allowing me to be a part of such a tremendously impactful record.
Now as an official GRAMMY-winner, do you have any musical aspirations that have yet to be brought to fruition?
This was obviously a big accomplishment, and one I will forever be grateful for. I think one thing that could be cool is to work with an artist from Florida, or any upcoming and/or undiscovered artist to develop, and help start the journey of a career in music or potentially start my own label one day. Who knows? Great question!
Tell us a little bit about your creative process?
My creative process is something I definitely attribute to being a big part of my success, and I definitely consider myself lucky to be able to do music every day. I do most of my creating from a home studio, and it is an important part of my process. Creating from my home studio greatly enhances my process and helps gives me both the access and ability to have a consistent creation and output of musical works.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully, the Super Bowl with Mustard. But most definitely more fulfilling collaborations and working with new artists and producers who share the same passions and respect for the craft of music. And, mostly, just making impactful songs that can positively impact and inspire fans and people in the United States and around the world.
Describe your relationship with BMI
I have been signed and working with BMI for over 15 years and am forever thankful for our relationship. BMI has been a terrific PRO and offered great help and resources along the way of my career. From the start of my musical aspirations in Florida, to winning a GRAMMY Award at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, BMI has been a great partner and family for me. It’s a relationship that I both cherish and look forward to continually growing throughout my career. They have the utmost confidence in me and really stand behind me. I also want to give a special shout-out to BMI’s Alex Bostelman for always taking care of me!
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