Meet multi-platinum selling music producer and EMMY-Award winning producer Bud’da, who’s work spans from producing some of the 1990’s and 2000’s biggest hip-hop & R&B hit records, multiple movie and TV show compositions and now adds creating music for Mecha Cookie Monster to his already stacked resume.
We sat down with Bud’da to find out what led him to Sesame Streets’ loveable cookie eating monster.
Before we dive into the cookie tin, are you a snacker?
Yes! I have always liked snacks growing up. Every night we had a bedtime routine, myself and my two sisters, bath time and snack time! I always looked forward to snack time right before bed. For some kids, it may keep them from sleeping but for me it did the opposite, a snack was the cherry on top to my day, it felt like a reward!
Which is your favorite cookie flavor?
I would say, one of my favorite snacks has always been chocolate chip cookies, and I have a great recipe that was given to me by a cousin of mine. It’s a chocolate chip cookie in a cast-iron skillet and all you need is one cast iron skillet, one stick of butter, chocolate syrup, cookie mix and chocolate chips. Mush together, make into cookie shapes and back in at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 min, let cool for 5 min then enjoy with a spoon.. and maybe a scoop of your favorite ice cream!
You have written several songs for Sesame Street and in particular Cookie Monster, how did that come about?
The relationship with myself and Sesame Street came from a project I did last year called Mecha builders, I wrote and produced the theme song for the animated show, it was something totally knew that Sesame was trying out with some of their older characters giving them a whole new perspective. Elmo, Abby Cadabby and Cookie Monster in the animated series Mecha Builders are now Mecha Elmo, Mecha Abby, and Mecha Cookie!
They are now robots with superpowers, and they teach valuable lessons of stem science technology engineering and math! The people at Sesame Street and I have such a great working relationship they asked me if I would be interested in writing some other songs aside from Mecha builders, since then I have written two songs for Mecha Cookie, I have written a song called ‘Upstander” enforcing being a upstanding citizen, I also wrote a song encouraging kids that people around the world can inspire them to do great things for themselves! There are a couple other projects in the works that I can’t speak about also.
What do you love most about Mecha Cookie Monster as a character?
His focus, passion and dedication to problem solving and his love of cookies! That’s something that we both have in common! Cookies crumble and sometimes music opportunities crumble but even in the crumble there’s always something sweet!
We love that analogy. Munching on cookies while making music for Cookie.
Yes, cookies can be rewarding, music can be rewarding also! cookies without moderation bring a sore stomach and rotten teeth, music without moderation bring separation with family friends, you may achieve your goals but without the love of others success is empty.
You enlisted Eric Bellinger and Shanice for the ‘Mecha Builders’ theme song. Were they as enthusiastic as you on the project?
Eric and Shanice were both very enthusiastic about being involved with this song! They both have children, and they are both so very talented, I am honored to have had them perform this piece! When I asked Eric he answered with a long yes and said how incredible it would be for his kids to hear him be a part of an animated series that they would watch! I am all about relationships both Eric and Shanice I’ve known for a long time, and we all love to pivot our gifts into different areas!
The theme song for the new show ‘Mecha Builders’ I think showcases my diversity in style. The song is written and produced by me and performed by Eric Bellinger and Shanice. I’m proud to say that it is one of my best works, it’s a mixture or fusion of electronic music and hip-hop. It feels good to have music that people can enjoy from any age.
What instruments did you choose for the theme song?
One of the main instruments that I chose to use is a VST named Serum some of the bass sounds in that plug-in inspired me to do the melody for the final version of the theme song, it’s grimy, it’s big, and it’s funky! I also chose a disco string hit to use throughout the song that helps to weave everything together. My favorite part is when the song modulates to a higher key. That just made the energy go through the roof and was the perfect way to end the song.
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pbc5UYZZzFQ&t=6s
What’s up next for you?
Presently I’m working on some other animated programs that are going to be amazing! We have some new surprises for ‘Mecha Builders’ this year also.
How can people follow you?
I can be found on Instagram and IMDb or my website www.buddamusiconline.com
