Straight out of the Bronx, New York comes a talented young entertainer by the name of Cyres Havana. Cyres, born Michael Williams, is on his way to become one of the hottest new producers in the music industry. This "new kid" - attempting to make music for artist's outside of just hip hop - is making it his business to familiarize fans of all genres about his production firepower. Acquiring a love for music at a young age, he has taken the time to learn the history behind music, preparing himself to take it to the next level. Cyres Havana sets himself apart in that he possesses the necessary drive to take his place as an artist/producer on the rise.

Yo! Raps got a chance to talk to Cyres while he was working on some of his newer projects. Take the chance to get to know a bit about the newest thing to hit the studio: Cyres Havana.

So you got into music when you were young. How did you go from playing the trumpet to doing hip hop music?

Well, I always loved music in general. I wanted to make the beats I heard artists singing to. One day I was at my cousin's house and he had a MPC beat machine. I saw it, jumped on it and the rest is history. I didn't have to read sheet music to hit the drum pads - that was cool.

What was it like growing up in the Bronx, understanding the amount of talent that comes from there?

For one thing it's like every block you're on, there's different music playing out of someone's window, so music is around you twenty four seven. I grew up in the Bronx and Queens area, and if you don't find something to do you can get yourself in some trouble, I learned firsthand [laughs].

Who do you consider some of your musical influences?

My influences come from the sounds around me, if I'm on an elevator you can hear me knocking up drum patterns on the wall. There are too many influences to name. I'm influenced by all genres of music. When it comes to being an emcee my dude Panama (HBO's The Wire), Jay-Z, Kanye West, Rakim, T.I., 50 Cent, and Lupe Fiasco. As a producer, Ryan Leslie, Kanye West, J.R. Rotem, The Runners, Timbaland, Danjahandz, Dr. Luke, Stargate, Mysto and Pizzi.

If you could work with any artist on a project, who would it be?

The Veronicas, Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Lady GaGa, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, T.I., Kanye West, Ryan Leslie, Panama, Rick Ross, Kat DeLuna, Drake, Nicki Minaj and that's not even the half of it! I love what all of these artist bring to the table.

I noticed that you produce songs for multiple genres of music. Do you think this may help you reach a wider fan base versus being in one genre?

Yes, that is what I believe. Let's say I did a track for Jay-Z, which would be cool for all of the hip-hop fans...versus if I did a track for Jay-Z and put The Veronicas on the hook, now we're talking blending genres and fans. I feel being a versatile producer I could rock with any crowd. I rather be out the box than in it - I think that's what my fans like.

From my understanding, you are an emcee as well. Do you think in today's industry it is important to bring more assets to the table in order to get noticed?

Yes, like Panama told me, there are millions of emcees, we need more producers! So being a producer, and of many different genres I'm friends with a lot of different people in the industry that I normally wouldn't be just being an emcee. Also doing different tasks keeps you relevant in today's industry.

That's true. So, if you had to choose one talent, rapping or producing, which one would you prefer?

I would prefer producing because to take a snare, a clap and some kick drums and turn it into a full fledge song is magnificent! Also I get to work with so many artists I would've never thought of working with before.

Some traditional producers feel that technology has made creating music less of an effort, thus taking away from the art. Do you agree with that statement?

I totally disagree. Just like sampling, creating music from scratch is an art form in itself. I respect the old ways because without our forefathers of music, there would be no us. Technology has just made it easier for us to get the tunes out of our head quicker to the mixing boards.

Well, as music changes and evolves, where do you see hip hop going as far as on an international scale?

I feel it will keep on growing as long as songwriters, artists, and producers are not afraid to experiment and try something out the box.

Cyres, tell me about the Empire Epidemic mixtape. Was it always a plan to make this a project highlighting independent artists?

No it was not. It started by Panama hosting it. Second, I got DJ Black Jesus to host it and it just sort of flowed that way.

Are mixtapes the new age way of promoting new talent in your opinion?

Yes, it has helped me with building my fanbase and getting people in the industry to take me seriously. So I advise all music artists to find their local mixtape DJs and contact them asap!

And what about your EP, Guy Like Me? What do you want listeners to get out of this album?

I titled the album Guy Like Me because honestly I feel I'm a rare individual; but at the same time I like fast cars, time travel, women and money just like the next guy. I still have the upper edge of being myself than the next guy, dig? I'm single right now also so this shows all of my fans right now how my state of mind is, being young - this is my life. It's about love for the female, passion, and if you're a go getter like me, you'll love this album. I cater to everyone, the ladies and the fellas. It will be available on iTunes and other major online stores in March of 2010.

What else can we expect from you and The Federal District Label?

Well right now I'm a young mogul in the works; I'm actually going through legal issues with the name "Federal" so I'm in works of changing my label name. Once all cleared, I'm working on major distribution with my label imprint. I have a couple artists I'm looking at signing to the new label. Also I'm producing for some artists along the way. Look out for my solo mixtape hosted by DJ Smallz entitled Outta The Stargate, with all production by me.

What are some of your goals for 2010?

Well, I already got one of my dream cars, secondly officially launching the new label. Third, work with more artists, get major record placements and ink the right major distribution deal.

What type of stamp would you like to put on the music industry?

I want to be known as an icon that can change the face of the earth, and be known to create hits! Also collab with artist that we never imagined doing a track together, make history!

Let the people know where they can find you online...

You can find me at www.myspace.com/CyresHavana, www.CyresHavana.com and www.youtube.com/FederalDistricttv. Follow me on twitter at www.twitter.com/Cyreshavana.   

- By Jovan Bland