Exclusive Interview
Dec 30, 2025
Produced by: Rudy Manager
Edited by: Rudy Manager & Andrej Aroch
FaxOnly - Grammy-Nominated Producer on Leon Thomas’ “MUTT” & Building Community
More than a year after our last conversation, we reconnected with multi-platinum producer FaxOnly to talk about everything that’s unfolded since. From personal growth and a new creative direction to building his producer community and redefining what success looks like, this conversation dives into where he’s at now and where he’s headed next. He also reflects on receiving a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year for his work on Leon Thomas’ Mutt. It’s an honest look at his evolution, his mindset, and the bigger vision he’s building beyond the music.
“Going into 2026, I feel the happiest I’ve ever been.”
- FaxOnly
It’s been almost a year since our last conversation. How has this past year been for you, both professionally and personally?
It was a great year. I got to connect with incredible artists in London, and we made a timeless record. There’s still so much more work to do, but this year was really fruitful in a lot of ways. I think I’ve grown mentally as well, because I no longer want to focus only on the music. I think it’s a really good time for producers to start tapping into their mental health, and I’ve grown a lot in that area, honestly even more than I did musically.
I’m still passionate about the music, and I think the music speaks for itself, but this year really taught me what I’m capable of and what the music itself is doing. That impact has changed me and helped me, and it’s what pushed me to step into this role as an outlet for producers who are looking for ways to make money while also focusing on their mental health. Overall, the year was great for me. It had its ups and downs, but going into 2026, I feel the happiest I’ve ever been. I met the love of my life, and honestly, I feel great. I feel awesome. It’s been an amazing year.
You’ve also done a lot of work with Leon Thomas.
Yeah, how could I forget? We’ve just been locked in for so long that it doesn’t even feel like forgetting. He’s doing some really incredible things right now. He’s on tour, and the shows have been going crazy. We’ve also got some records coming soon.
Do you have a favorite memory or standout moment from working on the Mutt album with Leon?
It would definitely be a studio session we had in LA about two or three years ago. He pulled up a sample, and even though the record didn’t make the final cut, it’s still one of my favorite memories because it was a moment where we were really figuring out the direction of the album. I cooked up a beat on the spot, and it turned into something really special. The studio was full, the vibes were high, and that moment really stuck with me. Being able to create like that with him is special, and honestly, creating with him feels special every single time.
He’s just so talented, and I can’t wait for people to really see what’s going on when he drops or when he’s in the studio. People don’t realize how much he does. He’s playing drums, keys, guitar, doing vocals, and still making hits. I’m just thankful for the team and for his team as well. Shout out to Bizzy Crook, shout out to Rob, and shout out to the whole team. That studio session will always be one of my favorite memories.
What kind of music do you listen to in your free time when you’re not in the studio?
I’ve been listening to a lot of old school R&B, especially 90s R&B. I’ve really been in my old play bag lately, but at the same time I’ve also been in my pop bag too. I love piano driven music, and I’ve been listening to a lot of underground stuff too. I really like the underground sound right now, especially that wobble bounce. It’s kind of off beat but still on, and I really love that feeling. So yeah, it’s a lot of underground music mixed in with everything else.
TikTok has really expanded the reach of producers, and I love that because you’re constantly finding new sounds and new vibes. That part is really dope. For the most part though, my playlists lean heavily toward R&B and jazz. It definitely varies depending on the mood. One minute it’s Leon Thomas, then Anita Baker is on heavy rotation. I’m listening to artists like Mk.gee, because his music is super open and not overly complicated, and his voice really carries through. Then you’ve got The Isley Brothers, Frankie Beverly, and a bunch of other stuff mixed in. I’m honestly all over the place. It really just depends on how I’m feeling, but at the end of the day, I just love music.
How do you see the current state of the music industry, and where do you think it’s headed over the next few years?
I’m gonna be real, I know a lot of people are worried about it, but I’m not worried at all myself. I actually think the direction we’re going in right now is really good. There’s a lot more experimentation happening, especially with trap and people jumping into different genres and just having fun with it. There really aren’t any limits, and I love that. The only thing that scares me just a little bit is the AI side of things. If it’s used correctly, it can obviously be a tool, but when people start dropping AI music and it’s charting, that can be a little scary. That’s when it starts becoming about regulations and how much AI can be used, and honestly, that could make things worse, because once you put limits on it, it takes some of the fun out of it.
Other than that, I really love where music is headed. I’m genuinely excited. I think people are experimenting more and actually having fun again, which was the whole point of music in the first place. Looking ahead, AI is obviously going to be used more, but I think real musicians and real creatives will treat it as a tool. Just like a VST is a tool, AI is a tool as well. It just happens to be artificial intelligence, and people are going to have to get over that. At the same time, it does suck because some people will overuse it or use it the wrong way. When you hear some AI music and don’t realize it’s AI at first, that can be scary. But you also have to remember that AI is only using what we’ve already created. It’s not really making something brand new. It’s definitely a slippery slope, but overall, I think it’s cool, and I’m excited to see where things go.
You recently dropped a new kit. What can producers expect from it, and what’s the vision behind the Discord community you’re building around it?
Producers can definitely expect my signature sound, especially my R&B sound and my knocking drums. The kit is really made up of the sounds I actually use every day. My favorite kicks, my favorite snares, my favorite percs, and my hi hats. You can ask producers who’ve already used it, they’ll tell you the snares are crazy. But the main reason I’m doing this goes way beyond just the sounds. I want to build a real community. Right now, it’s capped at one hundred producers, and that’s intentional. I want to create something that gives producers more than just music.
The vision for the Discord is to build a space where we’re talking about mental health and also about how to leverage yourself as a producer. Not relying on a label, because at the end of the day, it’s not really about the label itself. We have to start looking at ourselves as a business. Your value comes from your outreach and your ability to build relationships. I want producers to focus more on the business side, and that’s why the kit is really just the entry point into the community. Inside the channel, I’m also working on putting together a VST as well. Everyone who joins, the first one hundred producers, will get access to the beta version for free. I’m still looking for developers, but for now, the priority is building the community, and the feedback so far has been amazing.
At the end of the day, the kit is basically me saying, here you go, these are the sounds I use every day. I love you guys, but let’s really tap into ourselves and build something real together. Too many producers put their heart, soul, and everything into this music and don’t get what they deserve financially. Somebody has to make a change, and we can’t expect the label to do it for us. We already have the power. There are so many talented producers out here, and it’s not always the label’s fault. Sometimes it’s budget issues, sometimes it’s timing. But if you don’t get paid this week, you still have to ask yourself how else you’re going to get paid. You shouldn’t have to rely on one source of income. That’s what this community is about. It’s not about hating labels. It’s about diversifying your income, building businesses, selling merch, investing in yourself, and creating stability. I’m speaking from experience. I just want a real community, and I know you do too. We’re going to work together, and I’m genuinely excited about what we’re building.
Link: https://faxonly.gumroad.com/l/uqwnl
Who is the community really for? Is it mainly for upcoming producers, or is it also meant for those who already have placements and experience?
It’s for everybody. It’s for artists, up and coming artists, established artists, up and coming producers, everyone. It’s a community. It’s a family, and that’s what I really want to build. I don’t want it to feel overly exclusive. I mean, it is exclusive to a certain extent, but it has to start that way so we can build something solid. That’s why I’m capping it at one hundred people for now. Over time, I’m sure it’ll grow and continue to expand.
Anybody who aspires to be an artist, a producer, or a creative in general is welcome. If you love music, you’re welcome. That’s really what it is. I’m honestly just excited. I feel like I’m stepping into my full purpose, and when you realize that, you start to see how everything you went through led you to this moment. When that clicks, it’s like, wow, this is crazy.
Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the next year? What do you want to accomplish musically, within the community, and on a personal level?
Looking ahead, I really want to see the producers in the Discord, especially the up and coming ones, start landing placements. That would be crazy to witness. I want it to be one of those moments where people can say this community actually helped them get real opportunities. That’s the goal. More than anything, I want producers to truly understand their worth. Going into 2026, I think a lot of us, including myself at different points, have felt lost or unsure about our value. My main goal is to start seeing the fruits of the work I’ve been putting in. 2026 feels like a year of receiving, but also one that’s heavily focused on giving back, especially to producers.
Musically, I’m excited about what’s coming with kwn, and I’m really excited about what Leon Thomas has on the way, even though I don’t want to say too much. Those are the main artists I’ve been working closely with, but I’m also big on working with up and coming artists. I’m working with a group called H3rizon from Australia, three girls who are incredibly talented, and I’m excited about that. I’m also working with Mayelli from London. Honestly, it feels like the world is my oyster right now. I’m ready to work with anyone and everyone. I’m excited for 2026. I also want to travel more. I want to go overseas and really experience different places.
Where are you at?
We’re based in Europe, in Slovakia.
Okay, yeah, I definitely want to come out there, especially since Leon has some shows over there. Whatever we have to do to make it happen, we’ll do it. I’ve got my passport now. I’m kind of a late bloomer with that, honestly, because I didn’t really understand my value back then. I ended up getting my passport because my girl kept telling me, like, you need to get your passport, you’re going to need it. She’s the love of my life, for real. She’s put me on to so much, especially when it comes to understanding my value. Shout out to her, for real. That’s my baby.
Follow FaxOnly on Instagram: @faxxonlyy
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