Mike Dean's site

The Canadian-born Tanya Herron is about to make a splash in hip-hop game. She’s been down with some of hip-hop’s heavyweights for a long minute now and has more connects than your local Internet provider. She’s worked with the likes of Kurupt, Daz and Scarface and her husband is legendary producer Mike Dean. Her debut album is due out in the near future and will definitely be worth keeping an eye on. For more info, check out www.deanslist.net.

Tanya Herron Interview:

Brockway: I hear you're Canadian. Is this true? If so, where are you from?
Tanya Herron: Yes. I was born in Calgary and raised outside of a small town called Spruce Grove in Alberta. I was incredibly sheltered and I had a lot of time to dream when I was a kid.

Brockway: What prompted the move to the US?
Tanya Herron: I wanted to make timeless music and I needed to go where the industry was hot so I could learn. L.A. or New York - I didn't need to flip a coin, I took the warmer climate.

Brockway: How influential has your husband, Mike Dean, been in helping advance your music career?
Tanya Herron: I was fortunate in getting an artist/publishing deal with Warner Chappell about a month after I moved to L.A., and that gave me time to really develop as a producer, writer and artist. Mike and I had cribs next door to each other - that's what led up to us meeting. It's kind of funny because before we met, we used to really get on each other's nerves. Our studios were on an adjacent wall and he'd turn his shit up and then I'd turn my shit up louder and it was like a big war between us. After we called a truce, the first project we did together was The Dillinger Young Gotti album - he's opened a whole new avenue for me and he's the most talented person I've ever worked with.

Brockway: Given that Mike Dean has handled production for artists like Scarface, Kurupt and DPG, you've had some great opportunities to have your vocals featured on their work. In the past, who have you collaborated with and what are you some of your favorite collaborations?
Tanya Herron: I've worked with Daz & Kurupt, Scarface, Nas, Yukmouth, Crimelink ( www.smugglinrecordz.com ), Shawnna tha Gal, Tela, Z Ro, Geto Boys, and more to come! I guess out of everyone I learned the most from Face cause me and him vibe out on another level. The bitch that almost made him leave Mary may have a little something to do with that.

Brockway: Can we expect to see some big name featured artists on your upcoming album?
Tanya Herron: Yes, of course. Everyone that I work with is connected in some way or another cause I'm writing my shit while I'm hookin’ on their records and learnin’ from the schooling they're giving me. I got shit with Kurupt that no one's heard and all kinds of tricks up my sleeve. This album is gonna be for the real music connoisseurs and peeps who go waaaay back in the day. People are going to be surprised.

Brockway: Rumor has it that DJ Quik will lend a hand with production on a song or two. Is this true?
Tanya Herron: Never believe a rumor!

Brockway: Is there anything else you'd like to add? Email? Website?
Tanya Herron: Yeah, look out for me on Yukmouth's new album, Godzilla. Also, keep an eye out for me on Shawnna the Gal, Crimelink & a track with Scarface for a Zima beer compilation. Peace out to all the chronic connoisseurs. Peep my site at www.deanslist.net.