Kenny Beats, an acclaimed music producer and songwriter, shares his journey in the industry, touching on his unique sound and collaborations. He delves into the emotional ties behind his album 'Louie', exploring themes of nostalgia and fatherhood. Kenny discusses the spontaneous moments that fuel his creativity and the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success. He also reflects on the transformative role of community in fostering young producers and the challenges of navigating the music scene in the age of social media.
SoundCloud provided the guest with amazing opportunities to break into the music industry, leading to collaborations with major artists and DJ gigs.
The guest's passion for rap music motivated him to shift his focus back to producing rap beats and collaborating with hip-hop artists.
Authenticity and staying true to oneself in music production brought more fulfillment and success than following trends or genres.
The guest's support and mentorship through his Twitch and Discord platforms created a rapidly growing community of young producers and artists, leading to new opportunities and resources for aspiring musicians.
Deep dives
The Power of SoundCloud and Electronic Music Scene
The podcast episode explores how the SoundCloud platform and the electronic music scene provided opportunities for the guest to break into the music industry. By uploading beats on SoundCloud, the guest quickly gained attention, leading to collaborations with major artists and opportunities for DJ gigs.
Transitioning to Producing Rap Music
After experiencing success in the electronic music scene, the guest reflects on his passion for rap music and his desire to work with artists in that genre. He decides to shift his focus back to producing rap beats and starts collaborating with rappers and hip-hop artists.
The Importance of Authenticity and Passion
The guest discusses the importance of genuine passion and authenticity in music production. He realizes that being true to himself and creating music he loves is more fulfilling than pursuing trends or working within a particular genre.
Overcoming Challenges
The guest shares personal challenges he faced, including financial struggles, family difficulties, and career setbacks. However, his dedication to music and determination to support himself ultimately led to success in producing rap music.
Building a Community: Impacting Lives Through Twitch and Discord
Through his Twitch and Discord platforms, the speaker created a supportive community where he helps young producers and artists. He organized beat battles, giving away gear and opportunities to talented individuals, resulting in life-changing experiences for many. The community grew rapidly, with dedicated moderators ensuring a safe and inclusive space. Brands recognized the impact of this community and collaborated with the speaker, leading to new opportunities and resources being offered to aspiring musicians. The speaker eventually decided to focus on his music and step back from streaming, but remains committed to helping others achieve their musical aspirations.
The Power of Teaching and Making Music Together
The speaker discovered that his strength lies not only in making music, but in helping others make music as well. By guiding and inspiring fellow musicians, he witnessed the transformative impact on young producers and artists. He realized that teaching was a gift he could share with others. Brands recognized his talent for facilitating collaboration and learning, which led to further opportunities. The speaker's focus turned towards empowering musicians and providing resources through his community, aiming to support and nurture their creative journey.
Navigating the Challenges and Rewards of Twitch
The speaker's experience on Twitch was both rewarding and challenging. While engaging with thousands of viewers and facilitating beat battles, he discovered the importance of setting boundaries. The constant stream of comments affected his creative process, causing him to second-guess his work. Recognizing the need to prioritize his music, he decided to step back from streaming. However, he acknowledges the positive impact Twitch had on his life and the opportunities it provided to connect with and empower musicians worldwide.
Creating a Supportive Online Environment
Through Twitch and Discord, the speaker created a safe and inclusive space for musicians to collaborate and learn. His dedicated moderation team ensured the community was free from discrimination and fostered a positive environment. By actively engaging with aspiring musicians and offering guidance, the speaker helped many individuals overcome challenges and gain confidence in their craft. The community flourished as individuals supported and inspired each other, leading to lasting connections, career opportunities, and the shared joy of making music.
Kenny Beats is a highly acclaimed music producer and songwriter known for his unique sound and creative approach to music production. With an impressive discography that includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, Kenny has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. His distinctive style, blending trap and electronic music elements, has earned him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. From producing chart-topping hits to hosting his own popular web series, Kenny Beats has become one of his generation's most sought-after and influential producers. Kenny previously performed as half of the electronic music project Loudpvck before returning to his Hip Hop roots. Kenny recently returned to DJ’ing live and released his first album under his production moniker, Kenny Beats, called Louie.
*Note: KB refers to Jimi Hendrix’s drummer as Mitch McConnell while talking to Rick. He, of course, meant Mitch Mitchell.
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