Beat Boy
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Beat Boy Labeled a “beatsmith” by XXL Magazine in 2010 at the tender age of 16, Branden “BeatBoy” was destined to produce. Citing a wide range of influences, and with the support of his musical uncle, Beat Boy has emerged as a successful producer with a diverse palette of styles to draw from. Skilled on many instruments, Beat Boy has used FL Studio as his preferred DAW ever since being introduced to it at a young age, and we’re excited to have him on board as an official FL Studio Power User. Shoreline Mafia – Spaceship (co-prod. by Beat Boy, RONRONTHEPRODUCER & JoogSZN) Tell us about yourself and how you got into music. I’m Beat Boy, a producer born in West Los Angeles, California. I’ve had a passion for music for as long as I can remember, influenced by my uncle, who is a DJ, musician, and all-around music lover. Starting around the age of 3 or 4, he began sharing his love for music with me and taught me different things over the years. He taught me how to DJ on CD decks, tape decks, and turntables. I also learned how to play percussion and drums from my uncle, among other things. In elementary school, I picked up playing the drums at my home church and the trumpet in junior high. Shortly after, I taught myself how to play the piano. All of these experiences played major roles in becoming the music producer, and all-around musician, that I am today. How did you start using FL Studio & what does it mean to your productions? In 2006, my neighbor introduced me to FL Studio during the summer break before entering my 7th grade year. He was fluent in the DAW, using FL Studio 6 which was the latest version at the time. Seeing my interest, he let me know I could download the demo of FL Studio 6 and I’ve been utilizing the DAW ever since, making straight bangers! FL Studio means a lot to me in my productions because it’s what I started with. Though I came up under, looked up to, and studied an array of producers who were only using Reason, GarageBand, Logic, Ableton, etc., and even though I know how to use any and every other DAW, plus how to produce on analog gear – I started with FL Studio and plan on staying on it. I would always be a part of and appreciate the FL Studio lifestyle, even if I wasn’t a Power User! Tell us about your work and some of the artists you have worked with. My beats are inspired by my musical upbringing – Jazz, Soul, Gospel, and, of course, real West Coast Hip Hop. However, my production is considered very diverse. |
Shoreline Mafia – Nun Major (prod. by Beat Boy) I’ve reached RIAA certifications & have received platinum singles. One with Ohgeesy of Shoreline Mafia called “Nun Major” and another platinum single with 03 Greedo called “Substance.” Both of which are two different genres of beats. In addition, I have a Gold record from Shoreline Mafia’s album titled “Shoreline Do That S**t.” I also worked on the album “Ganging 2” with SOB X RBE, which made it on the Billboard Top 200 charts. I’ve worked with numerous artists over the years, including Earl Sweatshirt, Omarion, Wiley, and JP the Wavy, to name a few, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Tell us about your production environment and the gear you use. My production environment can be anywhere and everywhere — I’m always ready to work! I believe you can consider me both a mobile and an in-house producer because as long as I have my laptop, I will work with whatever is in front of me. I do prefer to be at a studio with dope decor just so I can build and catch the vibe with the artist — that’s very important to me. When I’m working, of course, I’m using the latest FL Studio on my laptop, and I use Novation’s FLkey 37 & FLkey Mini. FL Studio is my main and go-to program, but if I don’t have my equipment, I’ll still bust down on any DAW and hardware that’s available.
Beat Boy in the Studio What is your top FL Studio tip for up-and-coming producers? My tip for up-and-coming producers using FL Studio is to figure out how YOU use FL Studio through your own trial and error. Don’t just mimic someone else or run to a tutorial because, honestly, there are various ways to do an action, and most of the time, most users only know one way! Diversify yourself. Never take no for an answer ever, stay persistent, and stay consistent. Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I am more than happy, blessed, and excited to be a part of the Image Line company by becoming an FL Studio Power User. I enjoy using FL Studio and look forward to putting other up-and-coming or established beatmakers, musicians, and music producers on to this legendary DAW. I’m ready for all new opportunities, music, and collaborations to come from this new endeavor. Beat Boy Links: |
