‘The ShoBeatz Interview’ | NEW FIRE MUSIC (EP. 2)

Platinum selling producer ShoBeatz is a humble, well spoken student of the game who is looking to push the sounds of music.

Introduced to music production by a mentor during high school as a way to keep kids out of trouble, ShoBeatz has already taken his career further than even he may have thought. From his first credit on a nation-wide touring gospel album to cultivating the underground New York hip-hop scene, the Guyana-born producer and engineer is taking things one day at a time towards his dreams of having his own label in Queens, New York. After deciding to take production seriously around 2018, Sho was never afraid to try new things and work towards a sound that has never been created before. While we all have our inspirations, ShoBeatz says it’s important to set yourself apart from your heroes to avoid becoming an imitating ‘knock off’ version of something people have already heard.

We asked ShoBeatz about his music production career that began in high school, how he linked with A1 x J1 to land a platinum record, advice to new producers, and more. It’s clear that Sho values actually linking with artists in the studio to create a masterpiece, but is also aware of the power that the internet has to connect those thousands of miles away. He understands that music is not just ‘songs’, but a feeling as well. Turn your volume on and hit the play buttons below to hear what ShoBeatz had to say.

Where are you from?

ShoBeatz spent the first 10 years of his life in Guyana, a South American country bordering Venezuela and Brazil, before heading over to Queens, New York where he’s been ever since.

How long have you been producing?

 

With so many production credits under his belt, we wanted to know how long ShoBeatz has been at it. Hit play to find out exactly when Sho started producing.

Who introduced you to music production?

 

Do you remember the first person to introduce you to your passion? Sho credits a mentor by the name of Chris. Hit play to hear the full story.

Compare your first couple beats to now?

 

We wanted to know about Sho’s journey as a producer since the beginning. The young producer says his growth has been ‘dramatic’, mainly developing his ear and not just putting random sounds together.

What was your first big producer credit?

 

Would you believe that ShoBeatz’ first major credit wasn’t even hip-hop? Hit play to hear how Sho ended up on a gospel album that charted #2 on Apple Music.

What’s your process for creating a new beat?

 

Every producer is different, but ShoBeatz starts with a melody, followed by the percussion. But the main thing to remember is ‘keep it simple!’.

Is drill music your favorite sound?

 

Find out what ShoBeatz really thinks about drill music. The Queens producer credits Pop Smoke for blowing up the sound, but knows it doesn’t stop there.

How has the drill sound developed over the years?

 

ShoBeatz takes us through the timeline of drill music starting in Chicago. This includes Chief Keef, King Louie, Lil Reese, Lil Durk, and more. Chicago drill took over hip-hop, known for its raw nature and grittiness, depicting stories of the violent lives many were forced to live. Today, some would argue that drill music has maintained its grittiness, but Sho admits that is has become more commercialized.

How does Brooklyn drill (or NY drill) compare to UK drill?

 

No longer just Brooklyn drill, we asked ShoBeatz to compare New York drill to UK drill. Sho calls the two ‘cousins’ and says one of the few differences is delivery.

Who is your favorite underground NY artist to work with?

 

Of course, ShoBeatz couldn’t just pick one artist (but we knew that!). He goes on to shout out 917 Rackz, Ciggy Blacc, Dusty Locane, Eli Rivers, and more.

Tell us a bit about the upcoming project that you’re executive producing?

 

With a tentative title of The Good Job Tape, ShoBeatz is putting together a project totally produced and mixed by him which will include some of his favorite artists to work with. Sho may be bridging the gap between UK and NY drill by having artists from both worlds on his project. Hit play to hear more.

You also have a record that’s about to go platinum. Can you tell us the story of how the record grew?

 

ShoBeatz credits the internet for the pretty much the entire process. “Latest Trends” by A1 x J1 went silver in a few weeks, gold in two months, and is now platinum. The song charted in the UK and now has over 80 million streams on Spotify. Sho says the beat was a unique blend of R&B and pop melodies over a drill beat, something that people really hadn’t heard before. Check out the music video below.

 

How’s your relationship with A1 x J1?

 

Hit play to hear how ShoBeatz gets along with the UK rap duo. Actually, after flying out to London during the pandemic, we find out that ShoBeatz was shown nothing but love overseas.

Are there any other artists you’d like to work with?

 

With talent all around him already, Sho is pretty content with the artists in his circle. But he did name one artist that could fit the melodic nature of his current beats. Hit play to find out who!

Have you ever tried rapping?

 

We had to ask if ShoBeatz has ever tried his hand at rapping. I don’t think we’ll be getting any tracks from him any time soon!

What are some other long-term goals of yours?

 

ShoBeatz is looking to start his own label one day, right in Queens where he was raised.

Where can artists purchase your beats?

 

Sho has a couple beats on BeatStars and Traktrain. But if you really want to work with him, you should hit him up personally.

What would you say to a new producer just getting started?

 

Sho drops a few gems for the up and coming producers out there. Hit play to hear his advice for a new producer just getting started.

What do you have to say to your fans and supporters?

 

Sho appreciates all of the love and support thus far, but says he has a long way to go. We think he’s well on his way to becoming a household name.

Where can people follow you?