British-Jamaican producer, the Brixton born Blackmale Beats, is a sound artist who is heavily influenced by his Jamaican father. With production credits for Barrington Levy, Blak Twang and Greentea Peng, he follows up his single ‘Endz’, with this VIPER interview…
What’s your name?
My name is Shem aka Blackmale Beats.
Where are you from?
South London born and raised.
How would you describe your production style?
It’s very soulful and silky but also gritty. I would say my production style is very nostalgic as a lot of my references are from music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. I’m inspired by music from all types of genres.
What would you say are some of the most popular beats you’ve created?
‘Come Up’ for Blade Brown, ‘Temple of Know Thy Self’ for Blak Twang featuring Randy Valentine, Mikel Ameen and Akala. ‘Lose my Mind’ for Greentea Peng and many more that are unreleased!
What is your favourite song that you’ve worked on and why?
It’s gotta be ‘Endz’. I made it in 2020 during lockdown and it’s been such an epic journey, in terms of how the song has evolved. I called in some phenomenal Jazz musicians and of course top lyrics and delivery from Bar4Bar.
Do you think that production software becoming more accessible is a positive or negative thing for music?
Yes and No. I think yes because when I started making music many years ago, though there were many programmes, production wasn’t really an easy thing to get into because equipment was expensive and you couldn’t just go to YouTube to get a tutorial. No, because now everyone’s a beat maker but there’s levels to this.
Who influences you as a producer?
Oh Gosh. I could go on forever.
J Dilla
Madlib
Kanye
Teddy Riley
Roy Ayers
Dr Dre
Neptunes
Timbaland
DJ Premiere
What inspires you to create instrumentals?
Life experiences, stress, culture. It’s a way of communication for me, a way of getting my messages and ideas out there.
How did you begin making music? Was it a particular influence or circumstance?
I started making music when I was in school. Grime, Garage and MCing was hot and I was inspired. I also had heavy influence from my parents who were avid music collectors.
Were you ever involved in any other musical projects besides the ones you are doing now?
No, but I want to create other musical projects. I’m looking for producers and musicians. Hit me up!
What, for you, is the perfect beat?
Beats with feeling and movement. A song that makes me wanna play it again and again.
What’s the story behind your tag?
I’m a direct kind of guy, black music is important to me and I wanted a name that does what it says on the tin.
Can you tell us about any projects coming up?
Yes. My album ‘Black Atmosphere’ is dropping October 18th, wait til you hear the beats on that. Mad mad mad. Bangers!
