Who?
Targeting aspiring beat makers and producers no matter the stage of their career. May also serve as a networking tool to artists (sync licensors, musicians, singers, rappers, writers, etc.)
In the wake of the gamer watching boom (the Twitch platform originates as a means for fans to watch other gamers play video games – this has lead to rise in what I call ‘Watching The Process’ where folks enjoy watching people create things on the fly or feel as though they are in the room physically by engaging online via video.
What is it?
A weekly Beat challenge, Live Streaming show and Production Studio
In the guise of thinking outside of the box, exploring ways that the studio could create it’s own calling card showcasing resources available for hire. By revealing bits of the process that leads to a final product, I thought that would interested others in either working with me and at least promoting a space/facilities that is available for hire.
Where?
The show started as a Instagram Live only stream cast – then made available via Instagram’s IGTV play on demand feature. As of April 17 2021 the show will also be available via the Discord app – Youtube & Twitch also are desired routes
Show broadcasts/stream casts from my Production Studio affectionately dubbed the Beat Kitchen
We have a Soundcloud page (Stream BeatKitchen8 music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud) where all the submission could be heard – eventually I would like for us to put out our own compilations produced by the crew of producers. Or we simply use the network of producers for our pet projects (who knows maybe you hear a Producer you would like to represent and think can help get more work – hence we indirectly are developing new talent and cultivating a new generation)
Why?
I (DJ Nana) on separate occasions have had beat makers occasionally reach out to me for motivation, tips or advice. I would suggest they listen to the album I was listening to for inspiration at the time and that we all find samples to make beats out of. I would give a deadline and we would share our finished material on an Instagram Live chat or something.
I initially noticed an assortment of beat making challenges on Twitter. Some of these challenges I had considered entering. From there I had noticed Ski Beatz selling sample packs and also creating SMACK PACK CHALLENGES – where he would create sample packs and then create a March Madness type tournament where beat makers would battle using their best beats to go head to head. Entrance to the tournament comes after one or more of your Smack Pack beat submissions is recognized by Ski Beatz.
From there I noticed an assortment of different Beat oriented communities; from Toronto Loop Sessions, THE SESSION-IN, OVALORD Radio, Global Beat Cypher. I have always been familiar with Beat Battles and always thought the selection process was flawed or bias. In typical Nana fashion I thought it best to create my own portal, through that gain access to the fold.
I also tend to feel like I am unable to simply be recognized as a contributor to these new platforms – so again instead of ‘getting mad, I get even’ by creating our own lane…
When?
Show is Saturday’s 2pm Est with the idea of expanding to another day monthly for a mix show of all the submissions (thinking once a month on Monday or Wednesday – time still to be determined – open for thoughts and suggestions)
How?
Right now I am using an IPad to broadcast but hope to either have a designated camera (I have two GoPro’s and Digital Camcorder and to include some other pieces of equipment to help cover the space of the studio).
I am using my DJ software to play the beats (Serato DJ) and purchased a few things to allow me to record in stereo sound
I’d like to eventually have a tier system of membership - keeping the first tier completely free - as things are now, open admission to everyone. Eventual silver, gold, platinum and diamond levels can include different things ie. using the network of talent that involves themselves to provided opportunities the label or our network could provide them (Artist are independent these days but lack the means of navigation – that’s where we come in and based off our soon to be growing list of past clients, etc. we could create opportunities and or simply use a K-Tel model.
Budget
Labour (ongoing cost)
Camera Person $25/hour @ 5 hours $150/month
Editing $25/hour @ 18 hours $450/month
Marketing $25/hour @4 hours $400/month
Total
$1000 USD
for past material please visit @beatkitchen8 on IG
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