Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jason Osborne (THE BEDROOM BEATMAKER). We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jason, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
I first started making beats back in January 2019, so, a little over 4 years ago now. When I started out, I knew next to nothing, I was a complete novice to beat making, I just knew what type of music I wanted to make and how I wanted to make it.
I bought myself a second-hand MPC Studio off eBay for around £180, which comes with its own MPC software, a primitive and limited DAW. Its a dope combination of both hardware and software because I have maximum storage for beats in the laptop, and I can still use the hardware to get the real-time, human feel of a vintage drum machine, like the ones Dilla, DOOM and Madlib have all used. Although, the version of the software I have is quite outdated (I think it came out in 2012..) compared to the versions that are available now. But I always decline the update because I’ve got a really nice workflow with the one I’ve got, and I’m able to bang out beats in 20 minutes.
If I could go back, I don’t think there’s anything I’d change to speed up the process.. Learning should be a process that takes as long as it needs for that individual and their method of learning. Some go to YouTube for tutorials, some go to friends for advice; I locked myself away taught myself everything I know by just being consistent, curious and determined to learn it. It took me about a month to get the basics and start finishing beats, and once I got that, I was locked in. Zoned out, and hyper-focused.
I guess the main skill is your inner ear. How you hear music and how you flip samples in your head.. Anyone can make beats, really, but what differentiates and separates you from the rest is what you do with those samples.
One thing that didn’t really stand in the way per se, but maybe slowed me down a little bit, is the fact that I didn’t know anyone else making beats like that. Where I come from, sampled based music, and more specifically, sample based hip hop is quite a niche thing. I know a few rare people now, but back then, it really felt like I was the only one.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Peace, what’s up, my name is Jason Osborne, aka, THE BEDROOM BEATMAKER. I’m from the UK in a small area of the North called The Wirral, very close to Liverpool. I’m currently 24, turning 25 this year, damn.. time flies, huh?
I come from a poor family, living in a council house, raised by a single mum on benefits (welfare if you’re American); bouncing between the roles of a brother and a father figure, and working a part time job.
As formerly stated, I started making beats back in January 2019. But I’ve been in to hip hop and hip hop culture from a very young age. I was a skater kid growing up, playing the Tony Hawk and Skate game franchises, and that’s where I was really exposed to that genre/style of music. Even when I was watching skate videos on early YouTube on the computer at my nans, I would always gravitate to the ones that had Wu Tang, Gangstarr, Nas, Pharcyde tracks etc. So its been there from the beginning, hip hop is my first love in terms of music.
Its hard to put in to words what it is that I feel now I’m doing this. It really is an escapism and a form of meditation for me. Keeps me sane when family/home life gets tough and too much to deal with.. Music and beat making has my back like no other. I’m able to translate how I’m feeling through the records I sample, and the soundscapes that I can create. There’s times were I’m hitting low, but the moment I put the needle to a groove and start dissecting sounds in my head, I’m at peace. Its like I’m on my own planet.
I don’t meant to, but I have a very regimented and disciplined approach when I’m making music. I wake up and make between 4 and 5 beats in the morning. My day doesn’t officially start until I’ve done my music. And I’ve been doing that everyday without fail for over two years now. I’ve got around 4’500 beats stacked up, and I make around 130+ new ones every month, all year round. People often ask me why, or wonder what I’m gonna do with them. I’m just doing it because I love it, for myself so I can listen to something. Its all fun and more practice to me. I’m constantly learning something new all the time as well, there’s levels to this stuff. I’m still in early stages.
I never started this to make money, but its nice to see that people are interested and invested in me and my music so much so that they wanna support me. Sometimes I sell beats to rappers/singers, but at the moment, I have this service set up with a YouTube channel down south, London ways. They’re called Bouldering Bobats. And since June last year, I’ve been providing them with 5 beats for £115 every month. Its sick because I help them and they help me. They and their fans love the beats and I put that money back in to the music, to buy more records, to make more beats and so on an so forth. Basically compounding and re-investing back in to myself every time. Going forward, I wanna connect with more Youtubers to expand this service. And since I also make videos, I love seeing how different channels utilise the beats and create a nice vibe.
I feel weird answering this question about myself, but think what sets me apart from other beat makers/producers, is the fact that I’ll sample any record I get. I’ve got Bulgarian children’s records with heat on.. And so I’m always getting interesting sounds, experimenting and testing my ability to flip a sample.
I’m most proud of my determination and willingness to never give up. When I’m passionate about something, I go all out, every time.
In terms of inspirations and influences, that would be Madlib, J dilla and MF DOOM (rest in peace to both). Their approach to making beats is just so raw, left field and authentic. I’m constantly floored by how good they all are. I spiritually connect more with Madlib though. I think that’s because he’s still alive doing it, but also because our approaches and mentalities to it are similar. Live and breathe this shit.
One thing I want people to know: If you need beats, I got them.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me personally, the most rewarding aspect of what I do, is seeing how many people I’ve inspired. It baffles me every time I get a message from somebody on instagram, or a comment on a Youtube video. I’ve had people from India, Canada, Spain, America etc. Telling me how much they love my beats, to never give up and how much the music inspires them. And most of the time its not even other beat makers. Its people who don’t even do music, yet they still hear something in my stuff and it touches them. Lets me know I’m on the right path…
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Revaluate copyright laws and stop suing producers silly money.
Contact Info:
- Website: thebedroombeatmaker.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebedroombeatmaker/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OgFhdth769KJlr5pGA7cg
Image Credits
Lewis Hayes Eric Moor