We were lucky to catch up with KMakesBeats recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, KMakesBeats thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

So, as a music producer, we usually have two types of ways we sell beats to artists online. We offer a lease which is simply the artist gets the rights to use the beat they purchase, but they do not own the beat. A lease is usually anywhere between $20-50 per beat. Exclusives are when an artist purchase the full rights to own the beat meaning they are the only artist to ever own that beat after they purchase it.

Depending on where a producer is in their career, exclusives can range from $100-$1000 or more per beat. I sold my first exclusive beat for $100 on October 3, 2016. I remember this exact date because I was extremely discouraged on this day and I was laying across my bed thinking about my music career. I had been releasing beats since 2011 and hadn’t made much money. I had never sold an exclusive! It is an achievement every online producer wants to achieve.

Well, on October 3, 2016, I got a message from a rapper named King Trujillo. He wanted to buy my beat “100 Nights” exclusively. I sat up half asleep and read his message a few times. Alot of artists claim to want exclusives, but sometimes can’t afford them, so I didn’t take him seriously at first. I told him, “Well, it’s going to cost $100.” I thought he would run away, but he said okay and asked for my Paypal and sent the payment.

It was my first exclusive rights sale and it made me realize that giving up is never an option. There is always someone out there that needs your product or service. You just have to find them. I still work with King Trujillo and have produced several songs on his albums since then.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is KMakesBeats. I have been a music producer since March 2011. I started my journey in music when my younger sister who was 15 at the time wanted to become a singer. I had been interested in music my entire life, but decided to try producing after getting interested in it in 2008. I began making her beats, helping develop her sound, brand, image, and songwriting. I started Splitting Image Productions along with my youngest sister (she was just 13 at the time) and our journey began releasing beats on social media. I went by the name K. Tha Producer back then.

After we all went out separate ways around 2013, I turned my attention to other independent artists. I began reaching out to artists in my city and different places online. In 2018, I officially changed my name to KMakesBeats to rebrand myself and things began to pick up with my music. I have worked with artists all over the United States, Canada, Africa, and the UK. I also produced a song featuring Memphis trap legend Lil Wyte.

I also create motivational content for artists. I know lack of motivation, discouragement, and fear can hold artists back, so I give them advice, quotes, and motivational words to keep them focused on success and moving forward.

What separates me from other producers is that I truly focus on independent artists. Through beats, deals, beat bundles, motivational content, I give them hope to become successful.

I am most proud of working with so many independent artists over the last 15 years. Never giving up on myself, and not allowing them to quit either.

The main thing I want people to know about me is that I take pride in my music and helping artists. Music is my passion and it’s something I want to pursue forever in many different areas. Also, I am always available for beats, custom production, and motivation if you need it.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the fear of talking to people and being on camera. Music is truly all about collaboration and networking. It also about creating content. You have to be SEEN to be HEARD. This does involve getting on camera. I know some artists find success by being a “mystery.” This worked for The Weeknd and H.E.R., but they eventually began showing their faces and their careers blew up from that. Releasing content (videos, behind-the-scenes, performing, vlogs) is how people connect with you and begin to truly see you as an artist they can become a fan of.

I learned that getting out my comfort zone is where success lies. It’s not always easy, but nothing in music really is. Not letting fear hold you back is the real lesson. Fear only exists if you let it.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect for me is being in control. That sounds bad lol, but being in control of my destiny. I get to decide who I work with, what I release, how I promote it, how I want to be seen, and of course getting rewarded financially for your efforts is great too.

I enjoy creating music that speaks to me and other people as well. It drives me to continue to create and develop as an Producer. The love of music and building something great on top of that truly feels amazing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kmakesbeatsofficial
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KMakesBeats
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KMakesBeats
• Other: email for beats, custom beats, or promotion inquiries: kmakesbeats@gmail.com