With the seemingly limitless possibilities of today’s DAW’s it’s easy to understand how the modern producer can become bogged down by options. Endless samples, routing options and sound design possibilities can be both liberating and overwhelming at the same time. Despite all the technology in music production today, it really all just comes back to what matters most which is the music.
Enter 20 year old Swedish beat producer- lesspoint. The Computer Science major explains that when he’s not studying, “in my free time I make beats.” Originally learning from online tutorials and making house music, lesspoint describes his recent shift in tastes: “My love for chill/downtempo/hip-hop beats has been growing a lot over the last few years, some of my biggest influencers right now are Freddie Joachim, DJ Grumble, Ian Ewing and Quickly, Quickly.”
Despite his humble attitude, lesspoint’s productions are uncluttered and well-crafted dream pieces that sit perfectly on a chillout playlist or as background study music. His recent track ‘thepoint’ fits this description perfectly featuring crunchy drums, floaty pads, and chopped up samples, and is just the thing to toss on when in need of some decompression. lesspoint describes his production mindset - “When I made this beat I tried to make a beat that you can listen to whenever, something that can be played without interrupting your thoughts, maybe I am unconsciously making my own study music.”
With beats like this who needs study breaks?
Hit the books with lesspoint
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Keyboard virtuoso Rob Araujo with his new beat-oriented side project- Shopan
Being a marvel on the keys just isn’t enough for accomplished pianist Rob Araujo who’s continually pushing his creative boundaries with new sounds, styles and collaborations. Growing up studying classical piano from the age of 5, to playing competitively throughout middle and high school, it wasn’t until Rob reached University that his tastes shifted to include Jazz and hip-hop, eventually layering his productions with an effortless groove on top of his already strong technical foundation.
With the creation of his new side project ‘Shopan’, these beat-oriented productions will now have a dedicated output. Launching this laid back, lofi alias is the track ‘Greens’ alongside rising Portland producer ‘Quickly, Quickly’.
The track sees the beatscene sensibilities of Quickly seamlessly combined with the undeniable musicality of Araujo’s signature keys. Relaxed drums and percussion provide the framework for moments of jazzed-out sundown bliss.
Concluding with a kind of care-free weightlessness, chirping birds and a whistling stroll leaves us with a sense of new-found optimism to carry us through the week.
Listen to more of Rob Araujo
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London producer 'Big O' brings the big chill
Orlando Turner, better known as 'Big O', is an American hip hop producer, mixing engineer, and DJ representing the UK. Starting to make beats at the young age of 13, this experienced producer has been influenced by his American roots and UK surroundings.
Now based in London, Turner continues his musical journey and maintains his steady output of beats and collaborations. He's worked with artists such as 'Slimkid3' (founding member of Pharcyde), Brooklyn rapper 'Skyzoo', and Portland-based beatmaker Maze Rockwell.
Big O's production style incorporates smooth and soulful elements alongside dusty beats and urban atmospheres. Turner utilizes drum machines, turntables, keyboards and samplers to make his ideas come to life.
'Summer in the Park' is one such production where these studio elements come together to bring his sound to life. The track is a 3 minute head-nodder featuring soulful chords, relaxed keys and laid back bumpin' beat.
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