TyMakesBeats On How Detroit Influenced His Sound and Talks “In The Kitchen” | Interview
A few months ago, I was putting together a new mix for my Soundcloud page. While digging for new music on Soundcloud, I happened to have stumbled across a record called “rain damage”. It was the soulfulness of the beat, the nostalgic feel to the track and the samples of two of favourite R&B songs “Rain” by SWV and “Damage” by H.E.R. that quickly grabbed my attention.
TyMakesBeats (Ty Owens) takes the the time to talk about Detroit artists that helped influence his sound. He is also going to talk about his latest project with Bigsmooth and much more.
“I describe the music I make as just soulful vibes.” says Owens.
Check out the full interview below.
What is your earliest memory of music?
My earliest memory of music is riding around with my parents and hearing Diamonds & Pearls by Prince.
That’s definitely a classic record by Prince, personally my favourite record by him. What drew you to music?
Parents made me take piano lessons when I was about 6-7, but I gravitated towards the drums.
That’s so interesting. Do you come from a musical family?
I do. Majority of my family sings. My mom was in the band when she was in high school. So were my uncles.
Seeing that you were exposed to music at such a young age, when exactly did you get into producing?
It was 2019. I was going through some life stuff and I was in a really dark place. My homies that were already producing music convinced me to give it a shot.
You currently live in Atlanta but you mentioned that you grew up in Detroit, Michigan. You have so many well known artists from there like: J Dilla and Slum Village. How has growing up in Detroit impacted your sound?
Growing up in Detroit has impacted my music taste tremendously. Detroit has a very unique sound. I feel there’s so many layers to Detroit music. Obviously, you have Motown. You got J Dilla, Slum Village, Elzhi. You got Eminem, Big Sean, Royce da 5’9” then you got Doughboyz Cashout, Cheddar Boyz, Blade Icewood, Kash Doll, Babyface Ray… pretty much any music in that lane. I gravitated more so towards the boom bap hip hop sound at an early age. J Dilla has played a huge part in my style. I feel I have an old soul. So, sampling and chopping records resonates with me the most. All of it still resonates with me because it’s what I grew up around. Either I was listening to it or my friends and family were. It all resonates with me.
On his work style as a producer, Owens explains,“My creative process is different from day to day. It definitely consists of listening to plenty of music. Usually the ideas come from that and I create based on what I’m feeling at the time.Currently I’m using MPC Studio Beat Machine/Akai and FL Studio simultaneously.”
Now, let’s talk influences, who are some artists that inspire you musically?
My musical inspirations are 9th Wonder, J Dilla, Pharrell & Kanye West.
Do you have a favourite song at the moment?
My favorite song at the moment would have to be Moments by Nas. Hit-Boy and Jansport J went crazy on the production.
*You can also stream the song on: Apple Music | Tidal
No pressure, but what is your favourite beat of all time?
My favourite beat of all time? That’s tough, I’d have to say: It’s Your World, Pt. 1 & 2 by Common. J Dilla created such a beautiful beat. It gives me chills when I hear it sometimes.
Which current artists would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with Saba, J. Cole, Little Brother, Bryson Tiller, Big K.R.I.T. & Curren$y to name a few.
There are a lot of pros and cons to signing with a label. A lot of artists now are taking the independent route. I’m curious to know, would you ever sign to a label?
I’m not sure. I’ve heard good and bad things. Honestly, there are benefits to both sides, but the situation has to be ideal for me to do so.
Can you share any recent or upcoming projects that you can share you’re working on?
I just did a collab beat tape with bro Bigsmooth. It’s called “In The Kitchen.” It’s on all streaming services. I’m always working on stuff. It’s spontaneous a lot of times.
You can stream the project on: Apple Music | Tidal
It’s so crazy to believe that in 5 years we’ll be in 2027. Where do you see yourself if 5 years exactly?
I honestly don’t know. I hope to be doing this at a high level everyday and obviously being successful in my craft. It’s hard to know where I’d be in 5 years. So much can change.
I definitely agree. Finally, what is one piece of advice you would tell your younger self?
Do what you love no matter what it looks like. You don’t need approval. Things will come in due time if you’re doing it with genuine intentions.
You can follow Ty Owens on his socials below:
Instagram — ty.makesbeats
Soundcloud — TyMakesBeats
Twitter — TyMakesBeats
