Indie Insights: behind-the-scenes with kBeats

kBeats, a lofi producer with over 40 million Spotify streams across 75 different labels, joins us to share the behind-the-scenes of his creative process.

‍

Who are you?

I’m kBeats, a UK-based lofi producer creating mellow, nostalgic sounds inspired by the little moments in everyday life. My music blends warm piano, jazzy chords, soulful guitars, dusty drums and laid-back grooves across lofi, chillhop, jazz and ambient music.

I’ve always loved the way instrumental music can create a feeling without needing words. Whether it’s something mellow for a late-night drive, a quiet morning, studying, or simply getting lost in your thoughts - I try to make music that gives listeners a space to slow down and switch off.

With a growing catalogue of releases and collaborations, I’m continuing to explore new sounds while keeping that warm, relaxed and nostalgic feeling at the heart of what I do.

I lost my job around Christmas 2024. Since then, I worked my ass off to be able to make music my full-time occupation. I am now almost 2 years into this and couldn’t be happier. I still feel like this is a hobby. I have to remind myself that being a full-time artist/music producer is my reality - it never really sinks in.

Life is good.

‍

What tools do you use in your production?

I use Logic Pro X on a Mac Mini. I am fairly simple in terms of plugins, etc. and tend to use the same on every track.

For sidechaining (to the kick, etc) I use a noise gate rather than a compressor. When I used to use compressors for it, it would always change the levels of the audio between the sounds I was sidechaining too - which I didn’t want.

When I’m coming towards the end of mixing a beat, I will throw on Logic’s auto-master. This brings to my attention any details that are too loud or quiet before mastering myself on a separate session with just the WAV. This saves going back and forth between projects and, in turn, saves time and makes me more efficient.

‍

What matters most to your growth as an artist?

One of the biggest tools for me is being organised. Whether it’s having folders correctly labelled, handpicked samples in known locations, templates within my DAW to speed up mixing/mastering. 

Within lofi, a genre where building a catalogue is essential, if you are not organised then you will fall behind. I keep track of songs pending with labels, open projects, samples in the right places etc. etc. Anything to speed up the boring bits will make room for time spent creating within the DAW. This applies to admin too - email, taxes, contracts - anything.

Collaboration is a great tool to grow as an artist. If I only released solo music, my output would be very slow and staggered. I try to work with anyone and everyone, even if it doesn’t suit my usual genre preferences. This way you can grow your audience a lot further than you would without.

Yes, you receive less of a split of master/publishing royalties - but the chances of reaching new labels, editorials, and audiences grow significantly. You should never dismiss an artist because they are ‘smaller’ than you - you cannot expect to work with artists bigger than you if this is how you move. Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes.

Perfectionism leaves you stunted. I learnt early on that have a ‘perfect’ song or mix is impossible. Do the best you can with the tools you have and move on: get that music out there.

You cannot grow an audience without music released. Mixes improve over a long period; learn from your mistakes and take that information into your next project.

‍

More from kBeats

‍

Listen to kBeats on Spotify or Apple Music

‍

Follow kBeats on Instagram

‍

Find all of kBeats’ links here.

‍