Interview: Producer Brandon Shakespeare talks about new projects, chemistry with artists, and sees himself as a versatile beat-builder
Grammy-nominated producer Brandon Shakespeare (Photo: Young Elvis)
Jamaican producer Brandon Shakespeare recently dropped his juggling project, "Painless Riddim," which features a lineup of talented artists, including Jahshii, Nhance, Rytikal, Silk Boss, Propa Fade, and Zagga, already receiving good reaction since its officially released on May.
In addition to this project, Shakespeare is focusing on promoting new works while collaborating with upcoming artists Kacique and KHXOS. He shared that the collaboration with KHXOS was completed in 2022. "Just like all the other songs we have, I send him beats, and he records the ones he loves," Shakespeare stated, explaining their collaborative process. The track with Kacique, however, was born from a studio session a few months ago. "From hearing the infectious dancehall riddim, he got to recording a catchy dancehall track for the ladies," he added.
Shakespeare has been releasing a lot of positive and motivational tracks recently, influenced by his project "Painless Riddim." However, he noted that the tracks with Kacique and Khxos are more fun and upbeat. "Kacique's track is really something to get the ladies moving, and KHXOS' is something for the clubs. Both tracks are fast-paced and full of movement," he said.
"I don't believe I have a defined signature sound and I think that's what makes it easy for me to tailor my productions to an artist's liking".
As a versatile producer and beatmaker, Shakespeare emphasized his ability to bring different styles of beats to artists, tailoring the music to complement their strengths. "I see where both artists' strong points are at, which is more upbeat, vibe music, and that's what I brought to them," he shared.
Shakespeare also believes in giving artists the freedom to express themselves, leaving the theme or concept of the song up to them. "I think they did the perfect job at expressing how they felt when listening to these instrumentals, and it is evident in the song based on the lyrics and flows used by the two artists," Brandon noted.
Reflecting on his experience in the studio with Kacique, Shakespeare described it as a magical time. "We did three really good songs, and we are now releasing one for the people to enjoy. The studio just had the perfect energy and vibe," he recalled. The session with Khxos was more secluded, as Khxos records in America, but the result was equally impressive.
Currently, Shakespeare is focused on releasing quality music that people can associate with his name. "Right now in my career, I really just am trying to release quality music for people to attach my name to, and I think these tracks will do just that," Grammy-nominated producer said. "I try not to have great expectations of songs. I just believe in releasing music for people to love, even if it's just a singular person."
While Shakespeare didn't experiment much with these tracks, he is excited to show a side of his productions that people haven't heard from him in a while. "I'm happy to show them what I'm capable of," he expressed as he believes these tracks fit well within the current dancehall landscape while maintaining a unique sonic identity. "They aren't 'really stand out' or 'fish out of water tracks,' but they still bring something different," he resonated.
Shakespeare noted that he doesn't believe he has a defined signature sound, which allows him to tailor his productions to an artist's liking, "I don't believe I have a defined signature sound and I think that's what makes it easy for me to tailor my productions to an artist's liking," he concluded.
Shakespeare, bring different styles of beats to artists (Photo: Young Elvis)
Building on the success of his recent project, Painless Riddim, he continues to make waves in the music industry. His collaboration with KHXOS, has already gained traction, earning a spot on Apple Music's "Breaking Reggae" playlist. Following this momentum, Shakespeare is set to release a new track with Kacique on August 16, 2024.
With these projects, Shakespeare is aiming high for 2024 and beyond, solidifying his place as a versatile and influential figure in the dancehall and reggae scene.
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