ChevoBeatz: Unmasking the Man Who Made Jamaican Beats Dance to Indian Rhythms
A pulse, a rhythm, a captivating melody—these are the elements that ignite a musical revolution. Striding forward in this sonic upheaval is Cheville Neilesh Samoedj, popularly known as ChevoBeatz. This Netherlands-born music producer, armed with Indian heritage and a rich tapestry of influences, has been defying conventional musical norms, bridging gaps between genres, and creating an imprint on the global music scene. Today, we delve into the heart and soul of ChevoBeatz – the architect behind the infectious beats and melodies that have enraptured listeners across the globe.
Q: Please tell us about yourself and your background as a music producer.
A: I’m Cheville Neilesh Samoedj, known in the music world as ChevoBeatz. I was born in the Netherlands, but my roots trace back to Bihar, Calcutta, and Gujarat, where my grandparents hailed from. I’ve been immersed in music from an early age, thanks to my father, Sudesh Kumar, who had his local band. That early exposure and my subsequent fascination with bass guitar at eight years old sparked my musical journey. Today, I’m a music producer and the CEO of ChevoProductions.
Q: How did you start in music production and what inspired your career choice?
A: My father’s involvement in music played a significant role in nurturing my passion. At first, I played in his local band, but my curiosity led me to experiment with different Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). My first DAWs were Fasttracker & Madtracker, inspired by the Atari 2600 and Commodore Tracker (C64). As I matured, my tastes diversified, and I began using FL Studio, Logic Pro X, and Propellerhead Reason. With each experiment and learning, I realized my passion could turn into a serious career.
Q: Describe your style or sound as a music producer. What makes you unique in the industry?
A: My style is a blend of the East and the West. I create Reggae, Dancehall, Caribbean, Bollywood, West-Indian Soca, Chutney, Hip Hop, Trap – you name it. I believe in originality and complex but straightforward melodies that resonate universally. That’s what sets me apart. I take elements from around the world, infuse them with my Indian roots, and create cross-cultural sonic fusions.
Q: Can you share some highlights from your discography? Any favorite projects or collaborations you’re proud of?
A: My journey as a music producer has led me to work with an incredible array of talented artists from across the globe. Each collaboration has been a memorable chapter in my career, contributing to my growth and evolution as a producer. One of the most enriching experiences was my collaboration with international Jamaican artist, FireVerse. Our joint releases like “Give Me the Herbs”, “Shatta Gyal”, and “Reggae on the Hills” were truly exhilarating, pushing me to explore new sonic landscapes.
Also, working with the Kenyan star Miss Tess was another amazing chapter in my career. This collaboration further expanded my musical repertoire, and we created some beautiful music together. I was also privileged to work with another Kenyan artist, Chuma Africa, on “Bamba”. This project was particularly exciting as it fused different musical cultures and perspectives.
Q: How do you approach creating new music, and how do you translate ideas into a finished product?
A: My creative process is an exciting journey. I often start with an idea or a concept, which could be sparked by anything – a beat, a melody, even a feeling. From there, I experiment with different sounds, harmonies, and rhythms, translating that initial idea into a tangible piece of music. It’s a process of discovery, of trial and error, until the piece feels right.
Q: What makes a successful music production? How to make your work resonate with listeners?
A: Originality, a good mindset, and a willingness to cooperate and help others, even without immediate payback, are key. I believe music should evoke feelings, and resonate on a deeper level. That’s what I always strive for – to create music that speaks to people, that makes them feel, connect, and reflect.
Q: How do you keep up with the trends and stay relevant in the very competitive music industry?
A: Adapting to the ever-changing music industry is a continuous learning process. It’s about keeping an ear to the ground, understanding emerging trends, and being willing to experiment and innovate. It’s also about staying true to your artistry and knowing your audience, so you can keep delivering music that resonates.
Q: Any dream collaborations with artists or musicians?
A: There are several artists I admire and would love to collaborate with. Indian singers like Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, and Shreya Goshal, to name a few. Their incredible vocal prowess and versatility have always captivated me. I hope to create some memorable music with them in the future.
Q: Last but not least, do you have any forthcoming releases or anything else you’d want to share with our readers?
A: Absolutely! I’d like to share that my latest single, “Give Me The Herbs,” is now out. This track features the international Jamaican artist FireVerse. Also, I have some exciting collaborations in the pipeline that I’m eager to share with everyone in the near future.
Before we wrap up, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my fans for their unending support and love. And to anyone chasing their dream, remember: believe in yourself, refine your craft every day, and success will inevitably follow.
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