Ben Bada Boom Interview
Fresh off the release of Ben Bada Boom's sample pack, "New Kit For The Block," dropping this week, we snagged a moment to dive into the creative process with the man himself. In our interview, Mr. Bada Boom breaks down how he put the pack together, unveils insights into his production setup, and so much more.
First of all, can you take us on a trip back to the beginning of your musical journey. How did you first discover your passion for making music and what was it that first got you interested in production?
It was almost exactly 20 years ago when I watched a friend produce hardstyle using Reason. I was fascinated by the process of transforming ideas into music using such a simple program. That's when I became hooked and began making weird beats with Reason. Back then, there was no YouTube (boomerfact), no tutorials, or social media. I taught myself everything with limited knowledge. Then came the transition to FL Studio, Soundcloud, countless hours spent with Dilla, and a plethora of productions.
And I know you’re from Germany, based in Hamburg. What’s the music scene like over there for this kind of music?
We have some very talented producers and a burgeoning community here in Hamburg. Unfortunately, the pandemic has led to a decrease in beat sessions and live sets in the clubs. I would love to see more opportunities for exchange within Hamburg once again. Notably, Hamburg is home to Chillhop beatmakers such as Plusma, Miramare, and Magnole.
Could you give us a little bit of an insight into your production setup. What software and hardware are you using? What are some of the key bits of gear/plugins that you use on all of your tracks?
I work with FL Studio, I've tried all the other DAWs but FL gives me the opportunity to realize my ideas the fastest. And that's the point: no matter which DAW you use, you need to be able to write down your thoughts quickly. Other than that, I use the standard Native Instruments plugins and I love the old Lounge Lizard for my Rhodes. I try to keep it simple though and I'm not the most hardcore plugin pro.
Your first release with Chillhop was back in 2018, can you tell us a little bit about how that relationship started?
Yeah, wow that was a really long time ago even though it feels like yesterday. Back then, Simon aka Philanthrope messaged me on Instagram. We later met up in Hamburg and had a few beers on the Reeperbahn. Nice guy, nice label, nice vibes. I'm still proud to be a part of sending music out into the world through the label.
Your new pack ‘New Kit For The Block’ just dropped, can you shed light on how you went about creating sounds for the pack? Furthermore, how does the process of crafting samples differ from the process of producing an original track? (Bonus question; why did you pick that name?)
I've always wanted to create a sound pack and now you've given me the opportunity to do it properly. It's a lot of fun to create new sounds. I mixed existing sounds with new ones, used vsts and recorded completely new ones for the melodies. I think the difference is that now you want to create a mix of styles. Stuff that people can work with. Unheard sounds but also familiar structures that help to continue after a beat block, hence the name. Beatblocks are annoying and painful. You need new and unique to come up with ideas. I hope this pack helps.
My first memory of hearing your music was your collaborative EP 'Collision' with Amin Payne (an absolute classic), way back in 2013. How do you perceive your music has evolved over that period, and in what ways do you feel you've improved as a producer?
Uff, yes, it feels like ages ago. The good old SoundCloud era. We were all about making beats. Beats every day. We balanced it with school or studies. We definitely had more time back then compared to today. I'm getting older (ouch, it hurts to admit), but naturally, my sound has evolved. I still vibe with the 2000s drums à la The Neptunes, Timbo, and co, but I believe music has diversified tremendously since then. In the past, we aimed to create beats for MCs or singers, but nowadays, beats can stand alone as works of art. I strive to craft the best beats I can within the time I have, remaining true to my sound and not chasing every trend.
I've heard rumors that country lo-fi is the next big thing. Howdy! Technically, I've gained a lot of knowledge through experience, but learning never stops. And that's the beauty of music—it's a lifelong passion. I'll probably never stop producing.
How do you navigate through creative blocks and find inspiration when you feel stuck? Are there any specific things that you do to help inspire that creativity?
A very frustrating time. When you invest time but it feels wasted because you're just producing garbage. I try to inspire myself with other things. Watch movies, play games, listen to a lot of music. I'll hear a beat and think "wow I want to make something like that”, usually it ends up sounding completely different to what I wanted though!
Who are some of your favorite beatmakers/producers/musicians in the scene right now?
Oh there are quite a few. Right now I'm listening to the music of Devin Morrison, Ian Ewing, Stan Forebee, The Kount, Evil Needle or Kaelin Ellis. There are so many. My release radar is full of gold. Other than that of course I'm a Dilla Fanatic, love old hip hop, jazz, pop, 80s...ahh too many to list.
As someone who has been making and releasing music for quite a while, you must have picked up quite a few valuable lessons along the way. What we’d like to know is: if you could share just one piece of advice with someone who is starting their musical journey today, what would it be?
I think you should have as many beats on your computer as you can. Whether they're great or total garbage. And then have the courage to show it to people. The beatmaker community is full of love, I've never had a bad experience giving feedback or asking for it. And then release the stuff you love. I always imagine listening to Spotify as a grandpa and then skipping through my catalog and knowing "Yeah, that was a great or not so great time when I made that music but I'm glad it got released" regardless of how many people listen to it. It's a part of you. So love picking and releasing the nuggets, not dropping 10 new lofi beats every week hoping to get on playlists. Art stands for quality, not quantity. BOOM.
And finally, if you could executive produce an album for any artist living or dead, who would you choose? And why?
Oh, I can't say who I would want to produce something for. One day, the Grammy will come on its own...
I would much rather produce WITH someone. Have you heard the Zelda Breath of the Wild OST? NO? Do it. YES? Then you know why I would love to spend a year in Japan somewhere with the Nintendo composers making the latest tunes for Mario, Zelda, and co. Imagine that!
A big thanks to Ben Bada Boom for giving us a glimpse into his world. His new pack ‘New Kit For The Block’ is available to buy here. You can find all of his music on Spotify, and be sure to follow him on Instagram.