Perfect your craft and try to understand artists. These two pivotal points are the blueprint to success through the mindset of international producer Ayo Beatz.
He’s connected the dots from Europe to Asia, installing a method of understanding every country has a different ear to his sound, with the key takeaway being enjoyment!
Having built a host of connections throughout different regions with his musical production, Ayo Beatz now steps back into his lyrical pocket, recently calling upon S1mba and Dominican Republic star Stee Ferrer for his hot release “On My Mind”.
With the single still fresh on the playlist, we exclusively caught up with Ayo Beatz to discuss new music, touring Thailand with DJ Ironik, balancing being a producer and artist and much more.
I want to start with your latest single “On My Mind” featuring S1mba and Stee Ferrer. How did the song come together and what do you want your listeners to take from this single?
“It’s actually a mad story. I started this song in Dubai. I was on the balcony, I had my laptop out and started putting together this beat. Stee Ferrer is from the Dominican Republic. I needed a vibe on the intro, but I wanted it to be a different language. I got him to jump on and then I played it to S1mba. He loved it and done his thing on there. Now it’s ready for the summer!”
This time you’re also in the booth, what made you decide to jump out the producing chair for this one?
“I started as an artist and producing became secondary. Sometimes when the producing this is going so well, you just want to get the most of that moment. I’ve been producer-heavy for a couple years now but it’s time to be back outside and remind them of what I do. GRM as a platform know that! It’s important to remind the people I’m outside, I’m doing shows, I’m on stage. It’s not every time beats, but bars too!”
You recently performed on a DJ AG set! Was this in preparation for a new body of work?
“I’m trying to put together an album right now. The combination of me and S1mba working together, I feel like people are liking it. When we did our set on DJ AG, it done over a million views and that energy transcended. We have another record coming together called “Murder”. We’re going to keep collaborating and hopefully it turns into a little E.P.”
With your journey of becoming a producer, how did you initially get involved and step into that field?
“I used to be in a group where I was the rapper, and I had a producer. He would always be so excited about producing and would show me his vinyl’s, MPC, analogue equipment. I learned from him. As an artist when starting out, it’s difficult to get studios, production and people to believe in your vision, so I just started making beats for myself and from there people were asking ‘Who produced this?’ and I would say me! The first few times somebody asked me to make a beat, I was just winging it! Once I got my formula and learned that you can get in the studio with the artists and they can tell you what they want, there was nothing to be afraid of. You’re working together so you’re building the vision with them. That’s what brought me into it, and I’ve continued on.”
What is your personal process when it comes to producing?
“More time, if it’s the artist’s project, I’m always there to communicate their vision. If they have a vision and we discuss it, I’ll know how to make people understand where they’re coming from. When it’s my own music, I’m always going to be production heavy before I get to the artist. I have a vision of how I want it to come together and who I want to be on the record. Vocally, brand-wise, I’m always putting that together before I involve other people.”
You recently toured Thailand with DJ Ironik. How was that experience for yourself and how does it compare to performing in other countries?
“That was a long time coming! Me and DJ Ironik have worked together for such a long time. It was such a coincidence that I went to Thailand last year before him. Every time I land in a new country, I always try and make connections, meet new people and get out the box. I met all these people who brought me to different places, venues, clubs. Back in the U.K a couple weeks later, Ironik messaged me saying people are asking for Ayo Beatz! I’ve obviously left an impression on them! We had a conversation and said why don’t we put together a tour with the both of us? It was crazy. I was doing a bit of what Ironik does and he was doing what I do. I’m performing my songs but also hosting like a DJ would! It was a dope learning experience.”
How does the energy in Thailand compare to performing in other countries?
“It’s a beautiful place. The people are happy, it’s good energy! It’s more of a commercial crowd. It was an eye opener to see what song won’t necessarily work internationally but also to see what songs do work. Song like “Big Man Ting” which are more of a U.K street vibe worked over there! It wasn’t even intended for international vibes, but you guys are singing along to it and going crazy. It was interesting to see what works and an eye-opener into more international shows.”
Do you prefer performing in front of a home crowd or the international experience?
“The majority of my shows have been international. Being someone that’s lived in Dubai and Oman, I’ve always based myself and moved around regions. I’m very used to it being international. It’s a bigger scope and you never know what you’re going to get so I feel like I prefer that, but when I’m doing my own headline shows, there’s nothing better than the U.K where you have your own specific fans that have been there from day one.”
You’ve worked with a host of artists from Krept & Konan to Idris Elba. Who has been the most enjoyable to work with in the studio?
“I really liked working with Idris. You know who was really good in the studio? KSI! That was a good session and he’s so funny. It didn’t feel like work, it just felt like we were in their messing about but somehow getting the song done! It was interesting because I come from a space where most people I work with are just artists from a music background. We ordered takeaway, chilled out. He had already released a couple projects before, but this was the first one where he said he’s taking it seriously and it went number one, so it worked!”
What would you say has been your career highlight so far?
“Going number one is definitely one of them! Being in that zone where you’re watching the charts. I remember as a kid watching the charts, seeing my favourite song move up the charts. I used to get excited, and it weren’t even my songs. Fast forward, I’m now listening to Radio One and it’s my song! A full circle moment. I can’t even describe the feeling, it just feels like you’ve arrived.”
What are some goals you’re looking to achieve for the second half of 2025?
“We’re going to tour this summer. Back to Thailand for sure! We’ve been approached by Singapore, China, Bali. Definitely more Dubai shows. We’re planning two events where one is a launch, and one is a ‘Ayo Beatz & friends’. There is a lot going on!”
What advice do you have for any emerging producers trying to make their name?
“Perfect your craft and try to understand artists. A lot of producers spend a lot of time trying to understand their own sound and vision, but if you can understand how to communicate with artists and read them, it’s going to make it a lot easier to create music that you know will connect with the artist. Once you connect with the artist, then you’re halfway there to releasing. I’d say try and get a personal touch. Research artists before you get in the studio with them. Have a conversation, try to figure out where their mind is at. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Networking is everything!”
Finally, who are three artists currently at the top of your playlist?
“Obviously me! S1mba is definitely at the top. On a curveball, someone I listen to a lot is an artist called Victony who is a Afrobeat/Amapiano artist. I love his music, and he’s got some big tunes out there.”