CeeBeaats has made unparalleled waves over the past 24 months, climbing up the musical ladder as she perfects her craft of producing some of the best sounds to come out of the U.K. At the youthful age of 20, Cee is rich in experience when understanding the culture shifts throughout different era’s of music, as she sets her sights on playing a pivotal role at the forefront of this generations sound.
Whilst many knew about the talents CeeBeaats possessed, it would be the release of one of 2019’s standout anthems “WOI” which surfaced her to the masses. Playing a pivotal role in creating Digga D’s most notorious single propelled her into the producer she stands as today.
Boasting a catalogue which puts her in good company amongst some of the U.K’s most prestigious faces behind the buttons, CeeBeaats genius was recognised and flowers were deservedly received as her production reached the heights of BBC series Champion. A huge feat achieved with much more still to be accomplished.
GRM exclusively speaks to CeeBeaats on her early successes, inspirations in the music world and what advice has been given on her journey to stardom.
So CeeBeaats, how did you get into producing and what about producing do you enjoy the most?
“I actually got into producing at nine years old. 11 years ago now! I started on GarageBand on my iPad. My mum produces, sings and writes so I learnt everything from her. I used to come back from school and hear the basslines and melodies and I thought “I want to be like that as well”. I incorporated that into GCSE’s. I passed my music GCSE and I had to learn piano compositions and put audio into film scenes. From that, I went into FL Studio in 2019. “WOI” came out in 2020 so that was my breakthrough!”
What made you choose the name CeeBeaats?
“Me and my mum sat down and because my name begins with C and I make beats it just came together nicely. We had other names but CeeBeaats stood out the most.”
What was your mum doing in music?
“My mum manages me! She sings, songwrites, produces, she’s done backing vocals for The Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, McFly. She also does her own artistry and I’m producing for her.”
Who were your musical inspirations growing up?
“Timbaland, The Neptunes, Kaytranada, J Dilla, Quincy Jones and obviously my mum!”
Was there anyone in particular who pushed you towards making a career out of producing?
“My mum and step-dad. He does DJ’ing with genres like Amapiano, Afro-House. They’re both really supportive. They’ve pushed me the most.”
You spend a lot of time in the studio, do you ever get the urge to jump in the booth and become an artist?
“No, no, no! I know my skills!”
When did you know music was becoming more serious for yourself?
“I would say when “WOI” came out. That’s when I knew it was becoming serious. At the time, I was in college and only 16. People started to recognise who I was. I did sessions with Tiffany Calver. Getting signed in 2021 and meeting people in the industry, going to events, I knew it was starting to get serious.”
Do you feel there is more pressure to succeed in the industry being a female producer?
“Yes and no. At the beginning, people were getting in sessions and trying to see what I do. When I did ‘Beat the Clock’ for Mixtape Madness. That’s when people knew I could make a beat in 15 minutes. In terms of the industry, I’ve got a lot of support from males and females. I don’t feel pressure. With myself, anything I put out I want it to be something that people listen to on repeat.”
What is your favourite genre to produce?
“I’m multi-genre so Amapaino, Trap, Dance, Afrobeats. My favourite is 90’s/00’s Hip-Hop and R&B.”
Who has been your best producer/artist to work alongside?
“That’s a hard question! I think one of my favourite sessions was with Diamond Platinumz when he came to London. The songs we came up with were amazing. Watching him in the studio and everyone working together and seeing how the song came together was really nice. I feel like I’ve learnt different things from different people. People like Sammy Sosa, the way they write and are in a session, they give me tips which I can pass down to others.”
You have multiple songs featured on BBC series Champion – What does it feel like to hear your production on such a mainstream broadcaster? How did the collaboration come about?
“I’ve cried a few times! I feel like people seeing what I can do on that scale of being on TV is massive. Seeing their reactions when we went to the screening and seeing different scenes was incredible. I’m overwhelmed, but grateful at the same time.”
You played a big part in producing Digga D’s “WOI”. Did you expect it to be as successful as it was?
“Yes, but I feel like my Mum knew more! I didn’t expect it to be this big to be honest! Me and M1 made the beat and I don’t know if we had anyone in mind and I’m very open with my production. It fell into the right hands!.”
Have you ever thought about compiling a project? Which artists would you have on there?
“Definitely. That’s something people have been asking me about for about 2-3 years now. I want to make sure it’s at the right time. Because I’m multi-genre, I want it to be different things at once but not too busy. I want the right people on there and my sound on it. Like Kanye West – College Dropout, I want that nostalgic feel.”
What has been your favourite track to produce so far?
“My favourite one so far would be “Overload” on Champion. Hearing the original stems of “Overload” from Sugababes and hearing their vocals, having to speed up the tempo to a Drill tempo was really sick. Seeing the outcome made me think that’s one of my favourites so far.”
Being a producer, what is the musical process for CeeBeaats?
“It’s different every day. Sometimes, I hear a melody in my head and put it down, then do the drums afterwards and it will come together. Sometimes I have a drum pattern in my head then the melody will come. It depends on my mood on the day and how I feel”
What would you say is the best thing about being a producer?
“I think meeting different people. Meeting people I’ve always wanted to work with. Learning new things every day. I don’t believe there’s a certain level that you can get to and think “That’s it”. I always want to work and elevate my music. Creating and letting people hear my productions I love.”
Reaching success at such a young age, what has been the best advice to keep consistent and to achieve more?
“I would say God is the most important thing. Keeping him in the centre of everything I do and my mum being such a good manager and working with her. We always have plans for the upcoming years and goals to achieve. I think keeping God and trusting in his plan keeps me going and thats why I am here now.”
What advice would you give to those trying to become a producer?
“I would say consistency. Always being open to learning new things because there’s nothing that you can’t learn. I would say having a good team around you, having good management around you. Building relationships every day!”
Who are three artists CeeBeaats is currently bumping on her playlist?
“Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot and Brandy!”
What else is in store for 2023?
“Watch this space! There is definitely exciting things coming out. I wish I could say now but I can’t. just keep watching!”