How Ayo Bleu Went From Loop Kits to Lil Durk Placements | S2 EP1

MixedByEl — Building a Full-Time Mixing Career, Creating Content, and Why Engineers Need Consistency

In this episode of Made in the Studio, Desmond A sits down with engineer and content creator MixedByEl, who has worked with artists like YTB Fatt, Hurricane Chris, SpotemGottem, Boosie Badazz, and Lil Poppa. MixedByEl shares his journey from rapper to full-time mixing engineer, how he built a sustainable online mixing business, and why consistency matters more than viral moments. They dive deep into: * Why networking circles influence major opportunities in music * The reality of making money as an engineer vs chasing plaques * His thoughts on AI and the future of audio engineering * Why thin mixes reveal beginner engineers * Building content communities without making yourself the “main character” * The importance of simplicity in mixing workflows * Hardware vs plugin debates * Why Pro Tools still dominates in major studio environments * How engineers can build a remote career ➤ Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/mixedbyel/ ➤ More From The Guest Here: https://mixedbyel.com/ ➤ Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond This episode is packed with real-world insight for engineers, producers, and creators trying to build sustainable careers in the music industry.

Platinum Engineer Evan Melville on Studio Success, Work Ethic & The Future of Audio Engineering | S2 EP3

In this episode, I sat down with platinum engineer Evan Melville, whose credits include work with Gucci Mane, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Latto, Curren$y, and more. Evan opened up about how he first got into music, starting off wanting to sing before discovering that his real strength was in making records from behind the scenes. He talked about his early attempts at building a label, going to school for audio engineering, moving to Atlanta, and landing his opportunity at Patchwerk. We also got into what separates engineers who last from the ones who fade out. Evan broke down why personality, communication, composure, work ethic, and decision-making matter so much in real sessions. He shared stories about learning hard lessons in major sessions, handling difficult artists, bouncing back from mistakes, and growing into someone who can truly control the room without being aggressive. On the technical side, Evan gave his thoughts on plugins, mixing, templates, hardware vs software, favorite microphones, why engineers should understand what tools are actually doing, and why relying too heavily on “top 5 plugin” lists can box you in creatively. We also talked about AI and how it may impact engineers in the future, why creatives need to offer more than one service, and why adaptability matters now more than ever. This episode is full of gems for producers, engineers, and creatives who want a real look at what it takes to build longevity in music. Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/mynameis_evan More From The Guest Here: https://www.evanmelville.com/ Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond Main talking points * Evan’s early journey from singer to engineer/producer * Starting a label before really knowing the business * How school helped him less technically and more relationally * Why practice and reps still matter at every level * Soft skills vs technical skills in studio sessions * Studio route vs trenches route for engineers * Early mistakes at Patchwerk and how he recovered * How to deal with difficult artists and producers * Lessons from working on major sessions * Why work ethic and networking matter more than raw talent * His thoughts on AI and the future of engineering * The truth about plugin marketing and hardware emulations * Why templates don’t give you somebody else’s sound * His favorite mic choices and why context matters * Longevity, sacrifice, delayed gratification, and persistence

Platinum Producer Benmari: YouTube Beats → Gold Plaque | S2 EP2

In this episode of Made in the Studio, Desmond A sits down with platinum producer Benmari (Moneybagg Yo, BigXthaPlug, Finesse2Tymes, Lil Baby) to break down the beat maker vs producer debate, how he built his sound, and why consistency on YouTube can turn into real placements. Ben also drops practical gems on arrangement, keeping 808s in key, the power of collaboration, and why learning the business early can save you from getting taken advantage of. Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/1benmari More From The Guest Here: https://benmari.beatstars.com/ Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond Key Topics Covered: * Beat makers vs producers: what’s the real difference? * How Ben Mari got into music (family + early influences) * Music theory: helpful, but not required (know the basics) * Producer influences: Pimp C, Manny Fresh, Just Blaze, Metro, Southside * YouTube beats: uploading 1–2 beats daily + how it led to placements * “Are my beats good enough?” and how to develop your own sound * The Moneybagg Yo placement story (how fast it happened) * Why collaboration beats ego (stop fearing splits) * Common mistakes: weak arrangement + out-of-key 808s (quick fix) * Business + networking: why a lawyer matters more than a manager * Beat block, time management, and finishing beats * AI in music: cool tool, but “soul” still matters * Final message: don’t quit—do it for the love first

How Ayo Bleu Went From Loop Kits to Lil Durk Placements | S2 EP1

In this episode of Made in the Studio, Desmond A sits down with producer Ayo Bleu (Lil Durk, Rod Wave, NBA YoungBoy, 42 Dugg + more) to talk about what it really takes to build a lasting career in music production. Ayo shares his journey from drums and keys to FL Studio, how he developed his sound without becoming a copycat, and how collaboration helped lead to major placements. We get into the business side of the game too—splits, publishing, paperwork, and why having a good lawyer matters early. Ayo also breaks down how loop kits played a major role in his growth, why older beats can still get placed years later, and how he handles independent artists by using samples and deposits to avoid time wasters. Plus, he shares thoughts on AI in production, beat block, time management, and the mindset producers need if they want real longevity. Topics Covered * Ayo’s beginnings: drums, keys, and learning FL Studio * Finding your sound (inspiration vs copying) * First major placements and the “real” industry learning curve * Why a lawyer matters + understanding splits/publishing * Loop kits, placement stories, and long-game catalog thinking * Handling independent artists and protecting your time * Beat block, time management, and consistency * AI in production: tool vs crutch * Moving cities vs building from anywhere Guest + Host Links: Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/iamayobleu More Info on the Guest Here: https://link.me/iamayobleu Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond

Type Beats, Real Success: Dar'rell Banks on Sound Design, Placements & Longevity in Music | EP. 5

In this powerful episode of Made in the Studio, host Desmond A sits down with soulful producer Dar'rell Banks — the mind behind placements with Rick Ross, Royce da 5’9", Mistah F.A.B., and more. From growing up in a musical family to crafting his own polished, jazzy signature sound, Dar'rell walks us through the pivotal moments that shaped his journey. He breaks down: 📀 How he turned consistency into a thriving type beat business 🧠 The real key to building lasting relationships with artists 📉 Loop maker etiquette, sound design tips, and beat mixing advice 📈 Why human connection will always outperform AI 💰How to monetize your production skills beyond beat sales Whether you're trying to find your sound, get your first placement, or build a loyal artist fanbase — this episode is packed with gems to help you stay in the game and thrive. Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/darrellbanksmusic/ [https://www.instagram.com/darrellbanksmusic/]  Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond/ [https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond/] 🔗 Tap in, subscribe, and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments