Made In The Studio Podcast

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/1benmariMore 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/iamayobleuMore Info on the Guest Here: https://link.me/iamayobleuFollow 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/ Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond/
🔗 Tap in, subscribe, and let us know your favorite takeaway in the comments

Why Talent Isn’t Enough: OGTha3’s Raw Truth About the Music Business | EP. 4

🎙️ In this episode of Made in the Studio, we sit down with multi-talented producer and musician OGTha3 — the man behind records for John Legend, Elhae, Trippie Redd, Yo Gotti, VEDO, T.I., and more.
From playing drums in church as a kid in Nashville to landing major placements and sync deals, OG shares his full-circle journey through the music game. He breaks down the real difference between beatmakers & producers, why talent isn’t enough, and how to survive the industry without losing your passion.
You’ll hear gems on:
- Why musicianship still matters in an AI-driven world
- The power of collaboration (and what ruins it)
- How to handle beat block and burnout
- Sync licensing secrets most producers overlook
- The truth about placements, percentages, and producer politics
- Why hard work and humility always outlast hype
If you’re a producer chasing longevity, this is a must-listen. 💎Follow OGTha3 (Guest) - https://www.instagram.com/ogtha3Follow Desmond A (Host) - https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond 

DrewsThatDude: 2x Grammy-Nominated Producer on Sound Design, Sync, & Survival in Music | EP. 3

He’s produced for Lil Wayne, Mac Miller, T-Pain, Eric Bellinger, and more… but that’s just the surface.
In this raw, unfiltered episode, 2x Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer DrewsThatDude pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to survive and thrive in the music game. From learning piano at 5, to navigating industry politics, to quietly dominating in sync licensing—this episode is packed with stories, strategy, and game-changing advice.📀 The Mac Miller placement that changed everything🧠 Why most loopmakers get finessed—and how not to📉 The truth about placements, missed opportunities & unreleased hits📈 Sync licensing, selling music directly, and building leverage outside the machine
Whether you're a beatmaker, loopmaker, or just someone trying to build a real career in music—this is the episode you play twice.
 
Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/drewsthatdude/Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond/

He Got a Lil Wayne Placement… and Didn’t Even Know It 🤯 - The David S Interview | EP. 2

In this powerful episode, producer David S shares the incredible story behind his unexpected placement with Lil Wayne and Rich The Kid on the song “Trust Fund” — a melody he made in high school that sat untouched for years before landing in the right hands.
They dive into:
The reality of loop-making and why melody creators will never go away
His real thoughts on A&Rs, getting scammed, and how to protect your work
The ups and downs of dealing with the industry with no management
Why networking, showing your face, and getting in the room matters more than ever
Lessons from years of beat block, burnout, and bouncing back
🔥 Whether you're a beginner or experienced producer, this episode is loaded with gems and brutally honest advice you won’t hear anywhere else.David S (Guest) - https://www.instagram.com/proddavidsDesmond A (Host) - https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond

Tavaras Jordan: The Producer Behind Summer Walker’s R&B Hit ‘Heart of a Woman’ | EP. 1

In this premiere episode, host Desmond A sits down with Tavaras Jordan, the producer behind the hit single by Summer Walker "Heart of a Woman." Tavaras shares his inspiring journey from playing drums in church to landing his first major R&B placement — a process that took nearly a decade of persistence, faith, and hustle.
They dive into:
- His early beginnings and family roots in music
- How a beat he uploaded to YouTube may have led to a Summer Walker placement
- The impact of consistency, networking, and keeping your face card clean
- Tips for producers trying to find their own sound and lane🔥 This is an episode full of game, soul, and real talk. Tap in and be inspired.
Tavaras Jordan (Guest) - https://www.instagram.com/tavarasjordanDesmond A (Host) - https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond