Made In The Studio Podcast

Multi-Platinum Producer Juke Wong on Producing for Gunna, Future & Lil Baby

Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum producer Juke Wong joins Made In The Studio to talk about his journey from making beats in GarageBand and Logic Pro to producing for artists like Gunna, Future, Lil Baby, Young Thug, Lil Durk, Playboi Carti and more.
In this episode, Juke breaks down the stories behind records like “Pushin P,” “Lick Back,” “Stiff Gang,” “Plutoski,” and “Pardon My Back.” He also shares how he found his signature sound, how anime soundtracks like Attack on Titan influenced his production, what producers should know about management, how he deals with beat block, and why developing your own voice matters more than chasing what everyone else is doing.
If you’re a producer trying to get better, stand out, find inspiration, or understand what it really takes to get major placements, this conversation is full of gems.
➤ Follow the Guest Here: https://www.instagram.com/jukewong➤ More From The Guest Here: https://www.youtube.com/@yungplatypus7302➤ Follow the Host Here: https://www.instagram.com/therealdesmond
Hosted by Desmond A.
 

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_evanMore 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/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