About this episodeThis video features Benny Blanco and his team conducting street interviews in Los Angeles, ultimately selectin…AI summary
This video features Benny Blanco and his team conducting street interviews in Los Angeles, ultimately selecting Natasha, a music producer, to bring back to their home studio. The core narrative revolves around Natasha sharing her journey from the foster system to becoming a producer, meeting her musical partner Beex Grimes at LA Film School, and performing original demos for Benny. The interaction highlights the importance of authenticity in music production, the value of mentorship, and the serendipitous nature of creative opportunities.
Key takeaways 5
Music production evolution: Natasha describes her transition from DIY recording with basic limiters (resulting in a forced 'screaming' rap voice) to professional studio work, emphasizing the need for vocal coaching and proper equipment to find one's authentic sound.
Collaborative synergy: The partnership between Natasha and Beex Grimes is built on complementary skills—Natasha handles production and beat-making while Beex focuses on songwriting and vocals, allowing them to 'ping pong' ideas off each other over three years.
Resilience through adversity: Natasha shares her background in the foster system and being separated from her adoptive parents at age 12, framing these hardships as pivotal moments that strengthened her resolve to pursue music.
Industry networking: The importance of being in the right physical spaces (like song camps or film schools) to connect with industry professionals, as illustrated by Natasha’s internship where she heard Kaani’s unreleased song, which validated her career path.
Authenticity in art: Benny Blanco praises Natasha’s demos for feeling 'alive' and contemporary rather than relying on generic loops, highlighting that high-quality, unique production stands out more than polished but generic trap beats.
Notable quotes 5AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“I was born in 90 so like '80s you know crack epidemic all that stuff like they came up in that. Um, so I have like 13 brothers and sisters or so kind of like spread out by like with the same mom.”
▶ 29:44Natasha explains the complex family structure resulting from her biological mother's history during the crack epidemic era.
“I think I was there for that. I was shocked. I was like, 'I can't believe she listens to you or likes you or watches your show.' One of my favorite things in the world is that I text with Andre 3000.”
▶ 34:57Benny Blanco shares an anecdote about Dave Chappelle introducing him to Erykah Badu, leading to a friendship with Andre 3000.
“It's like so high brow. I thought we were going to have to be so nice. See, and I would have been mad if the I sucked and you guys were nice.”
▶ 19:28Benny Blanco reacting to Natasha's original music, expressing relief that it was genuinely good rather than just polite feedback.
“I had to rap at a certain volume. Like it like I never could even entertain like rapping like this. Like it was not an option. And I just wasn't aware enough or in a studio enough to even know that that was different. So I was just I had to scream and then I screamed I felt cooler.”
Natasha describing her early DIY recording struggles where technical limitations forced an unnatural vocal style.
“You need to go. I don't know. You need to I'm excited. I can't wait to follow your future.”
▶ 48:18Benny Blanco encouraging Natasha after hearing her story and music, validating her potential in the industry.
Chapters & Sections (24)▼
0:00Street Interviewing and Rejectionchapter2
2:34Gender Bias and Street Rejection
3:55Street Interviewing and Rejection
6:46Music Collaboration and LA Film School Journeychapter2
9:07Camping Preferences and Domino's S'mores Lava Cake
10:55Early Music Education and School Transition
13:32Meeting Beex Grimes and World Premierechapter1
17:10World Premiere of Blessed Music Video
19:24Reviewing Original Music Productionchapter3
21:36First Impressions of Original Songs
22:38Critiquing Music Production Elements
23:39High Quality Contemporary Music Production
24:41Music Career, eBay Live, and Adoption Storychapter1
26:22Best and Worst Life Moments
32:08Celebrity Encounters and Andre 3000 Storieschapter2
33:28Favorite Celebrity Acknowledgments
34:34Andre 3000 Personal Interactions and Flute
36:33Hair Damage and Early Rap Voicechapter1
38:32Hair Growth and DIY Rap Voice
40:56Early Music Career and Helix Mattress Sponsorshipchapter1
43:49Overcoming Heat and Exhaustion During Street Challenge
45:09Scruffy Vibes, Fate, and Industry Connectionschapter2
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