In this Spotlight feature, we talk to Cassell The BeatMaker. Cassell joined the Snugs team as Ambassador in 2016 and has a number of Snugs for his different IEM’s, including Flare Audio and Shure. He is highly successful in the music industry, as well as being an important role model to his children.
Name: Cassell The BeatMaker
Profession: Producer/Songwriter/Drummer
Snugs: SnugsPro for IEM
Background on Career
Cassell The BeatMaker Ivor award winning songwriter, drummer and music producer. Worked with Plan B, The Streets, Akala, Ady Suleiman, Keziah Jones, Jeff Beck,Natasha Beddingfield, Pixie Lott, Gaurou, Duffy and Founder of ITM.
What inspired you to get into the music industry?
From a young age I always wanted to play the drums. At the age of 14 I formed a band with friends. Drummers like Lenny White, Dennis Chambers and Dave Weckl were some of my influences.
What is a typical day for you?
A typical day is either working in the studio, rehearsing or playing a show.
How old were you when you started to learn to play the drums?
I was 11 years old when I started playing drums. I never had my own drumkit but I attend the local music academy and played in the orchestra.
What are the essentials bits of equipment you need to do your job?
If I’m doing a show it is a drum kit, Snugs in-ears and laptop. If I’m in the studio it is my computer/Studio One DAW and N.I Maschine or Akai Live.
How did you come to be part of/work with The Streets?
I was approached by Mikes Publisher whilst playing drums for Ben Drew (Plan B). Mike called me personally thereafter to ask me to audition.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Stay humble – Always treat others the way you want to be treated.
What would you describe as your greatest achievement?
As a young kid I would always buy drum magazines. Reading interviews on my favourite drummers and what equipment they used. So when I first featured on the front cover of Drummer Magazine I fulfilled one of my childhood dreams.
If you weren’t working in the music industry, what would be your ideal job?
I only ever wanted to work in music. I started as a Drummer, then expanded to Producing and songwriting.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I’m off the road, it’s spending time with the family. Investing time and guidance to my kids who are all aspiring musical talents in their own right, working on my new artist development programme www.inthemaking.com and a dose of Zelda on my Nintendo switch.
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
To expand and excel in my role as a mentor to the artists that have joined In The Making. I’m extremely passionate in sharing my knowledge and investing in a new generation of talent.
Where is the coolest place you have visited/travelled?
Mauritius is one of the coolest. An out of the blue call from Keziah Jones management asking me to fly out the next day for a show. Celebrating my birthday on a first class flight to a tropical island went down a treat.
You have to pick a restaurant to eat out. What type of cuisine would you pick?
It would be either Mexican, Caribbean or Indian food.
What is the funniest memory/faux pas you have had?
When I played at the Benicassim Festival. I had just finished a show on the main stage with Plan B. As they were wheeling another drum kit on for The Streets, the stage manager asked me to leave so the next drummer could sound check. When I told him I was the drummer he was in total amazement.
Obviously, you make and produce music, but what would be your go-to song choice/genre?
My love for music on a whole has allowed me to experience so many genres that that i dont really have a go to genre. It really depends on what mood i’m in or what influences the artist I’m working with are into.
