A few weeks ago Sophie Eggleton headed to the Soho Sanctum Hotel for a screening of ‘Young Guns’, the new single masterminded by the talented Lewi White, featuring Devlin, Culture Compass interviewee Yasmin, Ed Sheeran and Griminal. The reaction the track received on the night would indicate it is about to ignite the charts… Here are some words from it’s Producer Lewi White…

Which producers inspired you?
There are loads of them, but I’d say the main ones are people like Dr Dre and Timberland, I feel that they are the best at what they do. Legends.

I attended the press preview of Young Guns, there was a very good and enthusiastic turnout… Would you say the scene with which you work in is particularly supportive of other artists.. Is there a real sense of comradeship?
Not really, it’s very hard to reach out to other artists to work with them, there is always an issue with something. Either they think they are too big to work because they are “signed” and clearly don’t feel they are on your level,  or maybe a clash in release dates or some kind of legal rubbish, but I think if everyone just worked and supported each other UK music would get a lot bigger and move forward at a much faster speed!

You’ve been plugging away behind the scenes for around ten years.. How does it feel to be in the limelight with this release and appear in the video?
Its’ a bit weird, I’m quite a shy person and more time is spent behind a computer screen than a camera, so there’s adjustments that have to be made. I’m getting used to it now, it’s coming a lot easier to me. I have good people around me that give me loads of support, advice and encouragement which helps a lot.

Why do you think it’s happening now?
I really don’t know, it’s just happening  naturally which I think is the best way to go about it, nothing is forced. It just felt like the right time for me to spread my wings and do something new.

It is not unusual for producers to become celebrities today, does anything daunt you about fame?
Na not really, I’m a very grounded person, I’ll just be myself…  I think that’s when fame starts getting the better of people,  when so called “celebrities”  forget who they really are they just seem to lose themselves at every opportunity.

The track features some great young UK acts, but it was quite a spontaneous collaboration between you all… Can you tell the random story that got you all recording together?
I was in a car in Bethnal Green on my way to studio when I saw Devlin from as distance with Ed, Yasmin and Griminal, they was in the middle of a photo-shoot. I think they had all just come back off the Example tour…  Anyway, I thought to myself that this is perfect opportunity to mob these lot and after the shoot they all decided to come to the studio. That was the first day I’d actually met Ed and Yasmin, and obviously me and Devlin go way back, we’ve been good friends for years now and I’ve also known Griminal for a good while too.

What is your vibe in your studio, are you relaxed or a bit of a taskmaster ?
Me? I’m the most laid back person ever,  it’s always relaxed in studio…. unless Ghetts is in studio, in which case its always hype haha.

What has been the most challenging track to date?
Getting ‘Young Guns‘ ready in time for the release date was quite challenging. We all had to agree on a date which was quite short notice, which left me in  a bit of a position. I had loads of issues with mixing, mastering and deadlines, at one point I had my manager wake me every morning at 9 o’clock telling me about this that and the other.  It was a bit stressful, but worth it all.

Is it hard working with a few artists as its not only you you have to please its everyone with all their different opinions and ideas?
Sometimes its hard to please everyone, but as for ‘Young Guns‘ it happened so smoothly,  I think everyone was on the same page and we all connected well.

Do you think it is important to have a distinctive style when its comes to production ( like The Neptunes for example) or is it better to surprise with each release?
I think its good to have your own style, but every track has to sound different. You want the people to know who made the beat but you don’t want them to say “it sounds just like the other one” . I can think of a good few producers that had a really unique sound but they just flopped bad because they tried to re-create what they feel is their best track. It doesn’t work like that, you have to be original every time.

What makes a good producer?
To me a lot of people get confused with a producer and a composer. Being a good producer isn’t about how well you can play or make music, that’s a composer, its about making it happen, getting a final product.  To be a good producer you need to know what sounds good, what works with what,  what artist to use for what track, what instruments to use to compliment them, and to organise it in a way everyone feels comfortable and is working on the same page as you.

You are currently working with Devlin on his next album, can you give us any clues as to what we can expect?
I wont let too much go as I’m sure he wouldn’t be happy with me,  but it’s sounding MASSIVE, very epic, almost as if when you listen to it its like watching a film!

You are also working on your own release, are there any unexpected collaborations in the pipeline?
The next single, I think is going to be a track I did called “Sings” it features one of my artists Steff Willis, she has the most amazing voice. It’s a very fun track and should be a great summer anthem!

Many artists believe the pinnacle of success is breaking America.. Is this important to you in the long run?
I defo want to hit up America soon, as I think they would love some of my new work, but it important to me that I break my own country first.

What else have you got planned for the rest of the year….
Things to look out for….My next single should land around September, myself and Rawz Artilla CD, ‘White Knight’, Devlins new album and Ghetts new album.

Long term career goals ?
Long term i want  Lewi White is to be a Artist/Producer who you have to get on your album, just like a Dr Dre or Timberland, you cant make an album without a Timbo beat!!! Also Beyond Da Booth studios has a production and writing team, I’d like them to be like 2011 Motown, like they were banging out hits every hour!  My dream collaboration would be Devlin, Eminem, Rawz Artilla and 50 cent .

What is on your ipod at the moment?
Rawz Artilla – White Knight

Share This

About the author

Sophie Eggleton
After finishing her Fine Art degree Sophie went on to gain experience within the fashion teams of UK magazines Eve, Glamour, Elle, First and Vogue . She then spent time as a stylist assistant for publications including NME and Easy Living, then combined her art background with fashion at Alexander McQueen, as an artwork assistant. She currently freelances as a Music/fashion journalist writing for online and print publications including The Guardian, Disappear Here, Bring The Noise, FASHIONMUSICSTYLE, Stylebible, Guestlist as well as LDNfashion twitter. North, South, East or West? South High Class or Common or Garden? In the middle of Common and High Class Clothes or Culture? Both of course! Visiting a gallery in your finest outfit for instance! My best night out ever made me feel... Like I was lucky to be alive...but that cocktails aren't always my friend

Related Posts

Q&A with Pollyanna Woodward

What drives you? Happiness and positivity.......I have to love what I do and who I have in my life. Socialize in the local pub or social media? Social media Gadget or book? Gadget...I can read books on a gadget Extreme...

Interview with Alain de Botton

Are your own personal thoughts and feelings inspiration for a new book? Or do you look to the wider world? I start with myself, and look at what bothers and delights me. I then work out from myself, but the starting point...

TV Q&A : Neil Jackson

Upstairs or Downstairs? Downstairs, without a shadow of a doubt.  No need for all those airs and graces. What do you love and hate about living in LA? I love the lifestyle, the weather, the Mexican food and the opportunities. ...