Hofstra University Student Has Promising Future in Music Industry

When it comes to weaving eclectic sounds with modern beats, underground producer Carmelo is carving a lane that’s all his own. From humble beginnings in high school, where a random YouTube beat-making tutorial sparked his passion, to now balancing a demanding music business degree at Hofstra University, Carmelo’s journey is a testament to creativity, determination, and authenticity.

Rooted in a deep appreciation for both old-school and new-school hip-hop, his music blends heavenly soul samples, hard-hitting drums, and distinct basslines to craft a signature sound that resonates with listeners.

In this exclusive interview, Carmelo opens up about his influences, creative process, and what it means to thrive in the underground music scene while staying true to his vision.

Tell us a little about how you got into music production? What sparked your interest, and how did you begin to develop your sound? 

Honestly, I got into music production because of a random beat making tutorial that came up on my youtube feed when I was in high school. The youtuber goes by the name of Sharpe. When I saw his video I thought to myself “I can do that”, and that is what I did.

I started making beats on a free software called LMMS and that is what I used throughout highschool. However, I did not take production seriously until I was in my second year of college. I bought myself FL Studio, and a year after that I found my sound. I have an old soul and I was raised in a baptist church, so I would say that my sound is very soulful in my music’s core. 

Being an underground producer, your music is probably reaching a specific but loyal audience. How would you describe your sound, and what makes it unique compared to other producers in the scene? 

I would describe my sound as a perfect mix between old school and new school. As a youngin’ myself I value both sides of the spectrum equally and I appreciate the old and the new. I hate it when people on either side hate on the other side, so I blend the two sounds together, whether I am using a soul sample with modern drums, or/ and hard-hitting 808’s. Sometimes I make whatever I feel like I want to make, and adventure outside my sound, but my signature sound contains heavenly sounding samples, my own instrumentation on top of it, hard hitting drums, and memorable distinct baselines. 

Balancing school with pursuing a career in music must be challenging. How do you manage your time between your studies and producing music? Has your education played a role in shaping your musical journey? 

I am actually a music business major at Hofstra University, and we have a top 10 music business program according to Billboard, so my passion and my education are not far off. Because I enjoy my studies and my creativity equally I find ways to balance both. However, there may be times where I go weeks without making a beat, but it is never because of school. As a music business major, my workload is never over the top. The only times I find myself not making beats is because of “beat block” or lack of inspiration. 

You're collaborating with underground rappers and artists. What draws you to this community, and what is it about working with independent artists that excites you? 

Working with independent artists excites me only if we have cohesiveness in a studio setting. I do not care how many streams you have. Music is entertainment. If I am working with a good artist, and they are absolutely killing it over my production, I am having a good time.

Underground music often carries a sense of authenticity and rawness. How do you maintain that feeling in your production, and how do you make sure your music resonates with listeners on a deeper level? 

When I work with people I usually mix our styles together. That is how I keep my artist alive on my work. If I stick to my own script it is not going to work, unless our styles already match, otherwise to keep the authenticity, I have to transport my artist into a place where it is not too hard for them to adapt and get comfortable to retain authenticity. This is good to do, but you can not kiss up to the artist all the time, sometimes you gotta get them out of their comfort zone for certain songs. It is a producer's job to bring out the hidden potential in artists, and every now and then I seek to do that. I am trying to grow and I need my artists to grow with me. 

What role does collaboration play in your creative process? How do you approach working with artists—do you collaborate on writing, concept development, or is it more focused on production? 

If an artist is asking for a beat, it is just production in which we collaborate on. However, if it is a collab we are working on where both of our names are going to be on a project, I am going to be involved in everything except the artist’s lyrics for the most part. Collaboration projects have to be cohesive or else it is going to be trash. Communication with artists is key. 

In the underground scene, there’s often a lot of DIY spirit. How do you see your work fitting into the larger underground movement, and what’s your vision for your role within it? 

I have no idea at the moment and that is ok. I am only working with people I am more close with at the moment, so in the coming years we will see. Whoever is reading this, don’t forget about me ok? 

What has been the most rewarding part of working with underground artists so far? Can you share a story about a project or collaboration that really stood out for you? 

The most rewarding part of working with an underground artist is seeing the streaming numbers it gains, and just simply knowing people enjoy your work. 

Do you have a particular creative process or routine when producing? How do you approach making beats or crafting a track from scratch? 

I usually search for samples, screenshot them, and then build my beats around the sample. I do not use sites that make sample searching easy. I search youtube for hours and let my apple music algorithm introduce me to new music. If I was alive in the 90’s I would most likely be in them record stores for hours. All of my beats aren't sample based though. Sometimes I just happen to think of melodies I can play in the shower or something or freestyle with different sounds to make my music also.

Underground music often operates outside of the mainstream industry, which can offer a lot of freedom. How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and taking advantage of opportunities for growth and exposure? 

As a producer, to become successful, it is easier when you are more versatile. I count myself as a versatile hip hop producer who can venture out into many subgenres of the art. When I meet artists that are bigger than I am, or I know they are on the rise, I tend to cater to them. The people who get my beats that are my style are the underground artists that are coming up with me, or bigger artists that would already sound great on my work. 

In terms of sound, are there any specific genres, artists, or movements that have influenced your production style or that you’re currently drawing inspiration from? 

The early 2000’s Rocafella movement, The Alchemist, Maybach Music, and Dipset have had a heavy influence on my style of production. After listening and studying these spaces of music, I have developed my own sound from specific natural habits in how I want certain things to sound or to be played.

For example, I take a lot of pride in my bass lines. All of the music I have referenced have crazy drums and heavenly sounding samples just like my style, but my bass lines have more thought behind them, more variations, and note changes that will give one that stank face if they really focus on the sonics in my music. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an up-and-coming producer, especially while still in school? How do you stay motivated and focused on building your career? 

The biggest challenge for me is slowing down. As a college student, it is not just academics that get in the way, but it is also social life. I feel like both of these things cause me to slow down at times which stagnates my potential to work hard and get myself exposure. The way I stay motivated is simply me just knowing that my success is an absolute want. If I want it I have to go get it. Nobody in this world is going to pamper you and just hand it to you, you have to go get it, and that is what I am going to do. 

Do you feel there’s a certain level of pressure to maintain the "underground" aesthetic as you grow? How do you ensure that success doesn’t compromise your authenticity? 

Mainstream artists still have their sound, so this is not really a concern with me. That underground aesthetic stops people from growing to their full potential. Just stay true to you and that is YOU not underground or mainstream. The difference between underground and mainstream is just the amount of people listening to your music. 

How do you see the role of streaming platforms and social media in the growth of underground music? Have they helped you connect with more artists and fans?

The underground would not be as oversaturated without social media. Without social media it would definitely be easier to blow up and retain an audience, but you have to have talent and you have to be outside. Social media causes people to blow up overnight, but you don’t retain fans. They just like that one song because it's a “challenge” or just something catchy that is used over the content they actually enjoy, not particularly you. 

Your music is likely touching on themes that resonate deeply with a certain audience. What are some of the recurring themes or messages in your productions? What do you want people to feel when they listen to your work? 

I just want people to either bop their head to the beat or scrunch their face when they hear my stuff. 

Collaboration in the underground scene can be pretty organic. How do you find and connect with the artists you work with? Is there a certain vibe or energy you look for before jumping into a project? 

Usually, I gain my connections naturally. I have simply stumbled upon the people I work with today. I never collaborate with anyone who I do not think would match my sound unless they are an artist with more motion to get me more exposure. In this case, I have to put my versatility to use and get uncomfortable for a second to not only give what this artist needs but also to level myself up. 

School and music production are two very different worlds. How do you handle moments where you might feel torn between academics and your music career? 

I have never felt torn between the two. My major and my passion go hand in hand. I am a music business major so once I graduate and get my foot in the door business wise, I have a network to put my creative path on a higher echelon. 

What’s one piece of advice you would give to fellow aspiring producers trying to break into the underground scene, especially while juggling other responsibilities like school or work? 

This is my advice. It is easier than you think. Because you think it is so hard, that is what is holding you back. I never said it was easy in general, but it is easier than you think. All you need is the right connections and your career can take off. So don’t stay to yourself. Be willing to work with others and you will grow over time and success will come eventually. This is the path I am on right now. 

Do you have a dream artist or rapper you’d love to collaborate with in the future, whether underground or mainstream? What draws you to their music? 

My dream collaborations are J Cole, Rick Ross, and anyone in Griselda. They match my vibe and we could create magic. What draws me to their music is that it is not easy to make or mimic. They are all authentically themselves. I don’t want to be a producer that is the same as the rest of the bunch. I want to be that one niche producer where rappers will accept my style and blend their authenticity with mine.

To gain exposure, sure I’ll conform to the cliche mainstream sound, but mark my words, once I’m up, you will not be hearing any “type beats” from me, it will be me and you will tell it is produced by me when you hear my production. 

Where do you see your music going in the next few years? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or personal milestones you’re working toward? 

In the next few years my goal is to release some beat tapes on DSP’s and a couple of collab projects with artists to upgrade my public portfolio, because as of right now I have nothing but the music I post on social media for the masses to see. 

How do you stay true to your vision while also evolving and experimenting with your sound? Are there any specific risks you’ve taken in your music that paid off creatively? 

To be honest, I have not had any trouble staying true to my vision in my music. My sound continues to evolve and I would rather let that happen unconsciously than forcing it. So I don’t take any risks because what I make is simply what I feel like making and my brain will find attraction to specific techniques and sounds and stay loyal to them as my career progresses. 

Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from your music? Is there a specific message or feeling you want to convey through your productions? 

It is up to the listener when it comes to how they perceive my work. I am happy with what anyone thinks except if someone thinks my work is trash. If anyone thinks that, they are surely out of their damn mind.

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As Carmelo continues to hone his craft and build his network, his vision for the future is as inspiring as his beats. With plans to release beat tapes and collaborative projects, he’s determined to elevate his artistry while staying grounded in the values that have shaped him.

Whether it’s working with underground artists who share his passion or dreaming of collaborations with industry heavyweights like J. Cole and Rick Ross, Carmelo’s trajectory is a reminder that success is about persistence, authenticity, and a willingness to evolve. As he puts it, “Mark my words, once I’m up, you’ll know it’s me when you hear my production.” With such drive and talent, Carmelo is a name you won’t want to forget.