BigTmusic.com was lucky enough to get an exclusive interview with one of Texas’s best producers, Killian Beatz. Read what caused his rise to stardom, and influenced his recent move to ATL. A must read for all fans of rap/hip hop music!
BigTmusic.com: The Texas rap scene has been blessed with some amazing production thanks to you Killian Beatz. How does it feel when an artist reaches out to you for one of your beats?
Killian Beatz: Appreciate that. It’s a great feeling 
when an artist hits me up wanting beats, because there’s a lot of talented producers and beat-makers in Texas. So, that just shows how my sound has progressed to something that people want to hear.
BigTmusic.com: This is true. Are you picky with the beats that you give to certain artist, or do you let them choose? What’s your thought process before making the decision on what kind of track they will end up with?
Killian Beatz: It depends. There’s certain artists that I like to play beats for and let them decide which one they want to go with. Then, there’s other times where I make a beat and I have a specific artist in mind. I like to match artists with beats that will really enhance their entire sound. I play to their strengths vocally and harmonically.
BigTmusic.com: Spoken like a true producer! Speaking of, most people may not know you are an extremely talented piano player. When did you start playing the piano, and do you play any other instruments?
Killian Beatz: I started playing at an early age, picking up melodies off TV/radio and playing 
them on piano. Around 10 years old, my dad, Joe Killian, started teaching me jazz standards without any sheet music. He was an amazing pianist and really came from that old school jazz/blues era. I also play saxophone, but it’s been years since I’ve played. My older brother Stan, who’s a jazz musician in New York, taught me how to play sax when I was in high school.
BigTmusic.com: We didn’t realize you had such a musically talented family! As far as your production is concerned, when did you make your first original beat?
Killian Beatz: 2005.
BigTmusic.com: Was there a song ever recorded off that beat?
Killian Beatz: No, for the first couple years I was making beats, it was all practice. There were some recordings but nothing officially released.
BigTmusic.com: We might have to get you to leak one of those tracks one day lol. When did you decide that you want to elevate your music to the next level and pursue it as more than just a hobby?
Killian Beatz: It was around late 2008, early 2009 when I really started investing more time and money into my craft.
BigTmusic.com: So who was that artist around that time that you worked with that made you realize that you are making professional music?
Killian Beatz: It was a few artists up in Austin, like KJ Hines, Bavu Blakes, and Gerald G, that made me realize I can do this on a more serious level, instead of just a hobby.
BigTmusic.com: So they inspired you to take your craft to the next level. Who are some of the artist that you have worked with?
Killian Beatz: Lil’ A, Matti Baybee, So San Antone, Kyle Lee, Lil’ Flip, Big Pokey, Lil’ Keke, Macc Grace, Dan Diego, Doughbeezy, Lil’ Lonnie, and many more.
BigTmusic.com: Those are some heavy hitters you just mentioned! How did you end up connecting with some of those artist?
Killian Beatz: I linked up with those Screwed Up Click artists thru Lil’ A. He got them in the lab for features for his album after their shows in San Antonio. So San Antone & Mitch James also linked me to artists like Kyle Lee, Doughbeezy, and Jackie Chain. The main key is that I’m always ready to send a beat or present beats to those bigger name artists because I’m constantly working on new material.
BigTmusic.com: That’s pretty cool how you linked up with those artist. Are you usually in the studio with the artist during the creation process of the final track?
Killian Beatz: If I can be, yes. Sometimes, I’m only utilized as a beat maker. I made the beat, the artist buys it, and that’s that. Other times, I’m going to all the tracking, mixing and mastering sessions with the artists and really producing the track fully.
BigTmusic.com: It’s good that you are hands on with some of the projects. What are some of the best experiences you’ve had in the studio?
Killian Beatz: Having Big Pokey of the Screwed Up Click come to the studio and hop on a track I produced after one of his shows in 2011. Then, as I’m crashing out for the night at 5 am, I hear a knock on the door and it’s Lil’ Keke ready to drop another feature on one of my beats.
All happened at Dirty Swag Studios for Lil’ A‘s debut album.
BigTmusic.com: These next few questions are for all the inquiring rappers out there. First, how much is a Killian beat?
Killian Beatz: It really depends. I couldn’t quote you a set price, but I like to work with an artist’s budget. I won’t charge high dollar for my production, but you also won’t see me doing $10 Soundclick beat sales lol.
BigTmusic.com: So no cheapies lol. What does an artist have to do to get a Killian beat? Then, once you all agree on a beat, what’s the next step?
Killian Beatz: Any artist, whether they’re just starting out or been in the game for 10 years, can reach out to me. But, they have to be someone who’s grinding, investing time and money into their craft just like I do.
BigTmusic.com: Makes plenty of sense. Do you create beats on location? Like, if an artist calls you up to come to his house to create a beat, would you do it?
Killian Beatz: Yeah, I’ve done that quite a bit over the years.
BigTmusic.com: Have you ever had any of your tracks make mainstream radio or TV, and if so, how was that initial feeling?
Killian Beatz: No, still grinding for that hit.
BigTmusic.com: We feel ya. Keep up that grind homie because you definitely have what it takes. Do you ever collaborate with other producers, and if so, who?
Killian Beatz: Yeah, most recently I collabed with Almari Got Bangers for So San Antone‘s TODV project, which is dropping soon. I’ve also worked with Willie P Keys, who’s a talented artist/producer from Louisiana. Studios I’ve done work with in San Antonio are, Dirty Swag Studios in southwest San Antonio, and Bad Vibe Studios just south of the city.
BigTmusic.com: What was your most complex beat that you ever created that you thought was fire? We’re talking about a beat that took you forever to make and had all the bells and whistles!
Killian Beatz: I do remember one beat I made like 5 years back. I mixed a sample from a song in the first Chucky movie, with my own keys and instruments. Did a crazy breakdown at the end and everything, but nobody ever used it.
BigTmusic.com: You might have to leak that one soon! Below is a link to a beat from your Soundcloud page that is straight flames. What’s your preferred software for your production process to make these hot tracks?
Killian Beatz: Thanks lol. FL Studio. Occasionally, I’ll also use logic.
BigTmusic.com: FL Studio is very popular with alot of popular producers now. Do you prefer using outboard gear or virtual instrument (VST) plug-ins for your beats?
Killian Beatz: No preference really. VST’s are simple and convenient, not to mention fast in FL Studio. But when I’m at Bad Vibe Studios, I’m creating with a lot of different synths and keyboards, which gives the beats a more unique sound.
BigTmusic.com: Have you ever denied an artist a beat? If so, what happened?
Killian Beatz: Yes. They wanted a free beat.
BigTmusic.com: Lol! I hope the artist realized that they can’t get that quality work for free! How often do you create beats, and how many do you have stored away in your vault?
Killian Beatz: I make beats pretty much every day. Probably got about 100 good ones stored away.
BigTmusic.com: Nice catalog you have stored away! So what’s your 
biggest song to date?
Killian Beatz: Judging by what people tell me, there’s “Everything Bout Me” (mixed by BigTmusic.com) featuring So San Antone & Kyle Lee, Lil’ A featuring Matti Baybee “They Know It’s Us“, and most recently Mitch James featuring Doughbeezy “Piece & Chain“.
BigTmusic.com: All 3 of those songs are bangers!!! With that being said, what are your 3 favorite beats you’ve created?
Killian Beatz: I can’t really pick 3 favorites. I’m always trying to improve my sound.
BigTmusic.com: Who are some of the producers that influenced you and that you look up to?
Killian Beatz: Ones that inspired me to start making beats are Warren G, Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, and Mike Dean. From the newer era, I gotta go with Zaytoven, Lex Luger & 808 Mafia, and also Mike Will Made It.
BigTmusic.com: What are some of your favorite industry (commercial) beats?
Killian Beatz: Recently, that “Jumpman” produced by Metro Boomin’. I’m feeling that beat. A few years back, Juicy J – “A Zip and a Double Cup” produced by Lex Luger. A couple of my all time favorites are Warren G ft. Nate Dogg – “Regulate“, and “Nuthin’ But a G Thang“.
BigTmusic.com: Is it true that recently decided to take your talents to one of the mecca’s of music, Atlanta?
Killian Beatz: Yes.
BigTmusic.com: Congrats on the move! What was the reason for the move to ATL?
Killian Beatz: I met Rajan, an indie artist from Atlanta, last year through a mutual friend. I started producing for him shortly after and he got Dan Diego on one of my beats. Diego’s in K. Camp‘s SlumLords Crew. So this move is all about opportunity and taking that next step in my music career.
BigTmusic.com: Who wouldn’t you mind working with in ATL?
Killian Beatz: Sy Ari Da Kid, Young Greatness, K. Camp, Migos, and Future to name a few. I also would like to break a new artist that not many people have heard of and make that person a house-hold name. In the same way that 40 & Boi-1da did with Drake.
BigTmusic.com: We truly hope you get to work with some of those artist. Breaking a new artist would definitely put you on the map. What is one thing you like and dislike about current producers?
Killian Beatz: I think everyone’s worried about one-upping the next producer/beat maker instead of appreciating the music for the art that it’s supposed to be.
BigTmusic.com: Alright Killian, we appreciate the interview! We hope all your old and new fans got a chance to learn a little bit more about you. Any final shout outs for the viewers?
Killian Beatz: Appreciate everyone who’s listened to any song I produced, or supported me in any way on my music journey.
Follow Killian Beatz:
Soundcloud @ Soundcloud.com/killianbeatzmusic
Facebook @ Facebook.com/killianbeatz
Twitter@ KillianBeatz
Instagram @ KillianBeatz
Youtube search Killian Beatz
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