Today we’d like to introduce you to Cheema Tha Producer.
Cheema, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey as a producer began at the age of 11 years old. I distinctly remember listening to the album “Fly or Die” by N.E.R.D. and thinking to myself, “I want to make beats like The Neptunes.” I had somewhat of a musical background already from having been in the school band and playing trumpet, so I downloaded a trial version of the digital audio workstation “FL Studio” and got to work. I explored the program and taught myself how to fully structure and create a beat by imitating beats produced by my role models. Over the years, my inspirations were Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, Timbaland, Calvin Harris, and Ryan Leslie, just to name a few. I rapped and danced to my beats in a few talent shows and gained more experience and confidence. My friends were very supportive and encouraged me to put myself out there more frequently. I would make beats and post them to my Myspace, and Soundclick at the time.
I kept up with producing through-out grade school and high-school using it as a positive outlet. I knew whatever I felt, I could translate into the creation of a beat or song, and that notion was so amazing to me. I did a few years in college while working a full-time job in retail and became extremely unsatisfied with the direction of my life. I made a life-changing decision to withdraw from my college program, quit my job and do music full-time. My parents were less than excited about my decision but I am so happy I had the courage to pursue my passions. I built up my Instagram following through consistently posting fun clips of me producing, along with a link to my Soundcloud beats. People really loved what I was doing and started messaging me to produce beats for them. I released my first two singles “Deep End” and “Game Over” and have been working on my personal beat store. It has definitely been a challenge, but I am in love with the journey and the process. I showcase my journey to inspire and motivate other females and creatives to go after their dreams and passions. We are all given talents and I encourage everyone to share whatever it is. Love yourself, and love what you do, because the world needs authentic creatives.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As a female producer/artist trying to make her mark in the music industry, it has been both amazing and challenging. I believe one of the biggest challenges is finding and building a female community. when I go out to events or showcase, majority of the time, there aren’t any other females doing what I do. I think getting our representation up is something very needed and important to motivate other female creatives to want to enter the industry. My advice to other young women just starting their journey is to focus on the love, passion, and authenticity of your music. Put yourself out there and don’t let anyone discourage you. Share your talents with the world because you were given that talent for a reason.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I go by the name Cheema Tha Producer. I am a Toronto based recording artist and music producer specializing in the genres R&B, hiphop/rap, pop, Island beats, and synth-wave. I have a complete obsession with synthesizers and am known for blending multiple genres to create unique instrumentals with a synthy vibe to them. I am largely known for my beat clips which I call “Cheema Waves” on Instagram. I use my platform to motivate other creatives to be their true selves through their art and showcase my own journey as a creative as well. I’m most proud of having released my first and second singles “Deep End’, and “Game Over” on all streaming platforms. Both singles were written, and produced by me and I was super excited to start my journey not only as a producer but as a songwriter and recording artist. The thing that sets my music and beats apart from others is definitely the cadence I create with the synths I use. I’m just a creative that creates for the love of it, and not someone who follows trends.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Of course, there is my mom. She is the most hard-working and loving person I know. She has loved me through my ups and downs and has always encouraged me to be strong, intelligent, and myself. There is never a day she hasn’t been there for me and I hope to ultimately make her proud and reward her for all that she has done in my life.
in terms of music, Missy Elliott has definitely been one of my biggest inspirations. I used to fantasize all the time about possibly being related to her because we share the same last name. All jokes aside, her style, her talent, and her drive to be creative and different has always pushed me in my own musical pursuits. She is timeless, and a huge influence to hip hop. She is someone who did music her way and did it phenomenally.
Contact Info:
- Email: cheemawaves@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheema_waves/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/cheemawaves/
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/almarie-elliott
Image Credit:
Danelle Jane Tran, Almarie Elliott
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