Today we’d like to introduce you to Cell Tower.
Hi Cell, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started producing beats for myself at 16 using online DAWs, a Yamaha keyboard and old Dell laptop my dad gave me. While I enjoyed writing and recording songs, I had much more passion for creating beats. I produced several of my own rap mixtapes in college. Fast forward to the pandemic of 2019, I made my first all instrumental lofi album. In 2023, I garnered my first sync placement with a global tech company and shortly after I signed a distribution deal with a Virgin Music affiliate. Today I am back to be fully independent, focusing on my upcoming release, a scoring commission, learning to play the keyboard and getting registered as a publisher with BMI.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The beginning was bumpy, mainly because I didn’t know anyone else producing music and my setup was pretty scrappy so I couldn’t follow many of the available tutorials that were out there on YouTube. Through out my music career, I’ve also struggled navigating the industry landscape with a less than conventional or mainstream sound. I also am a team of one so I often struggle with the pressure of doing everything myself and not being an expert in things like branding and marketing. I’ve also been at this for over 10 years, so I try not to get too discouraged that I’m not famous yet or going viral after all this time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am an independent music producer/artist. I release all instrumental projects, mainly lofi and ambient style music for chilling and relaxing. I also make sampled hip hop style beats. I think what I’m known for is what sets me apart from others and that’s my ability to tell stories without words. I take a lot of pride in being able to consistently craft these narrative soundscapes. I put a lot of thought into concepts and sequencing, which is reflected in how cohesive my projects are. Outside of that, I’m really proud of the fact that my music is part of peoples routine and their thoughts. Having people reach out and tell me how my music has played a role in their lives or anyone considering me for commissioned work is a honor that I didn’t think I would experience on this journey.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
My latest project titled “AUX” will be out July 4th. It’s a beat tape made for car rides. These are tracks to talk over, rap over, and vibe out to with good friends. This is the kind of music you throw on during late-night drives in a car that maybe smells like fries and incense, accompanied by the chatter of companions or your settling mind. These are unpolished, raw instrumentals that demonstrate not only my pivot into heavier sampling but my pivot away from perfection. Taking the aux chord is a chance to tell your story and this tape is a chapter from mine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.celltowermusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celltowersmash/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMVYjfM78oabVMACCWxL4ww
- Other: https://itscelltower.bandcamp.com
