Adjusting to a new school can be difficult for many students, especially when it comes with a major move. For sophomore Kamarii Mathews, moving from California brought a quieter lifestyle, a new school environment, and an opportunity to continue growing a passion she had already begun to turn into a business: music production.
The move was prompted by her father receiving a job offer at a Dr Pepper warehouse, which led his family to relocate. Coming from California, the change was noticeable right away.
“My first impression after moving here was that it was a lot quieter than California,” Mathews said.
Despite the change in surroundings, music remained a constant. She first got into making beats through an unexpected opportunity; creating music for a streamer. What started as a small project quickly expanded as more people took interest in her sound.
“I started making beats for a streamer and moved up to different people and platforms,” Mathews said.
Rather than rapping or singing herself, she chose to focus on producing. She explained that she wanted to take a different path and play to her strengths.
“Not everyone can be a rapper,” Mathews said. “I already knew people who could rap, so I decided to be different.”
Her beats are best described as underground, pulling from a range of styles and influences. Artists and producers such as Boolymon, xaviersobased, okaymar, majin, and thr33 have shaped her sound. While the finished product may sound effortless, the creative process is anything but.
“The creative process is very stressful,” Mathews said. “I have to get different sounds and place them in a certain way or the beat will sound terrible.”
One major milestone in her journey was selling her first beat — a moment she still remembers clearly.
“The first beat I ever sold was a 2makginn type beat, and I sold it for $150,” Mathews said. “The artist loved it and recommended me to more people, which really got me into making and selling beats.”
Selling her music began organically through friends and online communities. A friend who streamed on Twitch played her beats live, and the positive response from viewers encouraged her to start charging for her work.
“They told me my beats were good and that I should sell them,” Mathews said. “My friend recommended me to some people, and that’s how I started.”
Now, she shares and sells her beats primarily through Discord, Twitch, and Instagram. While producing has been rewarding, it has not been without self-doubt.
“I used to doubt myself because my beats aren’t typical,” Mathews said. “I thought people would dislike them, but I realized it doesn’t matter what other people think as long as the work gets recognition.”
Although the move has not significantly changed her music style, she noted that she was making more money in California. Still, her motivation remains strong.
“The money and the fun motivate me,” Mathews said. “I get to make beats on my own time, and I’m not rushed.”
When people listen to her beats, she hopes they feel energy and intensity.
“I want them to feel like they’re listening to the hardest song ever,” Mathews said.
