(Producer Interview) - Behind The Music: That Producer Ryan (TPR).

Skee and That Producer Ryan dropped their first joint EP this summer titled “Suttin 2 Prove”. The 5-track project consistsof lyrics with more laid-back jazzy instrumentals, a combination that has gained popularity in the UK scene in the past few years. I had the chance to sit down with Ryan and get his perspective on dropping a joint EP, studio sessions with Dave, and what he has in store for 2025.

What’s your musical background, how did you get into making beats?  

I used to play bass guitar when I was younger, but that was really just a hobby. I used to listen to beats on the way to school. In the summer of year 9 I got my first iPhone, I was just bored going through the apps on my phone when I came across Garageband. I started playing around with it and I was surprised at how fun it was at the time. From that I just kept on making beats with it until I got my first laptop in 2020.  

I joined East London Arts and Music in 2020 originally as a bass player with minimal knowledge about production. As I continued to use the studios and facilities available to me, I became more focused on production, and everything started to transition into that.  

What genre did you start with initially? 

Trap beats, just basic trap beats really. At the time I was into Metro Boomin, Migos, 21 Savage so it made the most sense for me to go in that direction.  

Did a certain producer or artist inspire you when you started?  

When I was starting off, I was just doing it because I enjoyed it. I wouldn't say at the time I took inspiration from producers but as I started making more beats and progressing, I took more inspiration from other people. One that stands out is Emil (@emil_kla on Instagram)  

You recently released a joint EP with rapper Skee (@skeeunofficial on Instagram). It seems that you two have a close relationship, can you tell me a bit more about that?  

That’s my boy. We met through Instagram dms, these times I was more into the engineering side and was just trying to work with anyone. After that, we just stayed in touch and I realized he's a cool guy, we understand each other's vision and can communicate ideas well.  

Amongst your other placements you have worked with some big artists such as Unknown T and Sam Wrecks, but who is your favorite artist to work with?  

Naturally, I want to say Skee because we dropped a whole EP. But other than him there's an artist called Kezz (@kezzdft on Instagram), definitely one of the most talented guys I've worked with.  

I saw on your Instagram a photo of you and Santan Dave in the studio, can you explain the story behind that? 

I was a part of Spotlightfirst’s breakthrough program alongside other artists and Dave was able to come for a studio session with us. I learnt a lot that day and he gave me some gems. I felt grateful at that moment to have someone like Dave giving me advice, it shows he cares about our generation, he’s like my favourite artist too so the experience inspired me to keep working.  

At the moment the majority of beats lie within the boom bap/UK rap sound that artists such as Knucks have popularized in the last few years. Are you looking to move into another genre anytime soon?  

I'm open to work on anything. Right now, I do want to lock in my sound and perfect it, but I am down to do anything really if it makes sense in the moment, I just believe in myself like that.  

What is your creative process as a producer, what comes first?  

It really just depends on how I'm feeling, I don't like to put pressure on myself to create. At the moment I like piano samples, so I'll start with the melody and then the drums come naturally. But it really depends on the day, before I used to start with the drums, and I might change back again in a few weeks.  

What advice would you give to a producer who is just starting out?  

With me, I'm all about working. So, I'd say just work on your craft every day and as much as you can in your circumstances. Listen to music constantly and don't put too much pressure on yourself to create, you shouldn't feel pressured to make art. If you love what you make nothing else matters, don't let a bad day discourage you either.  

What struggles have you encountered during your journey that other producers may be able to relate to, and how did you get around them? 

One thing is creative block for sure, I just try to step away and take in life. Sometimes I have to just deep that I have the opportunity to do this, and it tends to take off the pressure. For the most part I think you can overcome any issue if you just keep going, don't ever stop.  

What’s next for you?  

More songs are coming out, songs that I feel are very good production wise. I really want to make a beat tape in 2025, life was moving too fast this year to make one. But a lot more music really, that's it.