Welcome to the first post in our new blog series Under the Radar: Artists You Need to Know, where we put the spotlight on rising talents who deserve more recognition for their craft. At Volks Community, we’re all about championing creativity and giving a platform to unique voices. This series is our way of celebrating artists who are pushing the envelope, making inspiring work, and sharing their stories through their art.

To kick things off, we’re starting close to home with Beatadine, our in-house producer and a proud member of the Volks Community. Beatadine has been quietly perfecting his craft, creating beats that are soulful, raw, and cinematic—true to the essence of hip-hop. His music captures the art of sound manipulation and storytelling, blending emotion and rhythm into something you can’t ignore.

In this interview, Beatadine shares the inspirations that shaped him, the challenges he’s faced, and the passion that keeps him going. He also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at his latest project, Beatadine to Your Cuts – Instrumentals Vol. 1.

This series is about more than just music; it’s about the journeys that artists take and the persistence it takes to stay true to your craft. Let’s dive in and get to know Beatadine, a producer who’s turning heads with his dedication to creating music that resonates.

Q: What does your name, Beatadine, mean, and how did you come up with it?
A: The name is funny and kind of coincidental. I was chatting with a friend, brainstorming ideas, and I threw out “Beatadine.” He immediately said, “I like that!” It’s a wordplay on Betadine, the antiseptic, and “beat.” The idea was that we’d create soundtracks or beats that heal, just like Betadine helps cuts heal.

That’s also where the title The Beatadine to Your Cuts comes from. In music, “cuts” can refer to tracks or scratches on a record, so it’s a little nod to both meanings. It’s like we’re making music to soothe or heal your soul while also giving a nod to hip-hop culture. I guess you could call that a double entendre, right? (Haha!)

Q: What are your first memories of music inspirations?
A: I grew up during the MTV, MCM, and Viva Polska era, loving everything from Nirvana, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Coolio, Michael Jackson to eurodance, Eurythmics, and Pet Shop Boys etc. Basically, everything that was trending in the ’90s shaped my love for music.

Q: What inspired you to get into beat making and music production?
A: It all started when I was a kid, watching my older cousin mix on his Technics and play DJ sets. That experience sparked my love for sounds. I’d obsess over small parts of songs, repeating them endlessly. For example, I might focus on just the bassline of a track for an entire listen, then go back to study the drum patterns. Even though I couldn’t afford music classes or instruments growing up, my curiosity to learn about music never faded.

Q: What are your inspirations or producers you look up to?
A: Honestly, there are so many. When it comes to hip-hop, a few legends come to mind, and it’s hard to rank them, but here are some that have really influenced me:

• In the US: Producers like Havoc from Mobb Deep, Alchemist, Daringer, J Dilla, Madlib, Oh No, Roc Marciano, KA, Evidence, Eto, Michaelangelo, Focus…, DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, V Don and many more, they all bring something unique to the table, and I’ve learned a lot just by studying their sound and approach to music.
• All over the world: producers like AnimalSons, Skread, Fred Le Magicien, Nicholas Craven, Justice, Daft Punk and DJ Mehdi really shaped my taste growing up. Their work was a huge part of the soundtrack of my youth and definitely shaped my perspective on production.
• And the last MAJ, a Moroccan underground legend. MAJ is one of the reasons I even started making beats. He’s got this gift and skill that’s unmatched, and his influence can definitely be felt in my style.

Q: What are the biggest challenges you face as a producer?
A: Most of my challenges come down to technical abilities. I’m not a trained musician and everything I do is by ear. But I see that as a blessing in disguise because I don’t follow any set rules when I’m making beats. I create based on how it feels and the emotions it evokes. That freedom allows me to approach production in a way that’s unique to me.

That said, I know there’s a point where I need to upskill and expand my technical knowledge. For now, though, this is a hobby and an outlet for my free time. It’s a way to unwind and express myself. If I can create something within my means that resonates with others, that’s what matters most to me. It means a lot to know people connect with what I’ve made.

Q: Give us one of your favorite beats from this BEAT TAPE.
A: One of my favorite beats is CUT IV. The story behind it is funny. I was digging and found this very soulful record where the singers were singing about love and happiness. When I got home, I flipped it into something completely different—a dark, midnight-alley type of beat. That beat ended up in the ears of MBW, who recorded an amazing verse on it. I love how a soulful, uplifting sample can be manipulated into something raw and grimy like this. That’s the beauty of the process for me—transforming sounds.

Q: How do you balance making music with your other responsibilities?
A: It’s been a challenge, especially since I have a full-time job and family duties. I work on beats in the limited time I have, often late at night or during small breaks. Over the years, I’ve managed to compile a few beats that showcase my learning phase. Some of them have been used by rappers, while others have remained in my vault.

Q: Do you have a role model in music or production?
A: I wouldn’t say I have a specific role model, but I can proudly say I’ve spent the last few years listening to Brownsville Ka, and I really admire everything he stood for. He was a true artist—he made his own beats, wrote his own lyrics, filmed and edited his own videos, and even shipped vinyls himself. To me, that’s the peak of artistry.

It took him 30 years to reach his peak, and his dedication to his craft is both inspiring and humbling. May his soul rest in peace. If I had to point to a blueprint for any indie artist trying to stay authentic while doing everything independently, it would be him. He’s proof of what’s possible when you stay true to yourself and your art.

Q: What’s next for you as a producer?
A: I’ve got a lot of beats sitting in the vault, and I’m focused on refining my sound and sharing more of my work. This first batch feels like a snapshot of my early learning phase—and I want to put it out there to mark the beginning of my journey and to show my friends that you don’t have to wait until everything is perfect to start. Start small, share your work, and grow along the way. There’s definitely more exciting stuff on the way. I’d love to collaborate with other artists and explore new styles, all while staying true to the music I’m passionate about.

Show some love to Beatadine by checking out his latest beat tape, Beatadine to Your Cuts – Instrumentals Vol. 1. You can listen to it on Bandcamp or SoundCloud. Dive into his raw, soulful, and cinematic beats, and let us know which track resonates with you the most!

Interview conducted by B.
Thank you for joining us for this first installment of “Under the Radar: Artists You Need to Know.” Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from creatives around the world.

If you know an artist whose story deserves to be told or someone you’d love to see featured in this series, we want to hear from you! Drop a comment below or reach out to us directly with your suggestions.