Today we’d like to introduce you to Kris Garner.
Kris, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
When I was 14, I got my first computer. It came with a music program on it and it peaked my interest in music. Eventually, after about four months on that program, I found FL Studio and seen how much more in-detail I could make my beats, so I downloaded it.
I grew up out of state and in an area where creating music wasn’t a common career choice, so throughout high school, I would get told that music wasn’t a real career and I need to find something more meaningful. I could tell my parents weren’t the most enthusiastic about my career choice at first but as time passed, they became more and more supportive after seeing that it was something I was dedicated to. I come from a military family so I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who pursued music as a career.
It’s seven years later and I’m now working at Space Jams Studio audio engineering and selling beats with my best friend and co-producer for a living. I would say what got me this far and kept me dedicated to music was my strong determination and my hard-headed attitude to accomplish things I set my mind to.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were a couple of obstacles for sure. One time all of my sound kits got deleted off my computer. My hometown just didn’t have the market for music. Some people I went to school with would just talk down on me or call me a “SoundCloud rapper” even though I made beats. But those were somewhat minor to me.
The biggest obstacle was probably learning how to do it on my own. For example, I never learned music theory so I had to teach myself how to tune everything by ear. I had to teach myself how to use the program I use to make beats, which is considered a somewhat complicated program. I spent multiple nights going off of 2-3 hours of sleep because I was up all night researching how to do different things in beats.
Really, YouTube was my only source of help. But I figured it all out eventually and it helped me grow as a producer.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
My producer name is Sad Boy Kris. I am a producer at Space Jams Studio. I specialize in beat production as well as audio engineering.
I’d say what makes me most proud about working at Space Jams Studio is helping new artists find their sound or giving them a home studio to come and record at. We offer a vibrant yet relaxed environment for artists to come and record their music. No matter the genre.
What were you like growing up?
When I was really young, I was kind of introverted. At daycare, I would take my toys and go into a corner and play by myself. As I got older, I become more comfortable talking to others and making friends.
In middle school and high school, I was kind of into sports. I played football in middle school and I wrestled in high school. But overall, I’d say I was more of a nerd. I got really into game design and coding as a teenager.
I’ve always loved music. It has always had an influence in my life. From being young and waking up every Sunday to my Mom blasting R&B, to listening to gospel music with my Dad. Even hearing my older brother blast his rock and rap music in his room.
Pricing:
- Studio Time: $35/hr
- Beats: $30 leases / $50 custom beats
- Studio Time Deal: 4 hrs for $100
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio: 8118 Park Place Blvd
- Website: https://www.beatstars.com/sad_boy_kris/
- Email: sadboykrismgmt@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sad_boy_kris/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/sad_boy_kris?lang=en
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