Beebo is a singer, rapper and producer working in the Dallas–Fort Worth music scene. Born in Tampa, Florida, he grew up mostly around Fort Worth and now lives in Bedford, Texas. For nearly two years he has been writing, recording and producing his debut LP, working title EEL, which features vocals and engineering from artists he met through The Green Elephant, a Dallas music venue. We spoke to him about his influences, his struggles and what is coming next.
How would you describe your style?
“Alternative, experimental and emotionally driven.”
Who has influenced you the most?
“My dad has been teaching music for more than 20 years, so there were always instruments around the house. He insisted I start cello lessons when I was ten. Without him, I wouldn’t have the foundation I have now.”
What keeps you inspired?
“Even though I’m a musician, I’m mostly inspired by painters and filmmakers. Salvador Dalí, Vincent van Gogh and David Lynch have shaped me far more than most vocalists.”
What advice would you give other artists?
“Take your time when building a track. It’s a luxury only independent artists have, but it matters. Every choice I make in a song needs a purpose, and no matter how abstract an idea seems, it all has to connect. That’s partly why this project is taking so long. A record label would never let me spend this much time on it, so I’d tell other independent artists to make the most of that freedom.”
How have you dealt with personal struggles?
“I’ve been dealing with anxiety and self-loathing for a while. Luckily, I have a great circle of friends who’ve supported me through the hardest periods. I wouldn’t be where I am without them, and I hope they know how much I appreciate them.”
What obstacles have you faced as an artist?
“Finding an audience in the Metroplex that connects with my music has been hard. Other local performers have always been supportive, but stepping on stage after an artist playing more mainstream trap, hip-hop or pop can feel isolating. Sometimes I’ll see a crowd enjoying my set, and the next moment they’ve drifted away. As my exposure grows, though, I keep finding listeners who connect with it, however left-field the beat or introspective the lyrics.”
What are you working on now?
“I’m reworking and polishing a track called ‘Panic Attack’ with my sound engineer, CloudD, at his studio in Grand Prairie. It’ll be my first official release on streaming services in more than three years, since my early SoundCloud days. I’ve been performing demo versions at venues around the area and the response has been really positive.”
Follow Beebo
- Instagram: @z3u3w1r_0q33q
- Feature by @Focuseddd_
