Roast Beatz
Meet Leo, better known as Roast Beatz, a multi-genre DJ and producer whose eclectic sound knows no boundaries. From skateboarding roots to a flourishing career as a DJ, producer, and the visionary behind the record label, Cuttin’ It Fine, Roast Beatz invites us on a journey where musical exploration and streetwear culture intertwine.
Can you give us an introduction to yourself and your work?
Hi, thanks for having me! My name’s Leo, alter ego Roast Beatz. I'm a multi genre DJ, producer, and the proud owner of Cuttin’ It Fine, a record label, all right here in Bournemouth. My DJ journey, which I've been on for quite some time now, naturally led me into the world of music production.
I thrive on variety because I tend to get bored easily. This is where the multi-genre tag comes from and why my fans tell me they never quite know what to expect from a Roast Beatz release. One day, it could be a House beat, the next, a Hip-Hop vibe, or some Disco and Funk action. I have so many influences I can’t possibly cram it all into one genre. This can also be witnessed in my DJ sets, you never know what to expect!
While I've dabbled in various styles, I'm perhaps best known for my Hip Hop tracks or involvement with Ghetto Funk. One of my proudest moments was producing a track for Dabbla titled "Psychoville," which has racked up 12,000,000 views on YouTube. I've also had the pleasure of collaborating with an array of talented peeps, including Action Bronson, Dizzy Dustin, Greg Blackman, Jehst, Mysdiggi, and many more.
My record label Cuttin’ It Fine isn't just a label; it's a reflection of who I am, a welcoming stage for heads to join forces with me. It's a place where multi-genre artists can bring their creative ideas and talents to life without any artistic boundaries. The musical catalogue spans a spectrum of genres, including Hip Hop, Funk, Breaks, Disco, and House.
Then the streetwear collection draws inspiration from the culture that surrounds us. We take pride in minimalistic branding, celebrating art, music, sneakers, sportswear, and everything in between.
We’d love to know your story! What is your background that led you up to this point?
Sure, I was born in Chertsey, I then made my way to Cornwall at a young age, and it was there that I discovered skateboarding, something that set the stage for my musical journey. Skateboarding was my first love, and I eventually found myself sponsored by LRG clothing, an amazing opportunity that led to an obsession with fashion and street wear that blossomed in later years when I started Cuttin’ It Fine.
The music in the skate videos I constantly watched resonated with me. It was the mid-'90s Hip Hop that struck a chord, but I was equally drawn to the original funk tracks used as samples in them. This ignited a quest to track down those dusty samples and delve into the world of the original breaks. During tough times music became my solace, whilst growing up through the trivial teenage squabbles alongside the profound moments of dealing with loved ones' illnesses, music was always there as a comfort blanket.
This connection led me to take on a factory job one summer at 16 to scrape together enough money for my first pair of Technics 1210s. Life's challenges at the time nudged me toward seeking solace in my room, where I honed my DJ skills on my new investment. Talented friends DJ Clockwork and Sneakee initiated me into the art of turntablism. This eventually led to my involvement in one of Cornwall's first Hip Hop nights, El Segundo, Thanks Tex. I found myself spinning tunes in nightclubs even before I was of legal drinking age, and the rest is history.
Since then, my DJ journey has taken me around the globe, spinning music in various corners of the world. I've graced the stages of numerous UK festivals. Earlier in my career, I was lucky enough to be recruited for guest mixes on Charlie Sloth and Mistajam's shows on BBC 1XTRA.
I also had the pleasure of hosting a radio show on London's renowned Pirate station, Itch FM, which has opened many other doors in the radio industry since. I’ve shared stages with heavy hitters such as Redman, Method Man, Chase and Status, the Sugarhill Gang, just to name a few. It’s pretty surreal looking back on it all.
Over the years production has been good to me too. One of my tracks, "Whoomp Times," claimed the best-selling Funk and Soul track on Juno Download. I’m also blessed to have received airplay on Radio 1 Dance, BBC Radio 6 Music, and BBC Introducing. Just last month, my single "No Requests" earned the title of BBC Introducing Solent's track of the week, which was a trip having it played on the breakfast show
and many more.
What was your most memorable moment in your career?
I get asked this question a lot, and it's honestly tough to pinpoint a single moment. There have been so many incredible experiences. Warming up for Redman and Method Man at Shepherds Bush Empire was definitely up there.
Then there was a time I travelled to China for a mini tour and found a massive mural of my face on the club's wall – that was pretty surreal. Playing at some of the festivals, especially Shindig and Beat Herder, has been monumental.
Collaborating with Action Bronson, especially considering how he's grown into one of the biggest names in Hip-Hop, was unbelievable. Definitely a case of the right place and time. And as mentioned earlier, the success of "Psychoville" still blows my mind. It's mad how many rappers have asked me to make them a "Psychoville" beat over the years.
But probably the best, is some of the people I meet at gigs, those who share stories about how my music or one of my sets has touched them or made an impact. I still can't believe that happens. I wish I could tell De La Soul, Sharon Jones or the Pharcyde how much their music influenced me. R.I.P. Trugoy and Sharon.
What's the most embarrassing song request you've received while DJing?
It was "Mysterious Girl" by Peter Andre. This request came right in the middle of an up-tempo Funk and Hip-Hop set. What could possibly fit better right after a De La Soul track? I couldn't handle it, and honestly, I'm still trying to get over it...
Do you have any exciting events in the pipeline?
Event-wise, I'm currently collaborating with the Way Outback and the Deus Lodge on some exciting events. While I'm still open to bookings outside of Bournemouth and the Christmas season inevitably gets busy, I'm planning to take a bit of a breather.
The summer was packed with festivals and gigs, so I'm looking forward to hibernating for a bit and focusing on music. I've got some exciting production projects in the pipeline. There's a Roast Beatz EP on the way, and I'm curating the 5-year, 50th release Cuttin' It Fine Compilation. Plus, there are collaboration EPs in the works, one with Everyman and another with El Bomba.
I have a stack of unfinished tracks that I'm eager to share with the world. I'm also in talks with some other labels to increase my opportunities, so there's plenty of music to keep you going. I've definitely caught the radio play bug, so I am keeping this in mind when I'm making music in the studio.
Website → soundcloud.com/roastbeatz | cuttinitfine.com
Instagram → @roastbeatz | @cuttinitfine
