John Beat ‘s “Dime Que” Dives Into Latin Rhythms, Honoring His Roots

John Beat ‘s latest release, “Dime Que,” marks a departure from the talented Swiss producer’s English repertoire, drawing inspiration from his German and “Rätoromanisch” roots as well as his connection to Latin languages. In our interview, the up-and-coming musician admitted that his vacation in Spain ignited the creative spark for this Spanish track, reflecting themes of love and longing. 

Collaborating with Camila, John seamlessly blends Latin pop with EDM elements, infusing rhythms from instruments like bongos and congas. Avicii and Marshmello stand as his influences, propelling him to explore his own unique sound and foster collaborations. With a hip-hop background, his dance music creations retain rhythmic tricks and groove sensibilities. 

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The artist’s dedication to revitalizing classics and collaborating with fellow musicians exemplifies his commitment to innovation while honoring tradition. John Beat’s future releases promise to embrace his hip-hop roots, venturing into live shows, and pursuing collaborative projects that prove his growth and musical evolution.

Can you talk to us about your new release “Dime Que” and what gave you the idea to create it?

After more than 20 songs in English, I felt the need to release a song in another language. Since my native languages are German and “Rätoromanisch” (fourth national language of Switzerland, originates from Latin), I also have a connection to the Latin languages.

The inspiration for this direction came to me during my recent vacation in Spain, where I was able to immerse myself in the cultural and linguistic nuances of the region. This experience gave me the idea to write something in Spanish, a language that has to do with both my origins and my present. 

This song is a Latin pop track that expresses deep feelings of love, longing, and infatuation. The lyrics depict a person expressing their intense attraction and desire for someone. They emphasize the importance of this person in their life and how they have become their favorite person to pay attention to. 

The lyrics of the song deal with the complexities of relationships. It skirts the intricacies with a poignant question, “Dime Que…” – a sentiment that gets to the heart of the issues that arise in the context of an intimate relationship.

How was the collaboration with Camila like and how did you two come together for this track?

I have known Camila for some time. When I got the idea for the Spanish song, I went straight to her. We worked very well together and quickly came up with the lyrics. Our collaborative process was exceptionally productive.

The song incorporates a diverse range of genres and sounds. Could you share some insights into how you creatively blended these elements during the track’s development?

I’ve blended the vibrant tones of Latin music with the contemporary allure of Western Pop/EDM, resulting in a fusion that marries Reggaeton with the dynamic elements of house and EDM. During my creative process, my primary emphasis was directed towards the drums and percussion elements of the composition. 

My goal was to infuse the piece with a series of captivating rhythms, carefully crafted to evoke a sense of movement and encourage a dance-like response from the audience. To achieve this, I integrated authentic soundscapes of instruments like bongos and congas, seamlessly blending them into the composition. These elements are particularly prominent in the verse section, where their distinctive timbres provide a rich and immersive sonic experience.

Given your fresh outlook as a young up-and-comer, how do you imagine mapping out your career path moving forward? Could you share the names of some producers who serve as sources of inspiration for you?

Avicii and Marshmello have been my main sources of inspiration. Their music was like a gateway for me into the world of EDM. Looking ahead, I plan to keep honing my skills and carving out my own unique sound. Collaborations are also something I’m really excited about – working with fellow artists to create something fresh and unexpected. It’s all about keeping the energy flowing and making music that connects with people on a deep level.

Is “Dime Que” your debut in Spanish music? What captivated you about the Latin sound, and do you plan on incorporating more of its influence into your future releases?

Certainly, “Dime Que” does mark my debut in Latin music. What truly captivated me about the Latin sound is its rich tapestry of diverse variations and expressions. Spanish music possesses an innate ability to radiate a genuine sense of joie de vivre, a characteristic that deeply resonates with my own artistic essence. 

The overwhelmingly positive feedback I’ve received has further fueled my enthusiasm for exploring this musical landscape. Without a doubt, I am excited to embark on future projects that will continue to incorporate the influences of Spanish music. “Dime Que” is merely the first chapter in what I’m confident will be an ongoing and enriching journey of infusing my music with the captivating essence of the Latin sound.

Shifting from aspiring hip-hop producer to embracing EDM must have been quite a journey. How do your hip-hop origins flavor your EDM creations, and what distinct aspects have you integrated from both genres?

Absolutely, the transition from aspiring hip-hop producer to fully embracing EDM has indeed been a transformative journey for me. I started out with crafting Hip Hop beats, but once I got a taste of electronic music, I was captivated by its boundless creative possibilities. 

My hip-hop background still adds a unique touch to my EDM creations. All those rhythmic tricks, sample flips, and groove sensibilities that I cultivated during my hip-hop days are infused into my electronic compositions, giving them a character all their own. 

Furthermore, I’m excited to share that I’ll be circling back to my musical roots with the upcoming release of two songs. These forthcoming tracks will not only showcase my affinity for EDM but also pay homage to my hip-hop beginnings, creating a harmonious blend that represents the evolution of my musical journey.

With technology evolving and musical trends shifting, what’s an aspect of music production that you’re excited to explore further or a challenge you’re looking forward to tackling next on your quest to refine your sound?

As a music producer, I am really excited about the potential that lies in exploring old music. There is a certain magic in reviving classics that can breathe new life into my compositions – be it through discovering unique rhythms, timeless melodies, rich harmonies or even experimenting with different sounds from different eras. Amidst the rapid development of technology and the ever-changing musical landscape, I firmly believe that inspiration from the past can put a distinctive stamp on my sound. 

Looking to the future, I am looking forward to a number of exciting challenges. First and foremost, I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate with at least two accomplished singers and songwriters by the end of the year. Collaborations allow for a symbiotic exchange of ideas that creates a rich environment for mutual learning and artistic growth. Moreover, I also see the live shows as the next step. I want to gain a lot more experience with that in the future. 

To cut to the chase: To refine my sound, I take a double approach: on the one hand, I immerse myself in the melodies of the past to bring in new perspectives, and on the other hand, I collaborate with other musicians to create something extraordinary together. In this dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation lies the true magic in the world of music production.

Check out the lyric video below:

Listen to the song on Spotify: