Life & Work with Joel Shanks of Moreno Valley,CA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Shanks.

Hi Joel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I go by KJSBeats, and I’m an audio engineer and music producer with about 10 years of experience in audio production. I got started like a lot of creatives do — grinding in my home studio, learning by doing, and letting my passion for music guide me. Early on, I committed myself to mastering not just beatmaking but the full production process — from sample flipping to mixing and engineering.

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to build with both major label and independent artists across the globe. Some of the artists I’ve worked with include GLC, Kodie Shane, Wiz Khalifa, Hell Rell from Dipset, AJ Snow, AD, Bejo, Devour, Bravo The Bagchaser, and many more. My music has been featured in Complex Magazine and even made it onto Netflix, which was a big moment for me.

In 2020, a track I produced called “Too the Right” by Devour went viral on TikTok, which helped bring a whole new wave of listeners to my sound. Beyond production, I’ve also built a strong community of artists, producers, and hip-hop fans on my YouTube channel — youtube.com/kjsbeats — where I share my work and connect with creatives from around the world.

What’s gotten me this far is consistency, curiosity, and staying locked in on growth — not just musically, but as a business-minded creative. I’m still just getting started, but everything I do is about building authentic connections and creating music that lasts.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — it’s been a real grind, with a lot of highs and lows. Like most people pursuing something creative and independent, I’ve had to navigate a lot of obstacles along the way. One of the biggest challenges has been maintaining consistency and motivation, especially when working with artists who don’t always follow through, or when payments are delayed. There were times where I was waiting months to get paid, or putting in long hours on projects that never got released — that can really test your patience and love for the craft.

Another challenge was learning how to value my work properly. Early on, I gave a lot away for free just to build relationships or get exposure. It helped open doors, but over time I had to learn how to set boundaries, run things like a business, and not let people take advantage of my time or skills.

And then there’s the mental side — the self-doubt, burnout, and overthinking that creeps in when things aren’t moving fast enough. That’s something I had to face head-on. But every struggle taught me something — about discipline, belief, and the importance of building something that’s truly mine.

Through it all, what kept me going was knowing I had something to offer and seeing how my music connects with people. That’s what made every bump in the road worth it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in music production and audio engineering, with a strong foundation in sample-based, West Coast-influenced hip-hop. What I do goes beyond just making beats — I focus on creating full-bodied, emotion-driven records that artists can really tell their story on. From the initial idea to the final mix, I make sure every part of the process hits at a high level. I’m known for my ability to bring out the best in artists — whether they’re major label names like Wiz Khalifa, GLC, and Kodie Shane, or independent artists grinding their way up. My work has been featured on major platforms like Complex Magazine and Netflix, and one of the songs I produced, “Too the Right” by Devour, went viral on TikTok in 2020. I’ve also built a loyal community on my YouTube channel where I showcase beats, inspire up-and-coming producers, and connect with fans of authentic hip-hop worldwide.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed consistent in an industry that’s constantly shifting — and I’ve done it on my own terms. I’ve built my brand off real relationships, good business practices, and delivering quality every time. What sets me apart is that I’m not just trying to “sell beats” — I’m trying to build a legacy through sound. I care about the music, the message, and the people. Every track is personal to me, and I think that passion shows in the final product.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
over the next 5 to 10 years, I see the music industry continuing to shift toward independence, personalization, and direct-to-fan relationships. Traditional gatekeepers are becoming less relevant, and more artists and producers are building careers without labels by leveraging platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and streaming services. That means branding, consistency, and community-building are going to matter more than ever.

AI and tech will definitely play a bigger role — from generating ideas to mixing, mastering, and even helping creators manage their business. But I believe authenticity and human creativity will always be the foundation. The producers and artists who can blend innovation with soul are going to thrive.

There’s also a big trend toward visual content and storytelling — beatmakers aren’t just uploading audio anymore; they’re creating entire experiences around their sound. That’s why I’m focused on not just making fire beats, but also building a visual and narrative presence that connects with people.

Long story short: the next decade is going to reward those who know how to market themselves, adapt fast, and stay true to their sound while embracing new tools. It’s an exciting time to be a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://kjsbeats.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/kjsbeats
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/kjsbeats
• Twitter: http://x.com/kjsbeats
• Youtube: http://youtube.com/kjsbeats
• Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/kjsbeats