Life & Work with Teddy Roxpin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Teddy Roxpin.

Hi Teddy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was 15, I became interested in making beats after taking an Electronic Music class and learning the basics of Garage Band at my high school. My family moved shortly after that to Cape Elizabeth, Maine, where I didn’t have many friends. So I got an iMac and dedicated all of my time to making beats, studying other producers, and bettering my craft. By the time I moved back to Massachusetts as a junior in high school, I was pretty damn good. I started working with local artists. Then I got a manager and started working with more established artists.

My girlfriend at the time (now wife) and I moved to San Diego in 2014. Then Los Angeles in 2016. Moving to LA changed everything for me. I ventured more into genres other than Hip Hop. I started experimenting more and getting outside of my comfort zone. I found my network of people, my chosen family. Everything felt like it clicked.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Music was a rocky path to take. I didn’t go to college. I went to one of the best high schools in the country, where kids didn’t understand the possibility of not going to college. I was met with a lot of resistance and doubt. I worked a full-time cashier job for four years after high school while trying to make my music career happen. It was financially unstable for sure. It was very much a check-to-check lifestyle. So when I finally decided to take the leap to music full time, I was terrified. But I knew I had to try.

There were good months and bad months. I think the worst part was when money was low, I used to question my creative direction. I don’t think anyone should have to sacrifice their artistic integrity for financial stability. But that’s just the situation I put myself in. And of course, there are many others in that same situation.

When I moved to San Diego, and even the first couple years of living in LA, I drove for Lyft. I was grinding to make this work and was constantly filled with doubt. Eventually, I was financially stable enough to live off of music alone. But it took a long time and a lot of work.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a producer and DJ specializing in Hip Hop & R&B. My sonic palate has changed over the years, but I think a lot of people know me for my hard-hitting, boom-bap sound. Some notable artists I’ve worked with include Mac Miller, Hoodie Allen, Chris Webby, Future, and Logic.

I’d say I’m most proud of the instrumental music I’ve been putting out over the last couple of years. I’ve released two projects with the Lofi label, Chillhop, including an EP in their beat tape series and a collaborative project with Smile High called Endless Beginnings.

Even though I’ve expanded into other genres, I feel like everything I do still has a Hip Hop nucleus. I really like my drums to hit hard, lol. I try to preserve the elements of Hip Hop I fell in love with from the 90s and early 2000s while still keeping things fresh and new.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
It’s a little cliche sounding, but I think networking is the most important part of this industry. You have to put yourself out there. You can be the best producer in the world with 10,000 beats sitting on your hard drive and no one will hear them if you don’t put yourself out there. Social media is obviously a great resource. I can’t even tell you how many connections I’ve made through Instagram over the years. Although I personally feel like meeting people in person is ideal. I’ve always been a social butterfly and love going to shows. That’s what I love so much about LA; there’s always something to do, someone to meet. The city continues to inspire me. The possibilities are endless. If you’re dope, personable and always showing your face, people will notice.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Teddy.Roxpin
• Twitter: @Teddy_Roxpin
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/teddyroxpinbeats

Image Credits
Samuel Patrick