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Kenneth Blume, known to many as Kenny Beats, is moving forward in his career by embracing his birth name

The influential producer, who has shaped the sound of artists like Jpegmafia, Denzel Curry, Vince Staples, and Rico Nasty, explains that Kenny Beats was a name he came up with as a teenager for MySpace—simple, since his name was Kenny and he made beats. It worked for him for a long time, but now it feels like the right moment to fully step into the identity he was given. He admits that even with successes like Grammy nominations under the old name, he’d sometimes stop and think, "But my last name is Blume." Names often carry a significance that goes beyond mere labels, becoming part of one's story and evolving over time. In creative industries, where personal and professional identities merge, such changes can reflect a deeper search for authenticity and alignment with one's roots. It’s a reminder that how we present ourselves to the world can shape not only how others see us but also how we see ourselves. One of his first projects as Kenneth Blume is creating and selecting the music for the film "Lurker," directed by Alex Russell. The psychological drama, which gained attention at Sundance and Berlin, follows a retail worker’s intense quest to connect with a rising artist. Blume’s role in this project was a key factor in his choice to use his real name, especially after seeing it on the big screen at Sundance. Reflecting on his long-standing friendship with Russell, Blume recalls how they first connected. Russell was an established hip-hop journalist, and Blume had always hoped to work with him. When Russell wrote a feature on him for Fader, it sparked a close bond that lasted over the years. As their friendship grew, Russell shared the script for "Lurker," which he wrote during the pandemic, with Blume and mutual friends. Blume wasn’t surprised by Russell’s talent, especially given his later successes with shows like "The Bear" and "Beef." Blume admits that after reading the script, his first thought was whether it was inspired by people they knew. The film captures the raw, demanding reality of trying to make it in the music industry, and Blume felt the music needed to reflect that honesty. He avoided songs that felt out of place or too polished, aiming instead for tracks that echoed the gritty, often uncomfortable journey artists face. He worked with artists like Dijon and Rex Orange County to develop original music that fit the characters and setting. For example, "Snakes in the Garden" was written specifically for the film, while other pieces were adapted from existing demos or ideas. Blume expresses genuine gratitude for how willingly these contributors shared their work, noting that even unfinished material held deep emotional resonance. Scoring a film was new territory for Blume, who typically focuses on production that highlights catchy hooks or lyrics. Here, he took a different approach—crafting a score that builds tension and lingers subtly, enhancing the story without overpowering it. He drew inspiration from scores in films like "Ex Machina" or "Social Network," which leave an impression through atmosphere and texture rather than melody. Blume emphasizes that he’d do almost anything for Alex Russell, but scoring isn’t something he plans to do regularly. For now, he takes pride in what they achieved with "Lurker" and the feedback that the film feels true to those who know the industry. To him, that recognition is the highest form of praise.

Category:SHOW BIZ NEWS

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