Shawn "Source" Jarrett on Taking Risks & What Makes a True Producer
Shawn “Source” Jarrett is an RIAA Certified Audio Engineer and Music Producer. His discography includes artists from Megan Thee Stallion and Young Thug to Calvin Harris, Austin Mahone, French Montana, Cassie, Atlantic Starr, Ciroc, and several in-between. Source prides himself on being able to work in a variety of genres, and uses his resources to connect artists, producers, writers, and creatives worldwide.
Originally from New York, Source began creating and recording music in his early teens. Growing up, he was positioned with the opportunity to be a multi-faceted musician and recording engineer in a professional recording facility. Source got his start at a young age working with Jonathan and Wayne Lewis from Atlantic Starr, defining his roots in production and audio engineering. It was in this time, Source realized the difference between a beat programmer and a true producer.
Although working primarily in R&B and Pop at that time, his love for Hip-Hop was inspired by the likes of J-Dilla, RZA, and Nas, and was nurtured through his experiences as an adolescent. As a jazz pianist, he was able to mold the structures of a variety of genres, always finding ways to alter melodies and arrangements, to create a unique sound.
Upon receiving his Masters Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida, Source became the Chief Engineer at KDS Recording Studios (Previously TransCon) and continued to work with a variety of major label artists for about a decade.
In 2016, Source decided to make the move to California. His very first session landed him his first RIAA Certified Gold Plaque. As a member of the production collective Left Lane Music Group, Source continues to produce, engineer, develop artists, and collaborate on records for major artists.
His most recent success includes working as an engineer on Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's chart toppping hit, "WAP". Catch up with Shawn "Source" Jarrett for a thoughtful and insightful interview, as he gets into his love of different genres, taking risks for great rewards, and just how he got the opportunity to work on "WAP". Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Photo credit: Jeffrey ‘Deon’ Chambers
What was it like growing up back in the day in New York, the home of Hip Hop?
Growing up in New York was amazing. Especially being from the Bronx, the birthplace of Hip Hop. My family is from Jamaica, so I felt really at home with all the different cultures, sounds, food, etc. NY will always be home.
What originally attracted you to Hip Hop?
As far back I can think, I think it was Nas -“iLLMatic ”album. I fell in love with lyricism and rhymes. Plus as kids we (me and my cousins) all rapped. There was a phase I actually use to battle rap. :ol. It was fun, but the love of the music was always there.
Describe the moment you knew you wanted to pursue a music career.
Well, I’ve always known I wanted to do music in some capacity. It really started off as a producer in a studio in Mt. Vernon, NY named BedRoc. No rules, no plans, just one of my mentors Reggie Huggins, gave me access to a studio with gear, a console, and Pro Tools. From there, I had to teach myself. It’s when I first recorded Atlantic Starr in like 2004, that I realized I could really be an engineer and producer.
What is the most challenging part of being an engineer?
The most challenging part of being an engineer is being able to control the room without saying anything. Guiding the artists or producer through a session, while people are talking in the background, can be difficult. Other than that you have to be able to adapt to each artists. Everyone works differently. For me, I listen well and adapt my techniques to help the artists feel as comfortable as possible. So, they really only have to focus on writing/singing.
Personally, I think if an artists has to “think” too much about performing a specific line or cadence, it loses its natural real. That, and being fast. Being a fast engineer helps a session move smoothly. Being attentive. Being able to head an artists sing a line and say “this effect would sound cool on this one line” (within respect to the record) and doing that for them.
What part of being a producer do you love the most?
The creative process. Music to me is a vent. I lose myself when I produce. Growing up I listened to literally every genre so I love experimenting. Music has to feel fun, the moment it feels forced I a walk away take a break then revisit.
In your opinion, what is the difference between a beat programmer and a true producer?
Nowadays, the terms overlap. But in short, a beat programmer composes the music. They lay down the foundation of the music that will then be written to or performed on. A producer sees the whole image and helps bring it to life. They don’t necessarily have to be an instrumentalist or beat programmer, but they know if they put this drummer, with this piano player, with this type of song writer, they’ll be perfect and create the right sound for this artist. It’s an art within itself to be able to manage all the puzzle pieces at once.
What sparked your decision to move to California?
I actually just took a risk. I worked at a studio in Orlando that was moving kind of slow. One day with no plans I spent my last dollar to fly to LA and take a chance. First day I ran into a private e that needed an engineer. The owner threw me in the “shark tank” and told me that if I could survive a major client first go around, he’d consider bringing me on board. That day I cut a song with French Montana, and everything kind of snowballed from there. That record actually led to my first Gold Plaque for French’s Album “Jungle Rules”. No risks, no reward I guess. But, I was prepared for the opportunity. By this point I’ve been engineer over 10 years, independently and with major artists.
How has life been different for you since you moved out here?
Life’s great. Everyone’s going through a rough time with this COVID stuff, but I’m really a homebody. I spend so much time working then I tend to forget everything else. I really love what I do, so I’m always working on some shape way or form.
So, you’re a member of Left Lane Music Group. Can you give a run down of the company and what you all do for those unfamiliar.
Left Lane provides services for artists on multiple levels. These include production, engineering, mixing and mastering, video production snd editing, graphics and social gems, etc. it’s really a one stop shop for anyone that’s ready to invest in their projects.
What songs/projects have you worked on since being a part of the group?
There are a few unreleased projects coming out this year, and a few still in the world. Stay tuned.
How does it feel to have one of your most recent hits, “WAP” top the charts?
Honestly I’m thankful. It’s always great to have accolades and stuff, but to be a part of something that’s breaking all sorts of records is, awesome to say the least. It’s good for the culture and I’m blessed to be a part of history.
How did that opportunity come about?
I’ve been working with Meg sometime now as her engineer and she brought the record to my attention. It’s really cool watching her work and be creative. From there, the record took on a life of its own
What part has networking played in your success?
Networking is key. You have to learn to speak to people and communicate on this industry. More importantly you have to be able to listen and execute. Some of my closest friends from college have worked there way to high places in multiple industries and have been able to help guide my career.
How have you had to move differently since the pandemic hit?
Well in LA, major studios have shut down for a bit. But, I’m able to work remotely or do sessions privately with not many people present. To be honest, most of my recent successes have come from work during this “quarantine” time.
Any advice to upcoming talent looking to follow in your footsteps?
Be yourself. The hardest thing for me to overcome was comparing myself to others. “I can make a beat like that why can’t I..” “if only I could work with ... like ... this would....” everyone has their own journey. Just be yourself and be happy. Music is an experience. You should be able to enjoy it. Don’t ever force it. Don’t feel like you have to make 200 beats a day to compete with others in the industry. To me that’s u realistic.
Experience life, create, be patient. An opportunity will present itself. Just be prepared. “The opportunity of a lifetime, only last for the lifetime of that opportunity” not sure when I heard that quote, but it helps me be patient and helps me make sure I'm prepared for whatever comes next.
