The Genius Behind the Records: Meet JSH B

In this Delux Magazine exclusive, we spotlight JSH B, a recording engineer whose work quietly powers some of today’s most recognizable artists, including Nelly, Big Boi, Teddy Swims, Lola Indigo, Sexy Red, and BabyTron. With a career spanning multiple cities and genres, JSH B has built a reputation on precision, adaptability, and trust—capturing authentic performances while letting the music, not the hype, lead the way. As the industry continues to evolve, his growing catalog is a reminder that the true architects of sound often work behind the scenes, shaping culture one session at a time.

Delux: How did you first get into music recording and production—and what made engineering

your lane?

JSH B: I first got into music recording and production at the age of 12, starting in my

church. My youth leaders wanted to form a rap group and, knowing I played piano and

drums, they gave me FL Studio. By high school, I had developed my skills enough that

artists started liking my beats, and I sold my first one at 15. As artists liked my

production, they needed a place to record. This is what led me into engineering; artists

would come over to my parents’ basement, and I would record them using a Rock Band

microphone.

Delux: Was there a moment when you realized this could be more than a passion and actually

be your career?

JSH B: My career path became clear when I started consistently earning income from

recording artists. I began by charging $50 per hour during my college years, at roughly

18 or 19 years old.

Delux: What does a “great session” look like to you from start to finish?

JSH B: Preparation and flow are key. My most productive sessions are those

where the artist comes in prepared. Whether you prefer to freestyle or write,

knowing your best creative process is essential so I can support you most

effectively. Otherwise, we spend valuable session time figuring out your process

instead of focusing on the song. The more we concentrate on the track and its

emotional feeling, the better the final result will be.

Delux: How do you help artists feel comfortable enough to give their best

performance?

JSH B: As an engineer, I am the artists’ biggest advocate and hypeman. My

sessions are driven by high energy, excitement, motivation, and active

production. I often coach artists through their songs, providing vocal and

instrumental guidance when necessary. More than just an engineer, I become a

friend in the studio, fostering a supportive and collaborative relationship.

Delux: You’ve worked with artists like Nelly, Big Boi, Teddy Swims, and Lola

Indigo—what changes (or doesn’t) when working at that level?

JSH B: Major artists approach music methodically, prioritizing perfection over

quickness. Their process is more of a science, using a proven formula for

success, often managed by their team. When they enter the studio, they maintain

a professional focus, leaving personal distractions behind. Any emotional

experience, even a bad day, is channeled into their work—producers on the beat,

artists on the mic.

Delux: Is there a lesson you learned from one high-profile session that

changed how you work today?

JSH B: The key lessons I learned were the importance of patience, humbleness,

and maintaining the vibe.

During major sessions, artists have a very clear

vision of their sound. Therefore, it is crucial to work at their pace, remain open

to new ideas and sounds, and, above all, keep the energy positive. If any of these

elements are disrupted, you could get kicked out of the session—I’ve witnessed

this happen numerous times.

Delux: How would you describe your sound or approach as an engineer in

your own words?

JSH B: My signature sound is defined by a blend of technical cleanliness and

profound emotion. In the realm of audio engineering, both in St. Louis and

globally, engineers often excel at either creating clean mixes or mixes rich in

feeling—rarely both. However, I bridge this gap. My technical expertise comes

from earning an audio production degree at Webster University, while my deep

sense of musical emotion stems from years spent as a producer, collaborating

with a wide spectrum of artists.

Delux: How important is versatility versus having a signature sound?

JSH B: Versatility holds greater value. Being adaptable allows you to collaborate

with a wider range of artists, whereas a signature sound restricts you to artists

who align with that specific style. Increased versatility leads to more

opportunities, stronger network connections, and greater financial success.

Delux: You call yourself “Your Favorite Producineer”

—what does that title represent?

JSH B: I am primarily a producer, with engineering being my secondary focus.

This distinction is how I represent my unique position in an industry where

individuals typically identify as one or the other.

Delux: How did you decide on your studio pricing and session structure?

JSH B: My primary focus is on the artists. My goal is to maximize my collaborations,

creating as many complete songs with as many different artists as possible. I

view a song as a finished product; therefore, my main objective is for artists to

leave with a complete,

“droppable” song and all the associated files.

Delux: How do social media and content creation factor into an artist’s

success today?

JSH B: The music industry operates as a content industry. To achieve the primary

goal of most artists—reaching the maximum number of potential fans—social

media and content creation are essential.

Delux: How do you see the St. Louis music scene evolving right now?

JSH B: St. Louis’s music scene is truly impressive, boasting artists with

significant talent and potential. It’s encouraging to see the increase in

collaboration, a practice that has long been established in other major cities.

This growing unity suggests that St. Louis is poised to become a major music

hub globally.

Delux: What advice would you give a St. Louis artist trying to break past the

local level?

JSH B: To expand beyond the local level, you must focus on two key strategies:

Collaborate Locally: Work with the artists and producers who possess the most

influence within your city.

Travel for Influence: Even more crucial than the first point is traveling to work with

artists and producers who have influence outside of your local market. When you return,

this travel earns you greater respect because you are undertaking efforts that most

others are unwilling to make.

Delux: What should artists have prepared before they book studio time?

JSH B: To achieve the best results, the artist’s preparation is key. Come to the

session with the beat internalized, the lyrics completely memorized, and the

song thoroughly rehearsed. This level of preparation allows the artist to move

beyond technical concerns—like remembering lyrics or delivery—and focus

entirely on the emotional quality of the performance. The more prepared you are

as an artist, the higher the quality of the final recording will be.

Delux: What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when you were starting out?

JSH B: The advice I wish I had received is this: Remain true to yourself and

appreciate your current stage in your career. Embrace your newfound passion

and commit to exploring and learning everything you can about production,

engineering, and songwriting. Study the history of music and truly internalize it.

Music is a spiritual endeavor, and your spirit must be wholly dedicated to it.

You must eat, sleep, and breathe music as if your life depends on it. This will

lead to you becoming the producer, artist, and engineer you envision.