Fresh Produce takes music producers out of the background and into the spotlight

Typically, bands and music groups make stars of the lead singer: the “front man” and spokesperson who gets all the eyes and attention. So most fans do not consider the team of people working behind the scenes to make the music radio-ready — especially those who produce, mix and master the audio.

Music producers are integral to the music-making process. Without them, artists aiming to get their music to an audience outside their own circle of friends and family often get overlooked. The St. Louis beat battle series Fresh Produce recognizes and honors the producer with its monthly, bracket-style competition.

Fresh Produce has gone through many phases under different names over the years. Back in 2009 before the competition started, what eventually turned into Fresh Produce was known as “Beat Meet” and served more as a gathering than a series.

Emcee Shaun Bardle, also known as DJ Who, bashfully explains the name change. “'Fresh' is a great word and it’s hip-hop. The point of Fresh Produce is for these producers to bring their freshness to things that they just made. And 'produce' went with it because of production.”