Initially a drummer, Sheldon Young studied music at university in Oklahoma before making beats under the mentorship of childhood friend and American rapper Ray Jacobs (aka August 08). Working on material under the alias Channel Tres, Young first arrived on the house scene in 2018 with his debut single Controller becoming a cult hit.
Further EPs showcased the producer’s forwardlooking blend of Chicago house, Detroit techno and West Coast rap. Generically labelled ‘Compton house’, the 32-year-old’s hushed baritone – oft compared to soul supremo Barry White – reconnects to the classic house sound, while the latest Channel Tres EP, Real Cultural Shit, further underscores Young’s impressive ascent.
You studied music at university in Oklahoma. Was that with a view to having a career as a producer?
“That was back in 2011 when I was trying to get a job and figure something out – the goal was to be a producer and a session engineer. I learned about the technology behind music, music theory and how to collaborate and put projects together. When I started releasing tracks I got some real world experience but the university
syllabus allowed me to learn different types of music technologies, which kind of works well for my brain.”
You played drums as a youngster at church. What led you towards becoming a beat maker rather than a traditional drummer?
