Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee McKinnon
Hi Lee, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up surrounded by music—it was always a part of my life. My dad used to joke, “Why do you know every song playing? You don’t stop singing!” Music was just in me. At six, I got my first instrument—a guitar—and I loved it. I played with my older sister, and over time, I explored drums and pianos too. I wasn’t great at drums and eventually put the guitar down, but in 5th grade, I picked up the saxophone. That was the instrument that stuck, and I played in school bands all the way through my junior year.
At the same time, I was a big sports guy. I spent years playing for two basketball teams at a time, traveling constantly. But once I got into music, my computer, drum pad, headphones, and mic came with me on every trip.
Everything changed during my freshman year of high school when I had a basketball accident that left me unable to walk for 2-3 months. As a varsity player, I still showed up to practice, but being stuck at home bored was what really pushed me into music production. I spent hours on YouTube, learning how to make beats, record vocals, and mix and master tracks. That’s when I realized I wanted to be a producer. From then on, I was hooked. Whether it was late at night, early in the morning, or right before school, you’d find me either on the court or at my computer, learning and perfecting my craft.
Eventually, I started writing to my own beats and recording friends for fun. One of those songs even blew up at our high school and a few others nearby. By my senior year, I was taking my personal music seriously. I got the chance to perform for the first time at a showcase in Atlanta, and even though I did horribly looking back, I loved every second of it. Being the youngest person there, surrounded by supportive artists, lit a fire in me.
After graduation, I was determined to pursue music full-time. That’s when I got an opportunity to intern at Timeless Recording Studios, a place I had already used for no-engineer sessions. I didn’t hesitate. I spent months proving myself—cleaning studios, managing cables, running errands—whatever it took to show I belonged. My hard work paid off, and within three months, I was officially onboarded.
From there, I started running my own sessions, building a client base, and recording for hours on end. One time, I spent 29 straight hours in the studio. When Timeless moved locations, I was deeply involved in building the new space, often working 16-hour days to get it ready. After we opened, I became the studio manager, overseeing operations and working with a wide range of clients. During this time, I had the chance to collaborate with incredible talents—local artists, NFL players, audiobook creators, professional voice actors, and even Grammy-considered artists. One of the tracks I mastered during my first year as an engineer earned a Grammy consideration, which was a huge milestone for me.
While I was fully immersed in engineering, I started to feel my creative energy slipping. I took a break from engineering, started working in the electrical trade, and found myself drawn back to creating my own music. Now, I’ve committed to taking my personal music seriously while still actively working with other creatives.
With the back catalog I’ve been building and everything I’ve learned from working with countless artists, I’ve fully embraced my role as a “Triple Threat.” I’m an artist, engineer, and producer who can do it all—and I’m passionate about continuing to grow in all three areas. Whether I’m creating my own music or helping others bring their visions to life, I’m all in.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I am a family man first and foremost. Over the last three years, I’ve been blessed with two boys, and they’ve shaped many of the decisions I’ve made recently, including my choice to become an electrician. My dad was an electrician, and his dad was too, so it’s a trade I’ve been familiar with since I was 7 or 8 years old. Being a union electrician seemed like the perfect fit—I could plan my work and traveling for music together.
But lately, the reality has been more intensive than I anticipated. Between family, work, and school, I don’t have the time or energy I once had when I was in the studio with no family or other work obligations. Balancing everything has been tough, and there are moments when I feel like the electrical work is taking time away from my music career. At the same time, I know that focusing on generational wealth and providing consistency for my family is crucial. Creating is just as important to me because I believe in my abilities as an engineer, artist, and producer to make this my full-time career. Right now, I’m setting everything up for the long run, both for my family and my music. With two more years of school left, I’m looking forward to regaining the freedom I need to fully focus on my music again and take my career to the next level.
Time has always been one of my biggest challenges. Between family, work, and school, it’s hard to carve out enough hours to create, produce, and manage my career. On top of that, funding has also been a hurdle. I’ve always had to work within my means, and that’s why I’ve learned to be an artist, engineer, and producer. This versatility not only allows me to create and manage my own music but also helps me collaborate with others. Instead of solely paying out and expecting people to work on my projects, I’ve built my craft in a way that lets me contribute to theirs as well. It’s a give-and-take dynamic that helps me manage funding while fostering a community where we all try to help each other grow.
Despite these obstacles, I’ve learned to adapt and keep pushing forward. Every challenge has taught me something valuable, and I know that when the time comes, I’ll be ready to give my all to music once again—not just for myself, but for my family and the legacy I want to leave behind.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a “Triple Threat” in the music industry an artist, engineer, and producer who brings a unique blend of creativity, technical expertise, and vision to every project.
As an artist, I focus on introspective storytelling, crafting lyrics and melodies that connect deeply with listeners across genres like pop, hyperpop, rap, hip-hop, indie, and punk. My goal is to create music that moves people, both emotionally and physically, while pushing boundaries to form my own genre.
As a producer, I pride myself on creating beats that inspire and elevate other artists. My production style is clean, detailed, and versatile, allowing me to collaborate with a wide range of creatives. I approach every beat with the mindset of building something timeless music that resonates beyond the moment.
As an engineer, I bring technical precision and unwavering dedication to every recording, mix, and master. My experience spans a wide range of projects, from working with local talent to seasoned artists, NFL players, voice actors, and even Grammy-considered tracks. My skills are not limited to music, I’m an audio engineer capable of handling any audio needs. Whether it’s podcasts, audiobooks, music, commercials, or film projects, I approach every task with the same level of professionalism and attention to detail.
My music philosophy is simple: every track or idea brought my way must be brought to life. I strive to capture the essence of the audio, ensuring it resonates with its intended audience while sounding its absolute best. No matter the project, I’m committed to delivering exceptional results that elevate the final product.
What sets me apart is my ability to seamlessly integrate all three of my roles artist, engineer, and producer. Whether I’m creating my own music or collaborating with others, I approach every project with passion, professionalism, and a dedication to excellence. I’m not just an artist, engineer, or producer, I’m all three, and I’m here to make music that lasts.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Even with everything going on right now, my team and I are preparing to launch campaigns to effectively build a community and share music with the world. It’s not just about releasing tracks, it’s about creating a space where people can connect with the stories, emotions, and energy behind the music. We’re focused on bringing people together through sound and ensuring every release leaves a lasting impact. Our ultimate goal is to inspire everyone to chase their dreams and express themselves in their own unique way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BlackLeeBDE.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackleebde/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@blackleebde
