If you were to think of an example of a typical highschooler’s job, music producer would most likely not be your first choice. Eli Lindsey, sophomore, defies stereotypes as he mixes and produces music independently. In addition to being able to create his own beats for other artists to rap over, he can also play the keys, drums and guitar.

TKC: What type of music do you listen to?

EL: Everything but new country music. Predominantly old school rap and punk. 

TKC: If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be?

EL: I’ll say Jay-Z, because it’s a funny answer. 

TKC: What do you like to do in your free time?

EL: Just chill. I play basketball for fun, but not with any team.

TKC: Where is the best place you’ve ever been to?

EL: I like Chico, California. My mom’s family lives there so I’ve been there a lot. 

TKC: Would you say you’re a beach person as opposed to a mountain person since you go to California a lot?

EL: No, because I have family in the Rocky mountains too. I’ve got family all over. 

TKC: Do you like to travel since your family is spread out throughout the country?

EL: Not really, I usually just stay home. I don’t like planes, and I don’t like long car rides.

TKC: Did you grow up in Kirkwood?

EL: No, I actually moved here when I was in 8th grade. I’m originally from Milwaukee, and my dad got a job offer in STL. I like Kirkwood, it’s nice. 

TKC: If you were given $500, what would you use it to buy?

EL: Equipment and clothes.

TKC: What type of equipment?

EL: I make music, but I don’t like to talk about it too much. I don’t need to speak for the music, the music speaks for itself.

TKC: What type of music do you make?

EL: I produce beats for rappers in the area to use, and then mix it for them. I’m a part of this STL music collective called Nocurfew. 

TKC: How did you become a member of the group?

EL: After I produced a song with my friend at KHS, I was scouted out from an artist who’s part of the collective. They really liked the song and now I make beats with them. 

TKC: What are your plans for after you graduate from KHS?

EL: I really don’t like the idea of four more years of school, regardless of what it’s for. 

TKC: Do you have any bucket list ideas?

EL: I [want to] do everything. I’m down for anything and everything. 

TKC: What’s your biggest fear?

EL: I honestly don’t know. I don’t think in that direction, or I at least try not to. I try to be a positive person, but I’m not naturally one. It takes work.

TKC: What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done?

EL: I don’t want to rank things. I don’t want to rank my life moments and put one above the other. 

TKC: If you had to describe yourself as an animal what would it be?

EL: Man, this is like some hippie [stuff]. Pandas like to vibe. I’ll go with a panda.