I was exposed to a lot of great music when I was young, but I discovered the joy of writing music when I was taking piano lessons as a child. I couldn’t stand playing off sheet music and would procrastinate practicing by exploring the keys and see what kind of emotions I could evoke with their notes. I quickly discovered that writing music was my gift, and most certainly my main purpose in life.
Listening to your music we can tell you love incorporating interesting new sounds and techniques within each track! What inspires you to experiment and evolve?
I’m inspired by the endless possibilities in music production. I feel I have a specific and unique story to tell and I strive to refine that story with every track. I learn something new and get great tips constantly, and am happy with my approach now more than ever. I’ve been making some of my wonkiest stuff lately and it’s incredibly satisfying.
It seems like you already found your signature sound Do you have any tips for upcoming musicians that can’t seem to find their own sound?
Take chances, go weird with it, and think of new ways to approach a genre or style of music. There is no right way to produce, so anything goes so long as it sounds good. Rather than try to sound like your favorite artists, try instead to make something that no one has ever heard before.
Your track “Descending” is your best track in our opinion! From its artwork to the Incredibly powerful sound we absolutely love it. Could you tell us more about the story behind this track? Also, what is your creative process like?
I’m glad you enjoy it. I originally reached out to Tzafu to work on a track because I’m a huge fan of his sound. I think he’s the most promising dark house producer in the game. When he agreed to work on something I was honestly a bit taken aback because of how much I enjoy his music and idolize him. When he sent me this track and already laid down the heavy groundwork, I became extremely excited because it meant I had a chance to explore the atmosphere and break downs of the track and put my unique flair on it. Working with Tzafu was an absolute treat and I truly hope we work together more in the future. Also, shout out to Caleb Schalk for the artwork. Caleb’s definitely going places.
As for my creative process, I tend to start with the kick and then focus on the groove and bass line or lead. Once I have a loop that’s getting me grooving, I will then flesh it out and begin the intricate process of developing melodies, breakdowns, FX, tension & release, variation, change-ups, etc. I also solicit a ton of feedback from both producers and listeners alike to get new ideas and inspiration. The most important thing to me is that I keep things simple and different, and do my best to process every individual sound as minimally and effectively as possible. I always believe less is more.
What are your musical goals for the future?
The goal is simple: become the best at making my sound. If I can accomplish this, the other goals like releasing on my favorite labels and touring will become a reality. This is all I want to do with my life. I want to make music that comforts the outcasted and help them come to terms with the harshness and brutality of life. If I can make music that aids people the way music aided me in my adolescence, then I will consider myself successful. I also intend to grow the Sub 49 Collective and Sub 49 Records to the best of my ability. I wouldn’t be where I am without the Sub 49 crew and I am confident we’ll have the ability to put Seattle on the map.
What do you have planned for the coming months? Any upcoming projects we can get excited about?
I have some shows coming up in Seattle that I’m incredibly excited for and in the process of finishing up my favorite EP to date. I also have a side project launching towards the end of December that is very different from my Minor project. I plan to do big things in 2020 and am doubling down on my production to make the most obscure, and enticing music I can. I have a really good hunch about next year and am grateful I’m in a position in life to pursue this dream. I have a lot of people who support me and I have them to thank for the exciting year ahead.