Fresh Kils ft: phoenix Pagliacci - Ain't No Way (Single) + 10 Questions
From multiple JUNO nominated producer Fresh Kils and Sorority mic master & TRP.P songstress Phoenix Pagliacci comes "Ain't No Way", an incendiary hip hop declaration of independence. Over neck cracking drums and staccato orchestral stabs, Phoenix's pen and voice proclaim herself the sole "author and creator of my destiny".
With this, the second single from Fresh Kils debut solo album, "Disclaimer", out November 25th on Urbnet, he's poised to make a statement. Indeed, between these two sonic veterans, "there ain't no way they can stop us now". Consider yourself on notice.
Fresh Kils sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
When I was a kid, I apparently would refuse to go to sleep unless my parents played "Chantilly Lace" by the Big Bopper. That song, in all its irreverence and fun, encapsulates what I truly love about music. Later on, getting into the production side is another, longer story.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I'd have to make the distinction here between influences and dream collaborators. For influence, I'd have to begin with the production of RJD2 & DJ Shadow, because of their musicality. The Dust Brothers' work on Beck's Odelay was big for me when I was coming up as well. These days I'm inspired more by an incredible generation of young producers and musicians; Kaellin Ellis, The Kount, Marc Rebillet, Elaquent.
I have a bucket list of collaborators I suppose, but it's changed over the years. My dream once was to be Bjork's MPC player, lol. And sure, there's artists, especially in hiphop, that everyone wants to work with at some point, but now, as I get older, I'm more interested in working with the friends & colleagues that I never worked with, those ships that somehow passed in the night; Canadian hip hop legends like Shad, for instance, Sixtoo, Skratch Bastid, Maestro Fresh Wes, Michie Mee, Cadence Weapon.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I'm proud to announce my debut solo album, "Disclaimer" will be out on Urbnet as of November 25th, digitally and on vinyl as well. It's a 12 song album featuring some of the best production work I've ever done, with lush instrumentals, wild collaborations, and neck-cracking beats, featuring Fashawn, brainorchestra, PremRock, D-Sisive, Rel McCoy & more. Despite being known for MPC battle routines, this album is a much deeper dive into who I am as artist and producer, and as someone who suffers some imposter syndrome, represents a big step for me. I used to disclaim away my talents and strengths, making excuses for things. Well, no more of that. This is simply an album of my works I loved the most.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Rooted in classic, golden age hip hop & r&b production, I think my sound pushes that envelope beyond its means both musically and emotionally, establishing a kind of "future familiarity".
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
When the JUNO's (Canadian Grammy Awards) nominated two records I'd engineered and produced, for Rap Recording of the Year in 2012, I was over the moon. It’s my most proud moment, both because 2 of the 5 nominations I'd done almost entirely in my self built little home studio, and because of my parents. It was an achievement they could relate to, that they could take pride in, tell their friends about. My work in my world, my little independent, underground hip hop world, had transcended to a national platform that meant something to them.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Stay focused on the craft, always. The game will always be playin', ups & downs, dreams & nightmares. There are so few things one can control, especially in music and art, and so remaining constantly true to your love of it, the joy and wonder of doing it, and being a student of it is the key.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I mentioned Kaellin Ellis and The Kount already. Toronto is bubbling right now, so I'd have to mention Raz Fresco, Roshin, Junia-T, Lex Leosis.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Ambeez "Enjoy", Shrapknel "Metal Lung", Marlowe 3, Hiatus Kaiyote "Mood Valiant".
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Watching my Raptors, hangin' with my dog, making food.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My MPC, mood lighting, and Croup's Deadly Drums kit...
Connect with Fresh Kils on IG @freshkils