PREMIERE: Camille Antoni - It’s Like a Collage (Mixtape) + 10 Questions

Camille Antoni is fast building a reputation as a versatile beat-machine.Following the release of his singles ‘L.U.N.A.’, ‘Comments’ and ‘Expose’ which feature Pete Philly and Jermaine Campbell respectively, the Amsterdam based producer presents his debut mixtape ‘It’s Like a Collage’, released on June 24th 2022.

A plethora of names appear next to Camille’s on the release and include hip-hop, alt/pop and R&B artists from across the globe. Focus track ‘Zebra’, a hazy, mellow, laid-back ditty perfect for welcoming in a care free summer, features Dutch born/Antwerp based Tomas Ferdinand and US homed rapper Digitzz, Tomas writes: “I wrote this song at a point where I felt directionless and over whelmed by my day-to-day life. I was going through a transition and felt this need for change. When I got to the studio we started out with a jam and a guitar riff. It got me to this level of escapism and being okay with wanting to get away. I let my mind wonder. I sometimes wonder if I’ve outrun myself in living the lives we live. Existential pressure is building up in almost everyone I know including myself. I just wanted to write a song that was about getting away from the pressure, about loving your vices. It’s about letting yourself enjoy moments of fucking off.”

Camille Antoni 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?

As a kid I used to watch loads of snowboard movies and played a lot of Tony Hawk Pro Skater on the PS1. The music in these films and games made me want to pick up the guitar and after a while I could play along with every song I knew. That made me interested in other types of music and so I discovered synthesisers. With all my pocket money I got my first synth (Yamaha cs-15) and a mic so I could record myself and I started making my own beats and songs. That’s when I got deep into sounds and production. I love designing music in song and sound.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I grew up loving punk music. The Sex Pistols and The Clash are two of my favourites and also the first two records I could fully play on guitar. But when I got introduced to Flying Lotus I was blown away. It was something completely new for me and I was obsessed with his sound. Hudson Mohawke and Jai Paul did the same thing to me. Now I know you mentioned artists but there’s someone else I’d like to meet that has a slight different roll in music: Rick Rubin.

3.  What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

While making my debut tape ‘It’s Like a Collage’ I’ve met many artists. I still keep in touch with them so it’s safe to say you can expect more music with some of ‘m. And I’m always looking for artists I don’t know yet with whom I can make some great music.

4. How would you describe your sound?

My sound is warm, deep and dynamic, and also quite eclectic.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I played in many bands and was an engineer in a hip-hop recording studio for a while but creating this tape from the first beat up until the last master made me pretty proud.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

The thing that helps me in the game of music is; know where you wanna be at. Set your goals and do your best to get there. I never know how I’m gonna get there but setting directions for myself keeps me focused on what I think is really important. And if you keep creating and meanwhile meet artists and people from the music industry you might be surprised with how much you can achieve.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

There is this one song that has been mesmerising me for months now, ‘Blessing In The Storm’ by Kirk Franklin with The Family. Also I’m very intrigued by La Chica. Her music brings me to a different world. And I love the sound from Christian Rich.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Well honestly I’m a vinyl/cd type haha. My Spotify playlist consist mostly of songs. But I listen a lot to ‘House of Balloons’ by The Weekend, ‘Chasing Summer’ by SIR and ‘Los Angeles’ by Flying Lotus. Oh and the record from Branko called ‘OBG’ is playing at Spotify, don’t have that vinyl just yet.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I’m hooked on Assassins Creed Origins right now. I injured my foot a while ago and could’t walk for a couple a days, a great opportunity to start this insane game. Also love to cook in my spare time. Getting some sweet flavours done and drinking a nice wine or whiskey with it get’s my head empty.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Leaving the obvious ones out I can’t go without my Dave Smith Instrument’s Prophet ’08. This synth has always give me exactly what I want. Unfortunately Dave Smith passed away a couple weeks ago, his legacy in music is unimaginable. There’s my guitar that is on everything I make, my Fender Mustang ’64. I got this when I was 16 and it’s my significant other. Last up is my SP404, a ‘90s sampler that I mainly use for it’s effects. There’s 24 different effects I can use to build crazy sounds with.