Alexandra On the Making Of “Funny”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Funny?"
I had a moment alone in my bedroom where I was almost giggling to myself at how good of a day I had considering that the previous day had been so miserable. And I realized that the only thing different was just the fact that I woke up on the right side of the bed, so to speak. I did the same exact thing both days, but they felt like polar opposites. Under my breath, I said to myself, “life is just so damn funny like that, isn’t it?”, and “Funny” was born. I wanted to write about how fickle and human this whole experience is.
Were there any memorable or standout moments during the recording sessions for "Funny?"
I remember on day 2, I believe, of recording when two members of my band came in to record bass and guitar. The previous day, we tracked the bones of the song, but Adam (my guitar player) came in and just made it come alive with his lead guitar parts. All of those tasty licks and ear candy parts you hear just came out of him like breath. Both he and Dan (my bass player) elevated this track to new heights and watching the synergy of my amazing producers at Matte Black Sound and the insanely talented musicians I get to call my bandmates bring this thing to life in front of me… it made me emotional. It’ll never get old listening to other incredible musicians play my music.
What did you enjoy most about making "Funny?"
It just felt so easy. The love that everyone involved had for this song made it feel like play… which I really needed at the time. It just felt like a jam band session with my pals. Pals that really believed in me and believed that song. It was almost shocking how easily everything flowed - almost like it just needed to and was ready to come out.
What is your songwriting process like? How do you usually start crafting a new song?
It usually starts with a one-liner or some sort of thesis statement-like idea. Once I have a concept and hopefully a hook line, I can write a whole chorus. Then the rest of it just flows out. If I start writing a song, I have to finish it right then. Even if I make edits to it later, I have to finish version 1 or else I just won’t come back to it. I’ll write a song in sometimes as little as a half hour if it feels good.
Do you have any memorable on-stage moments or performances that stand out to you?
This past June, I opened for Abraham Alexander at his sold-out show at the Kessler in Dallas. The Kessler was one of the first places I saw live music when I moved to Dallas in 2018 and I remember just dreaming of playing there one day. My parents and my best friend flew in from Ohio. It was unbelievably special. To finally accomplish that, with my closest friends and family there to experience it with me, I was left in awe and gratitude. I still am.
eno-obong On the Making Of ‘Piedmont Park’
What was the creative process like for this particular ‘Piedmont Park?’
Unorganized and random honestly. Beat-wise, my goal was to create a thicker sound at the time. Not try to be too overbearing but get better in the middle frequencies. These were a collection of beats that didn’t really have a concept until I scoured the internet for an idea. Usually, I watch documentaries on YouTube or David Hoffman is always great but nothing was clicking.
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of ‘Piedmont Park?’
I’ve always had this idea of a calm party atmosphere. Like if a club was relaxed but actually had a great, engaging vibe. Originally I was going to work on an Angel Dust idea going through a club in the early 70’s throughout the night as different adventures happened. Kinda worked, kinda didn’t. But that made me think of the best party under wraps. Freaknik.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for the EP?
I like to run my audio through analog gear, cassette players, and outboard effects. I use an sp-303/sp-404 for my compression and run everything through a cassette player. In the parts where I am talking, I warped a few tape loops and added those as top-layer effects.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got started in music?
I’m a sample-based and electronic music producer from Houston, Texas creating since 2014. My goal is to defy genre boundaries by fusing jazz, electronic, ambient, and drum and bass into something new to experience. I’m influenced by John and Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, Flying Lotus, Sam Gellaitry, and MF Doom. I really started turning my ear to music in middle school. Instead of what was on the radio down south, I enjoyed Pro Era and Clear Soul Forces. Once I got the crack version of FL in 2013 the rest is history.
Have you ever encountered resistance or pushback when experimenting with your art? If so, how did you handle it?
Yes, every day to push the boundaries you are putting yourself in new uncomfortable situations. Having time to create is a big deal, not even because I have a normal job. But because I’m learning the extra things you have to do for music to not only satisfy me but speak to others. Coming up with promotion plans, contact lists, and collaborating with other artists. Hearing the no’s and getting left on read. As my homie ShermStx would say, the high’s and the low’s. They are always there but I’m at a point where I can look back and be proud I never stopped creating or let anyone tell me what I believe should be good.