Dr. Stan On the Making Of “Downslide”
What is the creative process like?
The creative process for me is a unique one, as it begins with drums. I am a huge drum enthusiast, and believe a solid groove pushes a song forward. After drums, I follow with melodies and any other bits and bobs I feel. I also like to get my beat sounding unique from anything else that can be heard, without breaking the norm down too far. After all of it has come together, it’s time for a staunch writing process sometimes lasting for sometimes up to 12 hours straight!
Can you share any interesting or unique musical elements or production techniques used in "Downslide?"
The layering of the saxophone! Most people try to shy away from genre-blending as not to confuse the listener, but I find mixing it all together brings more life into my tracks. It's easy to make a song that stays in its lane, I want to hear the influences I grew up with bleed through. I have always known in my heart of hearts that woodwind and brass instruments as well as strings give this beautiful layering of soul into a track unlike anything else! I can thank growing up on the Graduation and albums similar to it for that.
What impact do you hope "Downslide" will have on your audience?
I am hopeful that "Downslide" will show my audience the levels that artists go to, to find themselves in their sound. The work put in, the hours toiled, and the back-breaking weight of perfectionism that artists put themselves through. I wrote it as an homage to the local artists I've had the pleasure of working around, seeing the hours poured over tracks of all varieties, the tireless nights, and the feeling of always being on the back foot.
Can you tell us more about you as an artist?
I have been a rapper for 9 years now. Starting with lunchtime cyphers and freestyling in sheds with random goobers. After a falling out with my producer at the time and the longing for paving my own sound, I became a producer and spent 2020 onward perfecting that avenue of my craft, before finally stepping back onto the mic. I garnered my inspiration from the likes of J. Cole, Mac Miller, Schoolboy Q, as well as most 2010 musicians. Although I grew up in the 2000's and was indoctrinated into classic rock and pop from the 70's and 80's onward from my family's choice in music. Which helped me gain a love for all music ranging from classical pieces to reggae. (Which is my personal favorite genre!) I have taken it upon myself to meld all of it together to find a sonic area all to myself, with a long way to go, I don't plan on stopping till I'm six feet underneath.
Are there any particular skills or techniques that you have been working on lately?
Indeed, there are! I have been hard at work learning every instrument I can, my goal being to be a jack of all trades. I would love to play every instrument ever invented, I already have a small collection that grows everytime I am able to afford it! My goal is one day to be able to pick up anything in a music setting and feel right at home. Other than that, it's all about refinement of the skills I have built to this point, from producing and engineering, to my lyricism itself. There's more to come and I'm excited to share my journey, and skills with the global population!
Thanks again to Punk Head for having me! This was amazing to be able to sit and think about and answer with my soul’s honesty. I can't wait for you all to hear what I've got in store!
