FEATURE: TASKA BLACK

The 21 year old Antwerp based producer, Taska Black, has quickly swept the dance music landscape with his luscious anthemic tracks. His journey started at the young age of 4, with violin and piano lessons, which then led to dabbling in production, where he ultimately blossomed and fell in love with the freedom of expression he had through it. Now Taska has been taken under the wing of San Holo and has found a home within bitbird, and even more recently had his Monstercat Debut. If you we're wondering what his favorite plug-in is, his pet peeves, and what he has in the works then check out our interview below! 

Hey Taska, thanks so much for letting us have a couple minutes of your time! Let's get started with a couple short questions, so we can learn more about you.

Who’s your biggest inspiration? Benny Blanco

What is something that drives you? The will to be better at everything than I was before.

Something on your bucket list. Perform at Coachella.

Biggest Pet Peeve? When people use way too many hashtags on Instagram

Favorite Holiday? Christmas

Any hidden talents?  I’m a procrastination expert (don’t tell my managers)

Now let's talk a little more in depth...how was school and growing up for you? Were you the cool kid, the nerd, the athlete? And how did that lead to you being in music?

I had a very average childhood I guess. I’ve always been an introverted kid and I still am, but over the years I learned how to deal with that. I’ve played the violin for a long time since I was four but never liked it, only now I’ve come to appreciate it again. I also took piano lessons for 10 years and I think that’s where everything started. I figured I was better at improvising melodies than playing songs from sheet music. When I discovered that it was just a small step into production.

How did you come up with the name Taska Black and how does that relate to your music?

I told myself multiple times to come up with a cool story behind my name because the truth is pretty silly; A friend of mine directed a short movie about a homeless guitarist in my hometown Antwerp. At that time I was looking for a stage name and this guy in the video was talking about his dog called ‘Taska’. I ended up using that name and added the word ‘Black’ which refers to my darker aesthetic and musical style.

How did you make the move to working with bitbird/San Holo and how has it been?

I got in touch with them pretty early on. They were still a promotional platform on Soundcloud and I liked what they were putting out so I sent them my song ‘Right Now’ which we ended up releasing on the label. Both bitbird and San grew so much in 3 years and I’m so grateful to be a part of the family. San has believed in me since day one and gave me an audience to begin with. bitbird will always be kind of a home base to me.

What DAW do you use and what is your favorite plug-in.

I use Ableton Live! It’s hard to pick one favourite plugin but I do use Waves S1 way too much. It’s basically just a stereo shaper but I use it on every element of a song to give it a place in the stereo image.

Say we’re starting a track from scratch just you and me. Where do you start and how do you know it’s finished?

I always start in front of my piano or MIDI keyboard. I get a chord progression going and let my creativity do the rest! And to answer that last question; you never know when it’s finished, it actually never is. Sometimes you just have to call it a day.

What was the best & worst part of 2017 and a lesson you learned along the way.

The best part was my manager calling to tell me that I was playing at Bonnaroo 2018. The worst part was finding out I wasn’t allowed into music conservatory after quitting my engineering studies. It turned out for the better though because I decided to just start doing music full time instead of going to college. One lesson I did learn along the way was to take some time to relax and not think about music. After a while I felt like I didn’t appreciate music as much as I used to anymore because of the work I do.

What should we be expecting from you in 2018? 

I have a lot of music to show this year. New originals, maybe even an EP, remixes, very exciting collaborations I can’t talk about yet. As far as shows go I’m super excited to be playing at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza Paris this year, that’s all I can say for the moment unfortunately...

4B - DROWN

The 24 year old producer Bobby Mckeon, better known as 4B swept the music scene in 2017 with appearances at every major US festival including, Coachella, ULTRA Miami, Hard Summer, and EDC Las Vegas where Soulja Boy joined him on stage. Now he brings us his latest 'Drown' which is a fusion of future bass and trap in the verses and a punch of jersey club in the drops. With hornlike synths, a bumpin bass line, and a stellar vocal/vocal chops, you too will be drowning with your latest music discovery, but in the best kind of way. 

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SPIRIX - LITTLE DOUBTS FT. AVIELLA (CRYSTAL KNIVES REMIX)

The Milwaukee based Crystal Knives has been on the radar for a while now with his dreamy melodic bass music. The young producer originally started his journey in music by being a jazz drummer, which then turned him onto production and songwriting. Now he brings us his latest remix of Spirix's - 'Little Doubts' and man is it good. Chiptune plucks fill the space as Aviella's whimsical voice glides across the melodies with ease. From there percussion breathes energy into the track as we get led into the drop full of dazzling synths, a gritty lead and little bleep bloops (idk what to call it...judge me) that add the perfect finishing touches. Now what are you waiting for, go on check it out! 

XUITCASECITY - NEED SOMEBODY (ELLUSIVE REMIX)

With the identity behind this mysterious alias, Ellusive, still being unknown they are certainly staying true to their name. While they might not want people to know who they are personally quite yet, their music has been continually growing, along with the suspicion of who this just might be. Now, Ellusive is starting 2018 off strong with their first release which comes as a remix of Xuitcasecity's 'Need Somebody'. The track is an upbeat treat that features a bumpin bass line, shimmering percussion, and vocal chops that will have you groovin through the rest of your week. 

STARSET - SATELLITE (TRAILS REMIX)

It seems that everything the German producer TRAILS touches turns to gold. Following up his stellar Big Gigantic 'I've Gotta Know' remix, he now takes on Starset's "Satellite' and crushes it. By utilizing raw instruments into his productions, TRAILS creates a grimey post-hardcore track that keeps the listener coming back for more. With guitar riffs that will make you drool to a bassline that will get you moving, there's no doubt that this track will be on repeat.

KID INDIGO - HEAD CHANGE

Portland artist Kid Indigo has been making waves with his unique style and fresh rhymes, which has gathered him attention from influential artists like Post Malone and The Dream. Recently he dropped his track 'Head Change' via Empire Distribution, and boy oh boy is it a treat. At first you're drawn in with a simplistic beat featuring light pads and subtle percussion and then Kid Indigo comes in with his sultry voice that reminds the listener of Tory Lanez. 'Head Change' describes how you can be surrounded by lots of people and friends, but at the end of the day still feel the void that is left by that special someone. If you're looking to get into your feels throw this little gem on and let it ride. 

[PREMIERE] LOOTE - OUT OF MY HEAD (KAIDRO REMIX)

Ah, don't you love when a track you've been jamming gets a recreation that gives it a whole new vibe? Well I know I do. That's why today we are premiering Kaidro's remix of Loote's 'Out Of My Head'. For those of you unfamiliar with the talented producer, Kaidro has been on a roll lately with a string of successful remixes which include an official remix for Jocelyn Alice's 'Bound To You', which was featured on Spotify's New Music Friday. Now, he graces us with yet another fire remix of Loote which dazzles the listener with soft plucks, uplifting vocal chops, and clean percussion that will have you replaying it all morning. If you haven't had the chance to check out Kaidro, now is your time. I have a feeling big things are in the future for this one. 

CRASH LAND - TIME WARP

Newcomer Crash Land is doing just that with his music. His page reveals only 2 songs, but those two are more than enough to have us questioning who this kid might be. His futuristic sound using atmospheric synths and soft yet crisp percussion is a rather refreshing mix up to the usual hip hop track. 'Time Warp' tells a story of an all-encompassing love and desire that knows no boundaries of time or place, which is perfectly relayed through Crash Land 's voice. With such impressive flow and writing, along with great music, we can only assume that big things are in his future. 

FEATURE: LAYNE

Recently I got to talk with the rising artist LAYNE before her set in Denver, who is a producer/singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist...aka a bad ass. Not only is she extremely talented but also a sweetheart who was easy to talk to and fun to be around. In her performance she engaged the audience with her dynamic stage presence and her ability to shred on the guitar and the mic, to ensure it was a night no one would forget. With her sound that to me is somewhere between Hayley Williams and Echosmith, what's not to like? After hearing her new EP, and especially the track "I Want More", I was instantly hooked, and now listening to LAYNE's music has become a daily routine.

Check out our interview below where we talk about how she got into music, her creative process, being a woman in the industry and more. 

First off share with us how you got into music. How did growing up in the black hills of South Dakota influence your music? 

I played instruments my whole life, partially because my dad and brother were also into music. There were always instruments around the house so I would just pick one up and start learning it. I started writing songs in the 3rd grade then in the 5th grade I wanted to do more. So I got into band and orchestra, and was in a punk band from 6-8th grade. Singing kind of came last. There was never a moment when I was all of a sudden like I want to be a musician, I just always was into music and so i pursued it. 

As far as South Dakota, It influenced my music a lot. It is so much a part of the things I like and what I write and is very much a part of my aesthetic. My drummer and I actually bonded over our like for forests, because he’s from Portland. I grew up outside a lot, snow boarding with my friends, and spending time out in the middle of no where with my music on and I miss that a lot. 

Whats the story behind the braid?

I started doing it a while ago and over time more and more people started recognizing me for it. So it’s just become a thing. Some days I hate my hair and I want to change it, but its a good thing to have something recognizable for the brand. I didn’t mean for it to happen and I don’t like change a lot so I would just keep braiding my hair and now I can't change it haha. 

What made you want to move out to LA and how has that been so far?

I actually graduated high school early in South Dakota so I could go straight to LA, because it was something I always wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be in music and so I graduated and bounced. I like LA for the scene but I don’t necessarily like living in LA. I mean I have great friends, a sick team, and lots of people there, but I want to live in a forest. If I was going to move anywhere though it would probably be Seattle or maybe Toronto or New York because I like big cities, but I do love nature and the outdoors. 

So you recently toured with K. Flay. How was that and what did you come away with from that tour? Was that your first major road tour? 

I was a fan of hers forever, I fucking love her. When I got the tour I was like “Alright Layne you gotta be on your A game”. But once we got to hang out I realized that she’s one of the coolest people ever. She kind of treats me like an older sister. It was overall a really fun experience, went really smooth and the crew was super awesome. It wasn’t my first road tour, I had done 1 or 2 before but they were smaller, and DIY style.  

Your new EP “Wednesday” came out at the end of last month and has been doing really well,  How was creating and recording this EP?

The EP all together was easier than normal. We made like 15-20 demos and ideas, then widdled it down to the best songs, which originally was 6, but then we decided on 4. The guy I make all my records with, Devin, is also my best friend, so we sat in the room and just made the whole record together.  It was easy and fun. I feel like we finally set what we should sound like and where we should be going and that has taken a really long time to figure that out. So it was different that I was really excited to put this out, because in the past I have been more anxious about it. 

The Fog seems to be the most popular track on the EP, sitting right over 1 million plays on Spotify. What is the meaning behind the track? 

‘Omg’ was actually supposed to be the lead single we we’re pushing, but I kind of always knew the fog would stick out. Its about being in LA. Especially growing up in North Dakota and then moving to LA, you see the people that are purely just latter climbers. The people who will do whatever they need to do to be famous, and none of it is wholesome. There is no realness to them at all. They just climb the latter, they know how to do social media, they know the people to hang out with, you know what I mean? Its bullshit. Its also about the times where A&R’s or different people in the industry have told me shitty things like I need to wear tighter clothes or be sexier…what’s that supposed to do with anything? So overall its just about the shallowness that is going on in music. There is so much realness in music too...but there will always be that sliver of people. 

When you sit down to write a song, what does your creative process look like? Where do you like to keep your writing? 

I start with production, since I grew up playing a lot of instruments. I will throw on a drum loop in Pro Tools and then usually work on chords, unless i’m writing a sad song. Then I will just sit down with my guitar and play. Everything on my tracks minus the drums sometimes, I play. I will produce out an entire idea and then I will take it to Devin and then we will go through what I’ve done and clean it up. I am very into production, everything that happens goes through me. I would never walk away from a song and say do whatever you want. I am very hands-on with all of my music. 

As far as lyrics go sometimes I write them in 30 minutes where i’m crying and writing. Those are usually the best ones too, the ones where I need to write. I don’t even realize what i’m saying but i'll listen to it and be like wow thats dope, I didn’t even realize I said that. But there are times when I produce the beat first and then I need the top line and thats usually harder to write. And I actually don’t write anything down. I will remember it or I will use voice notes.  

Do you feel like being a female in a heavily male dominated music industry makes anything easier/harder for you? 

It sometimes makes things easier surprisingly, but it can make things harder too because people don’t always respect you. Since I grew up playing instruments and in music i’ve been through a lot. For example when I am going to play a show and the sound guys see I play guitar they will think I am just a rhythm guitarist and so I will have to tell them, I will be playing the leads so they need to turn me up. Because they don’t usually expect the girl to be the lead. Also, when I talk in certain production lingo, you’ll have guys be like ohh she thinks she knows what she’s talking about and i'll just be like yeah I do. I have to battle that, but its fun sometimes. I get to be like just because you're a dude doesn’t make you smart.

Through your musical journey what has been the most exciting part? And what are your biggest career goals? 

The team of people I have around me is the best part. Its so rad because a lot of the people at the level I’m at don’t have that kind of support. I have people that have spent all of their own money and given me all their time to do this. I have a fucking team, that is basically family and a lot of people envy that. As far as goals I want to be able to leave something that’s different. That bands some day will say I want to sound like Layne. Thats how you know you did something different. I just want to keep doing what i’m doing and grow more and increase my production and just keep going bigger. For my ideal live performance, it would still be a 4 piece band but I would change how the room is set up. I want you to walk into an environment, where there are lights all over the room, in the very back and sides, not just on stage. 

Lastly since we’re a music blog we have to ask, what are your top 5 favorite records/artists right now?

Charli XCX , Now, Now, Saint Vincent, Daughter, Hazel English