Interview: Five Minutes with Slowz

Meet Slowz, the French producer who uses an amalgam of textures woven from R&B, funk, and electronica to create his own unique sound. His latest release is ‘Nice and Slow (feat. Blush’ko)’ was created with the support of La Belle Musique Records and Peace Bisquit and features some of his signature future soul and mood electronica that his followers have come to expect. As a rule of thumb, Slowz doesn’t seek inspiration in a particular style or genre of music, choosing to rather embrace an emotional connection with music, wherever that may arise. 

Raised with a musical background of a jazz pianist for a father and a mother who played the guitar, Slowz had his path set out for him. Starting by playing in several bands at a young age, Slowz eventually chose to move on to production, enjoying the freedom to “create his own music” that came with it. Overall, the producer displays an irresistible positive attitude, prompting us to learn more about him and his story. Find out more in the exclusive interview below.

Set the tone for us. Why the arts? 

It’s like I’ve always dealt with them. I can’t imagine my life without practising any arts. There’s something irrational and mysterious. Can you explain to me why DJ Snake popped? Can you explain to me why not another artist? 

What I also love with producing music is that it’s always surprising for the listeners. For example, can you imagine how my next single will sound? There are no rules. You release your song, maybe people will love the song – maybe not…

Between a jazz pianist father and a guitarist mother, how much of your own involvement in music was nature vs. nurture?

Who knows? That’s a good question. I think, music has always been part of me. I’ve always been obsessed with the writing process of a song. I’m sure that growing up in a musical environment helped to understand more the technical aspects of music.

Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?  

The idea of the sound.

Does your material feature any collaborations? 

Yes, I love sharing! I work with a guitarist and a bass player.  I also work with a lot of singers.

What’s on your current playlist? 

The new song by Dornik “Crush”. The whole album ‘Divine’ by Alina Baraz, pure magic. The whole album of dvsn and the one of Kiana Ledé – talented r&b artists!

Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage. 

Unfortunately, I’ve never known the pleasure to play on stage so far. I look forward to it.

What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound? 

No particular techniques. I’m just spending a lot of time on the daw, looking for the sounds on the VST, jamming my keyboard.

Take us through a day in the recording studio.

Waking up early, I need to work when my brain is fresh. I can’t work while I’m tired. For me, thinking is the key when you’re producing music. I’m not doing music for a living so when I’m not doing my full-time job, I start at 8 am till all the ideas I had in my head, go out. Sometimes it takes me 2 hours to finish a song, sometimes 1 week. As I said, there are no rules.

I thought working alone was not a good thing. But more and more, I don’t like being in a studio with a lot of instruments and stuff. There’s some pressure and conditioning to the more traditional ‘session’ approach, I feel. Like, if you don’t end a studio collaboration immediately with a strong song, you’re a loser.

Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”? 

Yes, very often, I would love to make music for a living.

Any emerging artists on your radar?

Yes, I discovered an awesome singer from Nashville – Landon Sears. His energy reminds me Brockhampton, I love his music!

What gets your creative juices flowing?

The love story we’re living with my wife. Listening to music helps me lot too.

While most creative people produce more content in a negative headspace, you’ve been quoted saying that love is “the most inspiring thing of my life”. How heavily does this feed into your track, ‘Nice and Slow’?

I think it’s a whole mood. I’m living with the love of my life, seeing her everyday, sleeping with her, eating with her. That necessarily affects me and my music. When I release a song, my dad is like, ‘Classic Slowz chord progression.’ Lol. My chord progressions are the exact translation of how I’m feeling. And my feelings come from the awesome relationship we are living and loving.

Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.

I create music on Ableton. I only have a midi keyboard and some VST’s like Diva, Sylenth or Lounge Lizard. I don’t have a huge setup. 

Any side projects you’re working on?

I started producing for other people last year. I love that. So a lot of production by Slowz are on the way!

How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?

I’m still the same. I’m a hard worker! That will never change.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you this year? 

I’m going to release my new album ‘Therapy’ that’s been in the works for the past three years. I already started on the next one! I have a bunch of singles and remixes that will be released later this year too! I’m excited!

Famous last words?

“Nostalgia is my favorite mood.”

Follow Slowz

Facebook – Youtube – Soundcloud – Spotify