Q&A with the dynamic duo, Lake Hills and Frythm
Multi-instrumentalist and electronic producer Frythm has teamed up with LA-based experimental artist Lake Hills on a dreamy new track ‘Safer with You’, released on 8 December, 2023 via Alpha Pup Records. Frythm and Lake Hills produced and mixed the track themselves with it being mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Daddy Kev (Ross From Friends, Flying Lotus, Shigeto). The pair have already carved out names for themselves in the US, and as Lake Hills x Frythm, the dizzying duo have fused tech-house rhythms with drum and bass grit.
Listen to ‘Safer with You’ and read our interviews with each artist below:
Frythm is a rising multi-modal artist known for his captivating blend of experimental beats, atmospheric soundscapes and soulful melodies. He most recently performed at Leaving Records’ popular outdoor festival Listen to Music Outside in the Daylight under a Tree as well as multiple bills for Daddy Kev‘s outstanding LA weekly Scenario with artists Little Snake and St. Panther. Read our interview with him below:
Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “this is what I want to do”?
I think subconsciously I have always been drawn to music and art. I grew up around music and instruments. I had my “this is what I want to do” moment in 2015 when I started producing music. Those early moments of free-form experimentation opened my world to sound. It’s been a routine practice since.
What gets your creative juices flowing?
Art, films, magazines, music, my friends. Lately, I’ve been exploring my visual identity through collage, photography, fashion, and VHS filming. I’ve noticed lately that sketching and writing concepts have helped with my vision and direction.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
The two always dance when it comes to me producing. Some days I’ll hear a melody in my head and try to play it on the piano. On other days I’ll be sound designing and making experimental collage-style bits. resampling, remixing over and over till the track gets somewhere. For this EP with Jake (Lake Hills), we had a very smooth back-and-forth collaborative flow. We’d both come up with really solid ideas and then see how we could edit and elevate. He’d send some music or ideas he was feeling for inspiration and I’d write a bit, send it back to him and vice versa. Both of our styles intertwined through this project seamlessly. We have a lot of dope iterations of the tracks at different life stages that lead up the final selections. I learned a lot from Jake and I’m grateful for the music we made together. I’m excited for everyone to hear the full record in February.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
In my studio, I have a few pieces I’ve collected through the years. Korg Minilogue, Moog-mother-32, Roland jupter xm, Ableton Push, AIAIAI wireless headphones, guitar, bass, recently got an Elektron syntakt that I’ve been loving. Shoutout to the homie OBLEAK for putting me on to the syntake. I love hardware, but I do also love the simplicity of just laptop production. I’ve been producing with a more minimalistic approach lately.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
I love resampling heavily processed synths or drums. Collaging and layering sounds, I recently picked up some compression techniques from Kev’s book ‘audio dynamics’. I love making ambient spaces and pockets where a breath can be taken but the beat doesn’t stop. Hard-hitting moments and soft spaces coexisting together.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
Wake up, make some coffee, routine check-in for the day and then get to working on sketches from spurts of creation periods. Lately, I’ve been jumping back and forth from music to art projects.
What’s on your current favorite playlist?
ODDKUT, Nosaj Thing, Jacques Green, Overmono, Greentea Peng, and Joy Orbison.
I feel like all of these artists blend airy and organic sounds while making them heavy at the same time. It’s a nice pocket that I do enjoy.
Any emerging artists on your radar? If so, what has drawn you to them?
[There are] tons of really dope artists in LA right now. If you pull up to Scenario you’ll definitely catch a few. I could write a huge list but to name a few: Treetalking, ODDKUT, Anna Morgan, Dance Maniacs, Seyaa, Woodseye, Amy G. Dala and OBLEAK. Aside from the short list, all of the people in my close circle. Everyone has their own unique sound. All re-landscaping the world of electronic music.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
I just want people to enjoy themselves and be able to dance. There’s something synergetic about movement from multiple people in a room synced up to a beat.
What do you keep close by while you’re playing a set?
A bev and an over-shoulder bag with an extra USB.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Lately, I’ve been working on crafting my visual palette. Sonically, I have a sense and now I am exploring the art side more. I am in the works of launching a merch line next year. The clothing will all be upcycled ‘imperfect’ shirts and 1 of 1’s.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
I’ve become more selective. In the early stages, I was experimenting and exploring new techniques. Taking my hand into new waters to see what happens.
As of late though, the sonic palette has felt more refined. My experiences and outlook on life have changed a lot from when I first started making music.
Break down the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
There is a lot on the horizon for 2024, expect a ton of art, music, fashion, and visuals. The Across the Room EP drops in February and we have another single off the record dropping in January. I may or may not have an album dropping… and want to travel around a bit for shows.
Famous last words?
FIND YOUR SOUL IN SOUNDS.
FIND YOUR SOUL IN SOUNDS.
FIND YOUR SOUL IN SOUNDS.
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.
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Well known for his audiovisual identity and creative direction, Lake Hills is an artist who continues to explore both audio and visual works by building a murky yet dreamy catalog that moves from techno, electronica and experimental projects. Read our chat with him below:
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Sound first.
What’s on your current favourite playlist? What aspects have drawn your attention to these artists recently?
Vladmir Dubyshkin, Caroline Polacheck, Third Wife, Mall Grab and Provoker. Always a fan of catchy melodies paired with a solid beat. Also enjoy soundscapes or anything experimental when it comes to noise. I feel very inspired by hearing different textures and sounds even if there’s no structure, just elements.
Any emerging artists on your radar?
Treetalking, OBLEAK, and Dara Ashrafi.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
Not everyone takes the same cup of tea so to those who resonate with the music I play I know we are going to have a great night.
What techniques do you experiment with to get your original sound?
Experimenting with various drum machines and constant sample manipulation.
Take us through a day in the recording studio.
I start with the drums & percussion, play around with melodies, and once the initial idea is there, I take a break. Then I return to organize the structure. Whatever doesn’t get finished that day, I pick up the next.
Take us through your collection of gear, tech or software that accompanies your creative expression.
DAW – Ableton Live
HARDWARE – Roland TR-09, Elektron Syntakt
SOFTWARE – Sylenth, Serum, Massive
How do you connect with your audience before, during and after a gig?
Nothing more than just letting the music do the work. I come to play music and hopefully you like it. If you do then great we are connecting, if not it’s all good.
Any side projects you’re working on?
Always working on various things.
How have you refined your craft since you entered the industry?
2022-2023 were both great for refining. I typically spend all my time working in different mediums such as film, photography, fine art and mixed media so I feel a certain confidence in my approach to visual language. While I’ve always worked on music, finding a proper way to present that side of my work sonically would take some time. 2022-23 were solid years for refining that audiovisual world, right now I’m enjoying my approach to both mediums.
Are you able to share more details on any upcoming collaborations or what’s lined up for early 2024?
For some time I’ve been developing plans to open an art studio. Creating a space that explores both visual and audio research has always been a goal. I think next year we will see its introduction.
Follow FRYTHM:
Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
Follow Lake Hills:
Facebook – X – Soundcloud – TikTok – Youtube – Instagram – Spotify
