Laval, QC native High Klassified makes trap beats.
Within that he has fostered a sound that is uniquely his own- an accomplishment for any producer, let alone one that contributes to a style that adheres so closely to fairly strict genre rules. In addition to the skittering snares and fat 808 kicks one would expect, HK blends in deep atmospheric sounds, warm textures, and interesting melodies played out in creative ways (for example – creating melodic lines with hi-hat rhythms by pitching them up and down). His first EP Palindroma, released in 2014, was reviewed by Vice and said to “…sound like anime looks.” – an observation so on point, I am mad at myself for not having thought of it first. Described by some as ‘cloud trap’, HK’s style has a chill, laid back vibe. Softly-swelling synth lines washed heavily in atmospheric reverb drone on while hard hitting rhythms push forward like a trap-style beat should.
Currently signed to fellow Montreal-native A-Trak’s Fools Gold Records, HK continues to produce for various MCs and has also contributed to Low Pros, an all-star collaboration project led by A-Track and Lex Luger. Just having released his second EP Kronostasis, High Klassified is ascending the ranks of producer-stardom and is certainly a part of the conversation when speaking about other successful Montreal-based producers such as Tommy Kruise, Lunice and Kaytranada.
Read HK’s interview with Noisey about his latest EP HERE.
Watch HK’s Montreal Boiler Room Set below, and check out the rest of the show with sets from Kaytranada & Tommy Kruise, among others.
