For the past few years Alexander Lewis has been setting the music industry on fire. Whether it’s dropping iconic remixes of Mr. Carmack & TroyBoi, creating incredible originals, or collaborating with some of the best in the game: from Brasstracks to KRANE, Juicy J, Yogi and Y2K. While he made a name for himself by crafting grandiose trombone backed trap anthems, Lewis is in the midst of a creative shift. His latest release ‘Wassup’ sees him bringing together MadeinTYO & S’natra for a monster rap track devoid of any big drops. With a big year on the horizon, we caught up with Alexander Lewis to discuss what makes his live sets different, his jazz education, the new musical direction and much more. Check out the full interview below.
How much has your jazz education impacted the way that you make music?
I think it’s shaped the way that I hear music. I can jump into any session and know where I am harmonically in the tune because of years of picking out chords and ear training. I think it only really helps getting down ideas fast while producing (playing keys, melodies etc).
Doing tracks with “drops” doesn’t really excite me anymore.
You’ve said ‘Wassup’ is a pivot track of what to expect in the future. Can you expand on that?
Doing tracks with “drops” doesn’t really excite me anymore. You’ll still hear heavy trombone tracks, but just coupled with vocals. (I may occasionally do a remix or two with a heavy horn drop…who knows haha).
How involved are you when working with vocalists? What does the production process look
like?
For ‘Wassup’ – I just did some A&Ring of sorts. Found two artists who I thought would make a cool contrast and put them together in one track. I let the guys do their thing after that – they recorded their own vocals and sent them over. I arranged the tune after that – piecing together the hooks and adlibs within the track.
For ‘Clockwise’ I was more involved. Engineered the session, mixed the vocals, etc.
You’ve mostly released singles. Are there any plans for a project?
All of these singles are contributing to an EP. I have 3 more tracks and that will conclude this project. And I am already in the stages of curating my second EP as we speak.
For someone who hasn’t seen you live what should they expect from your sets? How are you
mixing your trombone with DJing?
I like to call it more of a performance. When I’m up on stage I’m doing more than just DJing. I’m interacting with the crowd, I’m playing my trombone (loudly in peoples faces so they get the experience). I’m not just behind the table the whole time. I use a wireless mic on my horn so I can run around stage and blend that into performance
tracks.
the stage production cost makes this a little bit unrealistic, especially with everyone’s live setup…but god damn this would be a dream team!
Last year I tweeted that we need to see a tour featuring you, Brasstracks, JNTHN STEIN, S’natra and BXRBER (I also included Lido), to which you promptly responded “Uh fuck yes.” Are you any closer to making that a real possibility?
I think the stage production cost makes this a little bit unrealistic, especially with everyone’s live setup…but god damn this would be a dream team!
You’ve dropped some iconic flips from Mr. Carmack to TroyBoi, Hudson Mohawke to Kanye. What makes you decide to rework a song?
Respect for that artist, and love for the song.
You’ve collaborated with a ton of talented artists. Who’s your favorite person to work with?
Right now I would have to say either Armani White or William $. Two really talented rappers and
good friends of mine.
How important is exercise to your life? Does it impact your creative process or musical output?
Very important. When I have writers block I go for a run or work out. For me, exercising helps clear my head so I can come back and focus solely on creating.
You don’t get better by just hearing high praises all the time.
You recently tweeted about getting rid of yes men. Who do you look to for honest feedback?
I just want honest un-biased feedback. Tell me what you like about it, but don’t leave out the things that I should improve. You don’t get better by just hearing high praises all the time. If the feedback is 100% honest and not malicious in any way, then I can’t get mad. Just improve!
Still searching for those people ;)
