Since becoming a SoundCloud favourite a few years back with collaborations alongside KRANE, impressive originals and massive reworks of Mr. Carmack and Hudson Mohawke, Alexander Lewis has been refining his talent and strength as a producer. His 2018 EP OMNI. showcased his versatility moving between funky R&B cuts, raw rap and his highly-regarded orchestral trap sound. Today he returns with a fresh body of work in Red EP.
The 6 track effort is more refined and thematic then any of his previous releases. Each work is inspired by the album’s namesake combining massive brass with heavy bass and rap influence. ‘Soar,’ ‘Strategy’ and ‘Left U on Red’ showcase his instrumental talents and are assured to please longtime fans. Meanwhile ‘Win The War’ and ‘Energy’ lean more into his rap side with features from B.Anderson on both and William on the latter. The aptly-title ‘Alexander the Great’ rounds the project out, serving as a chest-pounding, battle-ready anthem that reminds you how great Alexander really is. Red proves Alexander Lewis continues to get better with each release.
Stream the project below and be sure to check out our interview with Alexander below. We spoke to him about the project, what Red represents to him, the future of his live sets, his goals for 2019, and what’s next for him.
What does the colour red represent to you? How does it translate to the body of work you’ve created?
Red kinda represents chaos to me. It can be organized chaos, disorganized, battle, fights with a loved one, money issues, etc. I know that might sound cliche, but when making this project I definitely created a bit of chaos in my personal life to inspire me. I’ve always tapped into anger to inspire my music but I think I’ve exhausted (and exhausted myself) on that emotion so I’m trying to find other ways to help me create.
Red kinda represents chaos to me. It can be organized chaos, disorganized, battle, fights with a loved one, money issues, etc.
How did you go about commissioning features for the EP?
The features on the project were all friends of mine and those tracks just came organically working in the studio together.
You’ve been working with quite a few rappers lately. Who’s been your favorite to work with so far and why? Are there any collaborations you’re currently eyeing or chasing?
I don’t really have a favorite because there are a lot of qualities that I like about all the rappers I work with and they’re all different.
I’ve already worked with Icecoldbishop, but I really want to get back into the studio with him. I’d also really love to make some stuff with Kemba, but he’s a homie so I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before that happens.
I know in the future I want to perform with more horn players and maybe some string players. Eventually Alexander Lewis Live with Full Orchestra.
What’s an Alexander Lewis live set looking like these days? Will you be touring the EP?
Currently I’m just having fun making as much music as possible. I can’t really say what the live set looks like right now, but I know in the future I want to perform with more horn players and maybe some string players. Eventually Alexander Lewis Live with Full Orchestra.
You’ve joked in the past about fans complaining about you having too much trombone on some songs, while others complain you don’t include it enough on others. Have you found the perfect balance yet?
I just do what feels right now. I’ve stopped analyzing if it’s too little or too much.
Red is part 1 of a color series of projects. So you can expect a lot more music but in different moods/feels that I associate with that specific color.
Your recently tweeted “the project that i’m dropping after Red EP has so many classic jams on it already omggggg,” where are you going after Red?
Red is part 1 of a color series of projects. So you can expect a lot more music but in different moods/feels that I associate with that specific color.
I want to solidify myself as a super producer. There’s a lot more music that I can do outside of hip-hop and trap…
What are your two biggest goals for 2019?
There’s only 6 months left in this year so I think I’ll be pretty stoked if I can get the rest of this music out before the end of the year.
This is more of an ongoing (long term) goal but I want to solidify myself as a super producer. There’s a lot more music that I can do outside of hip-hop and trap and I’m excited to share that with the world.
What makes you happy outside of music?
I really like down time with my family (blood and chosen). As of late that seems to really rejuvenate and inspire me to create.
