Toronto-based producer Memphis. has been on our radar since late 2018. Originally landing a spot in Focus Five Vol. 11, we’ve been keeping a close eye and ear out ever since. We had the pleasure of premiering ‘Prophecy’ on our site just over a year ago and he’s continued to impress us. While many producers tend to lock into one genre or sound and stick to it, Memphis. manages to stand strong in both trap and wave. He has the keen ability to fuse tgoether melodic elements, precise percussion and heavy-hitting bass regardless of the genre. Hot off the releases of his new album GALAXIES, we connected with the talented producer for a guest mix + interview. The mix is a showcase of his own music, perfectly moving between trap and wave for a cinematic, yet bumping audio journey. In the interview we discuss producing across genres, his latest project, happiness outside of music and more. Dive in below.
Given you’re based in Toronto, where did the name Memphis. originate?
Throughout my journey as a producer I had a very difficult time in deciding what name I should go by. I went through multiple artist names before I finally decided on “Memphis.” To be honest, it was my brother who came up with it and from there it just stuck.
Tell us a little bit about the mix. Where are you taking listeners with this one?
I wanted to showcase an entirely “Memphis. original” mix in hopes that it will reach a wider audience so that they might open their mind to a different type of music. I wanted to take people on a journey through my music which has melodies and hard hitting basses.
I feel like diversity is always a risk in creativity but at the same time it allows for musical expansions and individual growth.
You’ve produced across a wide array of genres from trap to wave and many more. How do you decide what you want to produce?
I like to go into the studio with no intentions of creating any particular sound. Early on in my career I realized that trying to force a song results in a creative block. I like to go into the studio with a blank slate and let the music flow naturally. That is how the magic happens.
Your Twitter bio says “I change my style up every week.” Do you ever worry the diversity may be a detriment as fans never know what to expect?
That is a great question! I feel like diversity is always a risk in creativity but at the same time it allows for musical expansions and individual growth. I feel that in diversity you will be able to grow a wider fan base. I think that a major problem with music nowadays is that music in general sounds the same. I always want to keep my fans on their toes by bringing something new to the table.
Can you tell us a little bit about your new album?
The name of my album is Galaxies. The way I wanted to release this album was by bread-crumbing my audience, so to speak. What I mean by this is that with each track that precedes the next it leaves the listener with that excitement for what’s about to come after, that’s why I didn’t want to release it all at once. This entire album is out now for listeners to enjoy across all platforms.
I decided to create an album because I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to experience the creative process that goes into putting together an entire album.
What made you want to create an album vs. putting out EPs or singles?
I decided to create an album because I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to experience the creative process that goes into putting together an entire album.
Your music has been featured in a ton of car videos, how did that come about?
Originally my track ‘9 Eleven’ was featured on a YouTube platform called “THE-LOWDOWN.” This initial release gave me a lot of traction towards jump starting the rest of my career. Following them, I reached out to dozens of other platforms ranging from cars, landscape, cinematic, anime, and even soccer based channels.
Are you a big car guy? What’s your dream car?
I love cars! If I had the opportunity to get any car in the world then it would have to be the 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40.
What makes you happy outside of music?
Things that brings me joy outside of music are: my family, my girlfriend, my pets, my friends, anime, movies, and being in nature.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
My number one goal this year is to do a live show. I feel that I am at that point in my journey where I am ready for this.
Tracklist
Memphis. – Immortal
Memphis. – Entity
Dieom x Memphis. – Switch
Dieom x Memphis. – Attack
Bro Safari – Reality ft. Sarah Hudson ( Memphis. remix )
Memphis. x Dieom – Prophecy
Memphis. – Krin
MUNEYLXRD x Memphis. – Next Level
Memphis. x Heden x Djedi – Astral
Memphis. – Energy
Memphis. – Atom
Memphis. x Blame Connor – Duality
Perikardium x Memphis. – Falling Apart
Memphis. x Svexx – Final Destination
Memphis. x Keiden – Zeus
Memphis. x Jaz – Phantom
