With cosigns from heavyweights like Snoop Dogg and Jazzy Jeff, Sydney-born but now London-based producer MXXWLL has made quite the noise in a very short time. His records serve you nothing but that funk from our contemporary era. Clearly inspired by J-Dilla and the G Funk sound by the likes of Dam-Funk, he elaborates on the already soulful beats and lush chord progressions by adding a futuristic flavor, such as audio clips, landscape sound effects and quirky vocal and sample chops. Last month, his highly anticipated first official beat tape released, and damn, did he deliver. This collection of tracks safely earns MXXWLL a spot right next to artists like Pomo and Mndsgn.
He’ll be putting on a live show using synths, a guitar and a trigger pad this Friday, with his music taking you higher than the seventh floor of Canvas, where Amsterdam’s funkiest crew MORE Bounce invites him at. As for what type of records he’ll be putting on, we might have an idea judging from his music. But, as always, there’s way more to it! I caught up with MXXWLL and asked him to give us a peek into his musical realm, where he draws his influence from and which records have influenced or even changed the way he makes his music.
“There’s so many records I’ve heard that have changed the way i make music. It would take some time to go through them all, but these are the first that come to mind.”
D’Angelo – Untitled (How Does It Feel)
“I feel like this track taught me about ‘loose pocket groove’. It’s a way a band plays together that leaves more space for the individual instruments than usual when it’s ‘in the pocket’. It really gives that laid back vibe and I discovered that through this records. Well, actually the entire Voodoo album taught me.”
The Isley Brothers – That Lady
“This song has one of my favorite solos of all time on it! It had me researching lead guitar tones and enhancing effects with the goal to replicate the sound. I ended up learning a lot from the process. And I still enjoy the record. It’s just something super dope about that sound.”
Return To Forever – Sorceress (1976 Live version)
“This joint had me trying to learn more about music theory haha. This jazz-fusion cut (and the live version in particular) gave me the motivation to incorporate these types of melodies. The switch up at 0:55 is crazy too!”
Funkadelic – (Not Just) Knee Deep
“That lead synth in this classic is what made me want to learn how to kill it on the synth myself. As with the 3 records before, the groove on this one too it really something else.”
Slum Village – 2U4U
“I don’t even know how many times I’ve listened to this. I think this (probably along with every other beat that came out of Dilla’s mind) taught me about pocket grooves and the idea of finding simplicity within something complex. Also that wobbly Rhodes sound in this track is a vibe. And the chords, don’t even get me started on the chords and the progression! Yeah, it’s Dilla for life!
Catch MXXWLL live at Canvas this Friday, grab a ticket here!
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