NEGATIVE is out now!
Image: Jack Frost.
19-year-old Vancouver artist EKKSTACY recently unveiled his debut album, NEGATIVE. We caught up with the musician to chat about the release and more!
Featuring the singles in love, it only gets worse, i promise and i walk the earth all by myself, the atmospheric release continues the musicians establishment of his own unique sound. Built upon genre-bending soundscapes and laced with echoey reverb and rolling percussion, EKKSTACY's hazy vocals float throughout the record, which chronicles the lifespan of a relationship and how opening yourself up to someone can leave an impactful ....
Influenced by the likes of Elliott Smith, Bon Iver and The Drums, the vulnerable collection of songs effortlessly weaves together sonic notes of indie, post punk and synth wave, delivering an enigmatic and bewitching body of work.
Could you tell us a bit about your background in music and what led you to pursuing a career in music?
I started making music because I had nothing. I was going through a lot and felt like I had no one. I’ve been making music for a few years now. I never thought I was going to make it. But I really wanted to, and I put all of my being into making it this far.
Congratulations on your debut album NEGATIVE. The release chronicles a relationship and navigates the impact of opening yourself up to someone and the vulnerability that follows. Could you walk us through the album’s conceptual exploration and how important it was for you to document it on this body of work?
Thank you. The entire album is about my ex girlfriend. She used to be my inspiration for a lot of things. I wouldn’t say it was important. It’s just what I chose to do.
How did you approach creating a body of work that is so personal and offers up intimate moments of your own life?
My music has always been personal so the approach wasn’t any different then any other time I was working on something.
Tell us a bit about your creative process when writing and recording this particular collection of songs...
I sat in my room recording, going back and fourth with my producers over text about the instrumentals. Honestly I didn’t have any fun. I’m surprised it turned out good.
How did the album evolve and change as you were creating it, and were there any tracks left on the cutting room floor that you think might have a life in the future?
I had one idea for the album and it never changed, and I only made 7 songs. Which is how many were on the project.
How did you arrive at the sonic realm your music exists within?
Years of trying to impress myself. And years of listening to a lot of different music.
You’ve shared some great visuals throughout the album's rollout. How important are the visuals to you when it comes to portraying the themes present on the song, and how involved were you with conceptualising the visuals and their development?
I have to thank Gilbert Trejo and my friend Tabsofjoy for helping me with the visuals. It’s pretty much always me that has the base idea of what the visual should be, but they always helped elevate that idea.
Which three songs from NEGATIVE would you play to someone, who had never heard your music, to make them an instant fan?
it only gets worse i promise, it only gets worse i promise, and it only gets worse i promise. I’m sure they’d like me if I did that right?
What’s one line from the album you find at times can be stuck in your head? Or a line that you come back to?
“nobody gives a fuck about me” from i walk this earth and, “I’m ripping my hair out” from it only gets worse i promise.
If NEGATIVE was a piece of pre-existing visual art, which artwork would it be?
I don’t know I’m not into any other forms of art, besides film, and I have no idea what movie I’d compare NEGATIVE to.
Who are some artists you think we should all be listening to in 2022?
Jack Kilmer and only Jack Kilmer. I usually keep my favourite music to myself, and show my close friends.
When will fans be able to catch you on the road? Hopefully we’ll catch you on Australian stages in the future!
I’m touring with inner wave in February for a bit, and I’m doing a show in Florida in January. And I’m honestly scared to go to Australia, too many animals.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Nobody anymore
Dream collaboration?
Joji
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Duster - Stratosphere
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Sad sad sad
Best song of 2021 so far?
Well 2021 is over now, but probably impaler by pasteldrip
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
Palo Alto (2013) dir. Gia Coppola.
What was the first song you loved to sing?
I can’t even say, but I’ll say I used to like rnb when I was really young
A song you would love to cover on tour?
Ramona (acoustic) - Beck
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Duster - Stratosphere
First concert you went to?
Members only
Best concert you have been to?
The Drums & EKKSTACY in San Antonio
First album you ever bought?
Never bought an album.
Most memorable show you’ve ever performed?
Paris, San Antonio, and El Paso
Guilty music pleasure?
Listen to the same song on repeat for hours at a time.
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Probably Drake or Justin Bieber or someone like that. I don’t like their music whatsoever but I’d probably get the most clout if I opened for them.
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
XXXTENTACION
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
Do not drive the car this Thursday.
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
As soon as I started my first song.
NEGATIVE is out now!