Jake Stanczak AKA Kill The Noise recently opened up to Billboard after dropping his massive new album, “Occult Classic.” In the feature, Jake (KTN) discussed his early love for electronic music, the making of his album, and a glimpse into his passion.
He started writing the LP about two years ago, he confesses, looking to “evolve as an artist.” As he grew up near Toronto, Canada, his love for drum and bass music came while living near the border. In regard to one of the samples he likes, Jake opened up about how things have changed in the past versus now.
‘I remember back in the day listening to drum ‘n’ bass, those guys were all sampling old ‘70s Motown records, funk records, that kind of stuff. In dance music now, everything’s been super pop-oriented — it’s more about writing a catchy chord progression and making this really polished mainstream sound. But all the stuff that drew me to dance music in the beginning was gritty — it felt like it was a dude in the basement making a tune. There’s a certain kind of energy about that in the club. There’s a certain kind of immediacy. I was trying to capture that vibe.”
With ten great tracks, “Occult Classic” offers some massive tunes full of stomach-churning bass thunder, and some pretty unique songs, too. For example, “Dolphin on Wheels” with Dillon Francis is everything it appears – full of ridiculous dolphin samples and unique drops. Even so, it's oddities make the LP all the more endearing and full of wild basslines and energy.
“You’ll be in the process of sculpting a sound, and then you’ll be like, “it kind of does sound like a dolphin doesn’t it?” he explained. “Then let’s see how much like a dolphin we can get it to sound like.” When you’re going for something and you don’t have a clear idea in your head of what you’re trying to make, what you create is going to be really lukewarm.”
The LP contains some unapologetic monster tracks as well including “Kill it 4 the Kids” feat. AWOLNATION & R. City (there are two other tracks with both artists here as well), and some bassy house-style bangers. At times, we're reminded why Kill The Noise is one of the best sound designers. This release certainly caters to OWSLA, carrying a rebellious amount of grit.
In the candid interview, Jake reveals plenty more about this fantastic album. You can catch him at the dates below on his October – November tour in the same name as his LP (with support from Getter, Wuki, and more). Read the full story from Billboard here.
Buy the LP here on iTunes and here on Beatport.
