Heavee WFM

The 8 track album features new collaborations with DJ Phil, Gantman, DJ Paypal, and
Sirr Tmo, and a previously unreleased classic from 2013, co-written with DJ Rashad.
The first thing that jumps out at you is Heavee's masterful use of synthesizers and
sound design. You get the sense that these elements have been lovingly crafted during
countless hours of sonic experimentation and invention in the studio. As Heavee
explains, the primary focus on synths represents a departure from his usual creative
process: "Usually in my method of production, synths or sounds come somewhat
close to last, likely after I find structure or rhythm. Basically, it's not something I
particularly go for first, but this time around they became the building blocks". Heavee
has made a conscious decision to challenge himself, adopting a different approach to
his past productions. In doing so, he moves away from the familiar sampling techniques
which characterised his earlier work: "I am a child of the last days of ghetto house
culture as it shifted into juke/footwork. My parents, aunties, and uncles played house
and ghetto house music at family functions, BBQs and house parties. That's my roots
and where I came from. However, on this record, I chose to stray away from vocal
samples, to give myself room to grow in different areas." Heavee finds his voice in
emphatic fashion on Cloud Ride feat. DJ Phil. His lyrical content and flow are on point
as the track flips seamlessly from hip hop to footwork and back again. DJ Phil features
on 3 tracks in total, a reflection of Heavee and Phil's close friendship and musical
connection. As Heavee explains: "Phil's studio is a safe space for me. Whether he is in
the room or not, I don't feel weird about trying something that might be silly, taking it
to the next level, or coming from a place of pure inspiration. Phil has historical,
musical and cultural knowledge relevant to Chicago. He shares a lot of invaluable
knowledge with me". It's Wack is a classic collaboration with DJ Rashad that still
sounds fresh today. Heavee remembers how Rashad would always stay connected:
"We'd get calls no matter where he was. We would talk about everything! He
ALWAYS had new info; what new music was popping, scenes that were really
accepting or supportive of what we were doing, blends that made the party go off,
sites, adventures and just fuel us with support from him and give us living proof of the
global support that was to come and the journey that was ahead of us." Although
Heavee makes music with the dancefloor firmly in mind, the sheer quality of his music
transcends that space. So sit back and enjoy the next chapter in the Teklife story.