Patrick Skyler - Combobulated EP Release 12/6 - Bass Summit Ops Blog Interview

 Yoo!

We're stoked for the release that Patrick Skyler cooked up for y'all. This 8 track EP "Combobulated" features a great mix of stylish bass music sure to keep the party poppin.

We had the chance to ask Patrick about the EP to get to know a little more behind the scenes. You can check out the new release and interview below. 

   

"Combobulated" will be released on Bandcamp Friday 12/6 - Make sure hop over to add it to your DJ crates!

Interview: 

1. Every EP has a story behind it. Can you walk us through the initial spark that inspired this project? What was the defining moment or idea that made you decide to create this EP?

Title came from a conversation at work one day.  Co worker was like you always hear somebody say i feel discombobulated today… you never hear someone say they feel combobulated… I was like that’s the new ep title!

2.  The sound on this EP is a blend of bass-heavy beats, intricate samples, and genre-bending production. How did you balance staying true to your unique style while experimenting with new sounds or techniques for this project?

Not too sure… I just make what i think sounds dope. I mostly try to use as much original material as possible but when using samples i do manipulate/chop/glitch them out as much as i can to almost make them indistinguishable from original.  I also try to blend the baselines with samples to have there be some sort of cohesiveness with both elements.

3. When it comes to track creation, do you typically start with a melody, a beat, or something else entirely? Could you break down your creative process for us—how does one track go from an idea in your head to something tangible in the DAW?

It can differ from tune to tune, but usually start with some drums or bass sound design.  At the point when i first start writing a tune I’m just trying to get my pallet of sounds that I’m going to work with situated like a painter would get all their colors out and ready to create something.  Then I’ll prob write a chord progression, chop that up into something rhythmic and get some sort of loop going that I can hopefully begin to create into a tune.

4. How do you approach the art of chopping and manipulating samples? Is there a particular technique you rely on to make them feel organic and fresh within the context of your sound?

I might put them in a sampler and play them, or pitch them up and down and manually chop them. i’ll put samples thru plug-ins that glitch things up, create a mudpie of the glitches and then chop them up again.

5. How do you approach crafting basslines for a project like this? Do you have a particular philosophy or process when it comes to layering and designing the bass sounds on the EP?

I like to use distortion, saturation, filtering, ott, etc… but some of the baselines on this tune are just operator sub with not much midrange bass.  Clipping sounds is essential to making them stand out in the mix more.  No particular philosophy, just do what sounds good and has my sub flexing.  

6. How did you navigate the emotional direction of the project? Was there a particular mood or feeling you wanted to capture, or did it evolve over time as you were working on the tracks?

I guess it took me a while to get into a groove this year writing tunes.  Not sure why, possibly because I was working too much to focus on music.  I feel like the particular mood i was trying to I’m trying to provide is how I describe my music, “psychedelic gangsta shit”

7. What role does the environment around you play in your creative process? Being based in Colorado, how do the natural surroundings, the local music scene, or your personal experiences in the region influence the music you create?

I love Colorado. I was born and raised in Denver.  Its pretty beautiful here and can definitely be an inspiring environment.  I love snowboarding, hiking, and just chilling in the mountains.  The local scene definitely plays a part also, everyone in Denver is sooo dope so it always pushes me to level up and get my grind on.  I get inspired seeing my friends crush it whether its playing shows or them releasing new tunes that are ridiculously sick.

8. Collaboration is often an integral part of the process for producers. Were there any key collaborators who played a role in shaping the sound of this EP? If so, what did they bring to the table that helped bring the tracks to life?

No collabs on this one.  Definitely got a couple heaters coming out soon.  Probably just as singles.  Both with my brothers from The Mile High Sound Movement.  One is a collab with CatParty, Denver Producer/DJ.  Another is with Kruza Kid, one of the dopest MCs out right now.   We have a few collabs out already but this is our illest track together so far.

9. In a world where everything is constantly evolving, what trends or sounds are you most excited to explore next? Did any of the production choices on this EP push you out of your comfort zone, and if so, how did that challenge your creative process?

I guess I was trying to make more vibey music than just crazy sound design stuff on this ep.  Even though I still have plenty of crazy sound design stuff on here.  

10.  Finally, as a producer, what’s one key thing you hope listeners take away from this EP? Whether it’s a specific emotion, message, or sound, what’s the essence of this project that you hope sticks with people long after the music stops playing?

I just hope that they enjoyed the tunes and know that I’m super grateful for everyone that bumps my music.  i got a whole lot more music to drop this next year and I’m super excited about these tunes. Thank you for riding with me.

Thank you for taking the time to check out the blog and make sure to follow Patrick on all the socials!  

Also, here are a couple free tracks by Patrick! Enjoy!