Wyllys & the World Party: Chris Are Interview

Wyllys: How would you explain your style to the Hidden Track audience?

Chris Are: Everything is based in Hip Hop and chopped up beat patterns. It’s like Trip Hop, but I like to call it Space Hop. It is much more sample-heavy and I tweak the samples a lot. Abelton gives me the ability to really mutate samples. In the studio I have been branching out more as far as style is concerned. I’ve been using a lot of guitars super wet with effects and that sort of thing. Whatever I do will ALWAYS be rooted in Hip Hop.

Wyllys: I noticed a Frank Zappa sticker on your MPC. Who are some of your influences as a musician and producer?

Chris Are: Growing up my parents were a huge influence on me. They were always playing Classic Rock around the house. I grew up on Frank Zappa and he showed me how deep music can get. Around age 8 or 9 I really got into that early ’90s Hip Hop…Lords of The Underground, Souls of Mischief. Of late its been a lot of Jazz Fusion like Mahavishnu Orchestra and Brand X.

Wyllys: Where is some of your music available for download? Our readers just LOVE tunes.

Chris Are: I released Arestrumentals Vol 1 and most recently Vol 2 on www.chris-are.com.

Wyllys: What has your gig history looked like?

Chris Are: I have just recently started touring. I’m just now making it north to places like NYC and Burlington and have some shows coming up. I play at Stella Blue in New Haven Aug 18th. There is also a radio show in Burlington I will be playing very soon, doing a live set on the air.

Wyllys: If you could play with any artist right now who would it be?

Chris Are: Definately Flying Lotus or any of the Low End Theory cats. There is something really special happening on the West Coast right now.

If you see Chris Are coming to your neighborhood please make it a point to go see him. His music will capitvate you and you may even get down! Chris plays Stella Blue in New Haven, CT on November 18th. Stay tuned to www.chris-are.com for all upcoming dates and new releases. And be sure to check out the new and improved Wyllys and The World Party right here on Hidden Track. As an old friend of mine always says: Thanks for paying attention.

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