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The Extremities
If it’s something different you’re looking to listen to, something that steps out of the ordinary and into its own genre and vibe, The Extremities will take you there with fresh jazz and funk infused hip hop beats reminiscent of old school tastes. Toronto producer, Fresh Kils and Halifax turntable master, Uncle Fester don’t just bring you sounds that you might expect to hear; they push traditional limits to the edge of your jazzy night club seat with their experimental, relaxing and stimulating tracks. Their new album also features guests such as Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest), El Da Sensei, Supastition, Rich Kidd, Lush Life, Ghettosocks and Timbuktu. Check out what these musicians had to say about their diverse musical projects and then take a listen for yourself on their myspace page.
In a recent press release, your sound has been associated with “...how extremely seducing hip hop can really be”. Mixing jazz, hip hop, funk and soul together, you’ve created your own creative eclectic vibe. What inspires your music and sound?
We're producers first and foremost, and apart from our many musical influences, its great production that has inspired us over the years. The thing about hiphop, and its production particluarly, is that it draws from limitless influences; soul, country, jazz, reggae and in some cases even non-musical (sound fx, foley, etc) The only prerequisite is that it provoke an emotional reaction. To that end, its important for us and our sound that although we use electronics, that the sound have organic roots to connect with the listeners.
With all the different genres and directions hip hop has taken over the years, where would you peg your genre to be? How does it fit into the hip hop scene?
Early on Fester and I decided that we were gonna get together and music we like, whatever that may be. And its possible that in a world of classifications, we've got a song for each genre... LOL There's a straight RnB song on our new record, straight hip hop, and there's straight electronica. That's again the fun thing about hip hop and its influences. We might be doing something a little different, but every time we play for a hip hop audience, they flip out. I see us in line with acts like Dj Shadow, RJD2, Gorillaz and Gnarls Barkley. So if they're pop, does that make us pop? Hmmm....
What have been some of your musical influences?
Fester and I both have many, and different ones. Everybody from Quincy Jones to Just Blaze. Beck, Portishead, Rakim, John Martyn, Dj Premier, Sixtoo, Gordski, Bill Withers, Dj Shadow, Chemical Bros, Buck 65, Jimi Hendrix, Tool.
Music can be a source of not only entertainment, but also inspiration and healing for the artist and listener. What does music personally mean to you? Do you ever find it therapeutic?
It's funny over the years how much the meaning of the music can get lost when its your full time. Making music has become my catharsis. Listening has become a luxury for me. That being said, I draw much inspiration from all kinds of music. I especially love soundtracks and scores.
While touring and performing away from home, is there any one thing you MUST have on the road with you?
Multi-Vitamins.
What advice would you give to an aspiring musician?
Let your passion drive you, try not to compromise as much as possible, and never, ever, believe the hype.
When was the last time something made you laugh hysterically?
My girl and I double dated with friends and saw Get Him to the Greek, and we collectively pissed our pants.
If you could contribute to a soundtrack for any movie, which would it be?
Using Jay Electronica for inspiration, I would put heavy drums under the soundtrack for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Favorite lyric or rhyme?
"You gotta kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight" - Bruce Cockburn
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