#Podcast - RA.729 Slikback - 2020.05.18 ~ Lurid House Live

A blistering all-originals mix.

When Slikback released his first EP, Lasakaneku, on Nyege Nyege Tapes's club-focused offshoot Hakuna Kulala in 2018, it was clear the Kampala-based label had unearthed a rare talent. What's followed since has been an electric run of live shows, mixes and EPs from the Kenyan artist, whose sonic signature is a fierce mix of shattered-glass synths, crisp drums and jittery, unpredictable rhythmic patterns.

In April of 2019, a tour of China led to gigs in Shenzhen, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Beijing, as well as a collaboration with SVBKVLT artist Hyph11E that was as rowdy as it was thrilling. Same goes for his latest release, a split EP on PAN with Soda Plains. Here, Slikback went for the throat, turning in two tracks we said reminded us of the "gnarliest techstep drum & bass imaginable." On RA 728, the Kenyan artist delivers an all-originals mix, recorded on FruityLoops, that he says explores his "darker parts" while nodding to his influences.

What have you been up to recently?

I have been making music and hanging out with friends here. Also trying out some other hobbies, cooking, makeup :) etc.

How and where was the mix recorded?

I made the set in Kampala on my laptop through a music production software called fruity loops.

Can you tell us about the idea behind the mix?

It's a trip into the darker parts of me while responding to my musical influences at some points. It's what I see as a reflection of me all built on sounds that I truly resonate with.

What music most inspired you growing up?

Growing up I listened to a lot of Kenyan hip-hop and dancehall, I then had an EDM/pop phase before discovering trap and gqom.

What are you up to next?

Working on music for local MCs and my album. Hopefully when the lockdown ends I will get back to playing my music and DJing again. I am also trying more sound design works as I have a huge love for visual work.

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from RA Podcast