Everyone has an idea of the music culture of their favorite genres and the artists that make them up. Talking to the artists that make it up highlights more of the details of the foundation of the culture! Having a few moments with Splash DR for an interview, Ever Evolved gets a little first hand perspective of an artist within hip hop, footwork and production. Having experienced a bit of a couple different cultures himself, Splash DR is a multi talented artist, hip hop writer, emcee, DJ and producer, with a bit of ambition, adventure and a whole lot of music. With his most recent debut LP THE KID LABOR, and his experiences with footwork and juke music in Chicago, LA and other places, he broadened our perspective on the genre itself.
Started out producing in the first hand, Splash DR grew up around musically inclined parents who toted all sorts of genres; jazz, rock, hip hop. At school he would be influenced by house and hip hop, as well as his brother, who was was an emcee in a hip hop group as well. A perfect recipe to inspire his own group he called Big Splashes, where he would rap over his own production. As well as his current name, all is a reference to, and a brand spinoff of, Sharkula and one of his songs lyrics. Splash DR then notes to us that is was also one of his brothers songs that got him hooked on footwork and juke music, eventually transitioning into production exclusively once more.
While all this is happening the junior Splash DR would be witness to the culture, making his way to specific events around the states. If you thought footwork was exclusive to Chicago, you would be pleased to know it has made its way to Americas coasts, and even abroad over seas. During his stays in LA, Splash DR would frequent Cafe Mustache for juke & footwork events, as well as events like Rock Steady and Low End Theory; New York will be hosting events for juke & footwork as well. Fast forward to today, and Splash DR can find fans of his music, footwork and juke in Oakland and even as far as Paraguay, England and Poland.
When it comes to his music, it clearly has some pull. Splash DR was recently signed to label Icy Palms, where he released his first full length LP THE KID LABOR. Splash Dr noted to us some of his influences which include TEKLIFE, GhettoHouse Bangaz, Beatdown House Productions, Juke Bounce Werk, Traxman and Polish Juke. You can have an idea from the list of what Splash DR would produce, however upon pressing play you get a whole different world for footwork and juke. It has a diverse array of melodies and beats where he blends jazz, R&B, hip hop breaks, and hype footwork beats and rhythms. It gives almost a lounge or future classic vibe to juke music but maintaining the energy for a dance floor or party.
Starting with EDGE OUT, we are introduced to THE KID LABOR with some violin thats operatic and vocal loops, right before it dives into beat work. BUSY sounds more contemporary and energetic, with a higher tempo, emphasizing the mellow synth work that follows the beat patterns, similar to Soulection style. YOU CONTROL dives into future classic style under its beat work and BRO BRO brings you into classic deep R&B energy balanced nicely with some bass. Then you get the jazz infused footwork with SNOW WAVE and CHILL YO, a couple of personal favorites, the rest of THE KID LABOR followers this sort of playthrough.
It is interesting to hear where footwork has traveled, talking with Splash DR. From where its influences land, to his own spin on it with his enigmatic style, bouncing between jazz and hip hop and contemporary bass styles. Following on his bandcamp you can see his transformation through music from a hip hop emcee, with WEAPONS, MEDICINES & TEXTILES to his first footwork and juke produtions, like his self titled ep, and TIME REALEASE VOL 1. He noted to Ever Evolved his intent with his music is inspire and challenge the listeners while creating a good atmosphere, and pushing what he thinks is an interesting sound to the fore front of Chicago’s music scene; he does just that with this new record.
Now Splash DR deals with the new adventure of being signed with ICY PALMS, where you can hear THE KID LABOR LP on bandcamp, or you can also get it on cassette! He has already a compilation collaboration scheduled in Paraguay as his sales hit with IP Recores and another project in the works. Already looking to make connections in Englad, Poland and getting back into LA, NY and Oakland, it should be interesting keeping up with this Splash DR! Click THE KID LABOR LP Cover photo below to listen on bandcamp!
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