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Back in August, GYBU conducted a “Buzz’N” iNterview with Chris LaBella, a musician hailing out of Wisconsin. In the interview, Chris talked about his upcoming EP, “Flyaway”. With a release date slated for November 11th, we decided to revisit Chris to get some more insight behind the EP and what’s he has in store with it.
What’s going on Chris? So “Flyaway” is officially dropping on November 11th and the EP consists of 5 main tracks and 1 bonus cut. What is the overall theme to the project and what feelings will listeners experience when playing it?
I guess if I had to sum up the overall theme of the EP it would be freedom. I didn’t really go into the project with that in mind necessarily but on reflection it seems to be a pretty clear theme. Freedom of expression, freedom of thought, freedom from a bad relationship, freedom of location etc… That said, I’ve always been of the mind that art should mean different things to different people so I can’t say what people will feel but as long as they feel something and connect to the music, that’s all that matters. Hopefully it helps to free some minds along the way.
You’ve dropped two singles/videos from off “Flyaway” so far. The first was “Livin On Dreams”, a song based off of a past relationship you experienced. Was this something you needed to get off your chest for closure sake? Did the two of you remain friends?
Yeah this song definitely helped bring some closure to the relationship. We had both been kind of fooling ourselves that the relationship was stronger than it actually was when it was actually pretty unhealthy. I wouldn’t say we’re still friends but I don’t hold a grudge.
The second release is the title track and features Paige Taylor. You mentioned in our “Buzz’N” iNterview that Peter Campbell designed and directed the video concept. Most of the time, we see independent artists giving the direction to the video. What was the experience like of having a videographer bring your song to life in his own way?
Working with Peter was a great experience. When I’m creating music I usually have some sort of visual element in my head but it’s not always super clear. In this case, I had a few ideas but nothing too solid. Peter was able to take my ideas and run with them to create something that both tells a story and makes people want to watch and re-watch the video.
We were lucky enough to get an advanced copy of your project, thank you for that Chris! Let’s talk about the other tracks such as, “Subterraneruption”, a very interesting title and song. Could you shed some light on the title choice and song?
This is probably my favorite track on the EP in that it’s the best representation of the musical direction I’m going in with my next projects. Other than a short drum loop no samples were used, giving it a very organic feel. It’s also a bit lighter hearted than most of the other tracks.
The title is a combination of the words subterranean and eruption, in other words an underground explosion. I thought it was fitting because at the moment I’m an underground artist but I’m starting to scratch the surface of my potential and feel an explosion coming on.
Local video legend C-Dab and I have been putting together the video for this track and it’s almost ready for release. So far it’s looking really awesome and if people liked the video for Flyaway they’re going to love this one, so keep your eyes peeled.
“Head In The Clouds” is another track from the EP and features live guitar parts and a soulful vibe to it. Was this track produced solely by you or were there others involved. Since we’re on that subject, is the entire EP self produced or did you contract others?
In my opinion, this is the heaviest track on the EP. It’s about an issue that I feel a lot of people in my generation have had to deal with; the rise of ADD (or ADHD) as a default diagnosis for kids being kids.
And to answer your question, yes, all the tracks on “Flyaway” are self produced. I crafted all the beats, played all the bass lines, recorded all the vocals, laced everything with some electric guitar and then mixed it all together at Blue Dream Studios. I also designed the cover art for the project. The only other people involved in the production of the EP are Scketch (featured on the bonus track), Paige Taylor (sang the hook for “Flyaway”) Chris Godxilla Taylor (co-mixed “Flyaway”) and Chris Kasper (mastered the EP)
Are you planning on also performing the EP any time coming up? What are your plans for “Flyaway” after it’s release?
I plan on performing as much as possible in the coming months. I have a release party scheduled for Nov 14th in Madison and a show at the Mason Jar in Milwaukee for Nov 22nd. Obviously I’d like to get “Flyaway” out to as many ears and potential new fans as possible, so I’m working on getting it up on Spotify as well as iTunes and Amazon Music. I view this EP as a springboard for the next couple projects I have lined up.
Chris, it’s always a pleasure having you fall thru. Before we cut out, we were hoping you’d offer your take on the EP and explain to all of our viewers why they should cop “Flyaway” on November 11th.
“Flyaway” is full of conscious rhymes, funky guitar riffs and catchy hooks. I think the organic nature of the music and the fact that I perform while both playing guitar and rapping/singing is what sets me apart from most other artists both local and more well known. If people are looking for another generic hip-hop album full of money and bitches then they’ll probably be disappointed. This EP is for people looking for a break from that noise.
Chris LaBella’s “Flyaway” will be available online on Tuesday, November 11th.
Interview By: @blitzb_60505
