Reigning from Australia and transmitting frequencies of funk-fueled bass K+Lab creates music that you just don’t listen to but feel. Blending everything from hip-hop to drum and bass, jazz, soul, and glitch, the proclaimed “Master of intergalactic funk” constructs a transcendent sonic experience with every tune he unleashes into the collective consciousness. While he’s made a name for himself with an electrifying bass-heavy sound, he has leaned into a new direction with his latest project PXLMTREES Vol.1.
Released on Friday, August 18, through Philos Records, PXLMTREES Vol.1. is filled with soulful soundscapes and vibrant downtempo beats reminiscent of bright summer days and pool parties. By utilizing live instrumentation on top of clean production, K+Lab explores a new lofi type of vibe and, in doing so, creates a sound that’s both revolutionary and authentic.
The Daily Frequency had the opportunity to sit down with K+Lab to discuss the new EP, his new sonic direction, and so much more.
Check out the exclusive interview with K+Lab below.
DF: Congratulations on your new EP, PXLMTREES Vol.1! How does it feel to not only put out a record of this magnitude but showcase a brand-new sound?
K+Lab: Thank you! It feels really great to get the PXLMTREES series rolling; I’m stoked to be working with Philos Records on this. We’re all mega excited to get it out and to see what we can do with this project.
DF: What would you say sparked your new direction into more of a downtempo kind of vibe?
K+Lab: A few things fell into place – one being me switching DAWS from Logic to Ableton. I wanted to fast-track the learning process, so I challenged myself to make a beat a day sampled from Vinyl. I was living with a jazz collector, so I had access to a lot of great records. Some of the early versions of these tracks were sketched out through that time. The pandemic also influenced what I felt like making. With no shows on the horizon, I didn’t feel the need to make the usual heavy K+Lab tunes, but I still wanted to create.
DF: While PXLMTREES is definitely a new sound, it is still authentically you. How are you able to explore new sounds and ideas while staying true to your roots?
K+Lab: I think we all naturally have our own kinda funk or groove. Whatever I do, it’s still going to have a K+Lab “feel.” Although I was trying a new sound, I think the rhythm section is still very me, just not laden with heavy bass synths.
DF: It’s clear you utilized a lot of live instrumentation throughout the EP. What was it like leaning into more live instruments in the studio, and what challenges did you face?
K+Lab: My process was to shy away less from production techniques and more into feeling the vibe and organic instrumentation. I’m not the greatest keys or bass player, so it can take a lot of time to get there, but when it clicks, it works.
DF: You even collaborated with your guitar teacher, which seems like a full-circle type of moment. How did it feel to create a song with someone who essentially helped you become the musician you are today?
K+Lab: I loved working with Lttle kng, aka Joshua McGovern. I think I had two guitar lessons with him, and we were trading skills, so I would teach him production. Pretty quickly, we just started jamming on some of these PXLMTREES tracks, and he bought so much life to them; I was like, “soooo, you wanna be in my band?”
DF: Overall, PXLMTREES is so vibrant and is something I would call feel-good music. What was the inspiration and concept behind the project as a whole?
K+Lab: Well, I had a Pool at this house we were living at in Australia, I could see it from my studio, and I would always think we really needed to throw a pool party. Then I thought I should probably make some songs for the pool party, hahaha, so it was all about channeling those sunny days by the pool with a pina colada and some good friends. PS we did end up throwing a pool party!
DF: Even without many words, your music has so much substance, and you’re able to create such a tangible experience for the listener. How important is it to make music that you just don’t listen to but feel?
K+Lab: As Fat Freddy’s drop say, “What’s a world with no soul.” I think songs should always be feeling first. If I get goosebumps, I know something’s clicking. Without feeling, it’s basically just a bunch of weird sounds syncopated.
DF: On top of the EP, you have curated a live show that you’re debuting at Orin Aya Festival in September! What can fans expect once you take the stage?
K+Lab: The exciting thing about this project is being able to perform two types of sets. I always love Sunday afternoon sets at festivals, and PXLMTREES was built for that. The setup is different from a normal K+Lab set. For instance, I’m sitting down playing keys, bass, chimes, and samples. I have a rotating roster of guitarists, percussionists, and brass players, so you’ll get a different feel at every PXLMTREES set. It’s a lot of fun.
DF: Speaking of performing, you’ve played major festivals this summer, including Summer Camp and Shambhala. What would you say is your stand-out moment so far?
K+Lab: It’s really hard to beat Shambhala! I must give a special Mention to Vancouver – Red Room. That show had an insane amount of energy, and I loved that we got to pull off a full visual set there as well. Recording a live PXLMTREES set in a Barber in Colorado was a vibe too.
DF: Lastly, going into the final chapter of 2023, what can fans expect from K+Lab for the rest of the year?
K+Lab: On the show’s front, Im currently back in Australia doing a run of festivals before returning to America for my U.S Fall tour. I’ve got a handful of releases set for the rest of the year, including PXLMTREES Vol.2!
You can stream PXLMTREES Vol.1 by K+Lab HERE!
Check out more exclusive interviews with The Daily Frequency HERE!