Heard It Here First

Phyphr is reaching new heights with his bass-blending soul style and unique production. The guitarist, producer, and songwriter has grown tremendously over the past year, gracing big stages such as Gem & Jam, Summer Camp, Hulaween, Cascade Equinox, and Sonic Bloom. His artistic journey has gained recognition from renowned creators across the electronic world, including Pretty Lights, Manic Focus, SunSquabi, SoDown, and many, many more. We have watched this vibrant artist cultivate his craft, bringing originality, vocals, and brilliant instrumentation into his funky sound.

Wrapping up a successful past year, Phyphr has big plans for 2024. His brand new Valley of Death EP is a testament to his distinct sound design and top-notch heavy electro-soul beats. We sat down with the exciting rising star at Gem & Jam for an exclusive HIHF interview, getting insight into what he has in store for the future, new and upcoming collaborations, his creative processes, and his advice for up-and-coming artists. Check out our full conversation with Phyphr below!

HIHF: You played some huge stages last year, ranging from Meow Wolf to Sonic Bloom in Denver to Pretty Lights after and pre-parties, what can fans expect in 2024 from the Phyphr project?

Phyphr: Honestly, a bit different of a sound. I’ve been really working hard on getting in the studio and watching YouTube tutorials on how to be a better producer. I’ve been inspired lately by artists who take that funk and soul sound and mix it with sound design, making it heavier in live sets.

I just finished up an EP called Valley of Death and it’s a little heavier. It’s still got that funk, soul, guitar, and everything people are used to, it’s just got huge bass drops that I think will be really cool live. With my album Catalyst which I released last year, I made songs I felt would be good for streaming and a lot of great artists took their own take on them and made heavier remixes that are also great for live sets, so I feel like I have so much ammunition right now to hit the stage and make it different and exciting every time from start to finish.

HIHF: What can you tell us about your freshly announced Valley of Death Tour? 

Phyphr: It’s been a blast so far. I got to go down to Florida and play up in the mountains of Colorado. Now we’re at Gem and Jam so it’s just getting started, but so far it’s been amazing. It’s been so good to be at a place in the studio where I feel like I’m producing at a level where I can have a creative idea and make it into something playable and that will sound good on big speakers, hitting the sub-bass how I want it to. It’s the first time I’ve been so excited to play, more excitement than nervousness. Historically, I’ve been the kind of guy to just get nervous for sets. Some of that has started to fade away and I’m starting to finally have some real fun with it. It’s always been fun but it’s good to be able to let go and feel more confident. This tour has been that for me, closing an old chapter and opening a new one.

HIHF: What can you share with your fans about incorporating live instrumentation in your shows?

Phyphr: It all starts with writing. I write songs on the guitar or piano and think about that first, not so much like a producer. The parts I write on guitar are what sticks to the idea. The big thing is I get in the studio, I make the song so it’s streamable, and I take the guitar out of it or whatever instrumentation I’m going to play out of the song, and stack my set with, essentially, performance edits ready to rock and accompany with the guitar.

In the future, I’m working on creating vocoder moments in my sets and doing more live vocal stuff. It’s all about preparation and writing parts that lend well to performance.

HIHF: Is there any advice you can give to people just starting out in production or playing instruments? 

Phyphr: I would say to separate creative days from mixing days or thinking about the science of everything. Writing is one of the most fun parts and where you’re really gonna find your sound. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You can sit down for a whole day and just write and you’ll get more out of that day than if you try to combine writing, production, mixing, and mastering. There are just so many hats to wear in the studio. My biggest advice to people starting out is don’t be afraid to just sit down, and write lyrics, sound design, instrumentation, or drum beats, it doesn’t really matter where you start. It’s about finding instruments and writing everything that fits together in a way that you can come at it later in the process and mix it down right. You don’t always have to force it, you can take as much time as you need to write before you even touch an EQ or compressor. Having days that have no science on the production is what’s going to make it so much better.

A well-written song, even if not produced perfectly, is still good. On the flip side, if you write a bad song that’s produced incredibly, it might not resonate as much as even a good song not produced at that level. Writing is everything in my mind.

HIHF: From the days you’ll be here at Gem & Jam, what sets are you most excited for? Is there anyone that’s a must-see for you?

Phyphr: Definitely Vincent Antone, he’s a good buddy of mine and I love catching his sets. He and Jose, when they rock together I just love that live feeling. He’s one of my favorites always no matter where I’m at.

I’m also super excited to catch Jaenga. It’s been a minute since I’ve been able to catch him and he’s just a mastermind. To see how his visuals and audio all line up and how he thinks about things ahead of time shows he’s a true artist. I really look up to him a lot.

I would also say Madhaus. I’ve never caught Maddy O’Neal’s house set before so I’m super excited. I’m lucky enough to call everyone I just named friends of mine. To see them on stage, watch them from the crowd, and see how much they’ve developed over the years since I’ve known them is really inspirational. You feel like, you too, can do anything. You just need more time to hone in on your skill and you can be just like them.

HIHF: What would a dream collab with an electronic act look like for you? What about with a band or a bigger touring artist?

Phyphr: I’m fortunate enough to have been working on my dream collab with Manic Focus. I look up to him so much, he’s a great friend of mine and has had my back through thick and thin when it comes to the music. He’s taught me so much in the studio and it’s amazing to be working with him and see how he works and his whole process for everything.

In a fictional world, If I could start a collab with anybody out there, it’s a tough decision. Pretty Lights is on that list. I would really like to make something with Troyboi, that would be insane. To combine that funky, soul with some trap would be a huge heavy-hitter.

I also would really like to work with MZG. I think they have such a unique sound. I love those boys and I think our sounds would mesh together. K+Lab is also on the list, his drums sound so crunchy and he always knows what to do with rhythm, combining instruments in ways I would never think to. Maddy O’Neal too, the list goes on. I’m just blessed to be running in the circle of the people I look up to most.

HIHF: We’re so excited to catch your set and upcoming tour! Is there anything else you’d like to add that you want to share with your growing fanbase? 

Phyphr: I just want to remind everybody out there that no matter what their dream or passion is, they can do it. I remember I was at Hulaween 2017 and I hadn’t started my project yet before. I saw Manic Focus live band play at the amphitheater and it was amazing. It inspired me to get started and chase my dream of music. Fast forward five years, and I got to rock the same stage as a member of the Manic Focus live band. If that’s possible, anyone out there can do what their passion or dream is, you just have to find that inspiration and go for it. Don’t ever be afraid.

We felt truly honored and inspired after our talk with Phyphr. Huge shout out and thanks to him for having a chat with us and also to Gem & Jam for having us out. We can’t wait to follow his continued success and growing craft. Be sure to peep Phyphr’s Valley of Death EP down below!

Support Phyphr On Socials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud | Spotify 

Follow the HIHF team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with news, fresh tunes, merch giveaways, exclusive mixes, interviews, and so much more!