40Minutes For Kolossus: Harris Cole
On today’s installment of 40ForKolo, a great and young aspiring artist is taking over our mix series. From Chicago, Illinois, we have Harris Cole, one of Midwest Collective’s very talented artist.
This time promoter, Seli Taufalele talks with Harris Cole:
Seli: -So Harris, your style of music is very innovative and different from what a lot of people make currently. Through the sampling and great sounds you bring to the table, you’ve been able to collect a lot of attention from different blogs, collectives, and fans around the world. I’m sure everyone that listens to you and your great music would like to know, what got you into the music scene in the first place?
Cole: -I’ve always been an avid listener of music, though one day I decided that I was done simply being a listener. I started experimenting with virtual DJ in middle school and got my first copy of Ableton by eighth grade.
Seli: -Wow that’s amazing! So why did you stick with your real name instead of something else?
Cole: -I figured I’d rather be real and authentic, a lot of times you see dudes with weird corny ass names and I don’t need to go there. I figure I’d rather just make good vibes, that way people won’t care what I go by.
Seli: -I see. Now what gives you inspiration when you are about to work on a new song?
Cole: -I get inspiration from my surroundings. Driving down a long road when the sun is out, or taking a walk in the middle of the night. Before I make a track I usually listen to a bunch of music first and smoke weed for a few hours. By the time I’m working on my track I have a very vivid understanding of the vibe I want to emulate.
Seli: -Pretty cool! So do you prefer producing or mixing?
Cole: -This is a very different process so a comparison is tough, though I prefer making music. At the end of the day there’s not much to show for being a DJ if you do not have your own material, which is what lead me to focus on production. There is much more of a sense of accomplishment when finishing a beautiful song rather than a nice mix.
Seli: -Fair enough! So what was one of the best tracks you’ve ever made? And what was one of your most challenging projects you’ve ever worked on?
Cole: -My favorite track I’ve ever made is probably “See U Another Day”. I found the sample when I was studying at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music and chopped it up and quickly added some fat vintage drums. Seemed to put that one together fast. Possibly the most challenging track I’ve ever made was disco.wav for the Stratford Court compilation. The deadline was nearing and I did not have a song, and went into a panic and started trying a bunch of different shit that wasn’t really working. When I hit the sample for that track, I was finally able to piece it together and end up with a pretty nice result.
Seli: -That’s pretty interesting. Now who are some of your artistic inspirations?
Cole: -J Dilla, Flying Lotus, Mr. Carmack, Bill Evans, Psymun, Harrison, Youtaro, and all the homies I work with down at Midwest Collective such as Tuuwa, Dr. Dundiff, Golden Living Room, Kyross, BEEMO, and the whole crew. I’m watching as all these guys grow intellectually and artistically at a very high rate and that is what inspires me most.
Seli: -That’s a great list. And all of you at Midwest are so talented. So what are some goals for you this year?
Cole: -Mainly just want to make good music and see that people appreciate that.
Seli: -Understandable! What do you love most about the Kolossus family?
Cole: -It’s all about supporting those who support us, and giving talented artists a chance to get a bit of notice. It’s all for the love of music.
Seli: -That’s what it’s about! Any new projects coming soon?
Cole: -Trying to finish up this album for the summer. Can’t say too much about that, but there are some unreleased joints from the album in this mix. Anything else you want to fill your fans in on? I love you all.
Seli: -That’s some really intense stuff! Good luck, and thank you!
.Track list:
1. Harris Cole – See U Another Day
2. IanEwing – PassinOutLate
3. Thelonious Martin – Especially For You
4. Pattyperk x haNN_11 – Glide Smoov
5. Psymun – Talk 2 Me (Feat Kerry Roy)
6. Potatohead People – Love Hz
7. Harris Cole – Eternal Sunshine (w/ A Sol Mechanic)
8. Harris Cole – My Neighborhood (w/ Pattyperk)
9. Haan808 – Moondance
10. Kaytranada – At All (Mistermack Edit)
11. J-Louis – Wake Up (Remix)
12. Jay Prince – Stay On My Cool (Stwo Remix)
13. Zuper – Perfect Melody
14. KOEN – 1140
15. NeguimBeats x Sants – Something (Day 2)
16. The Celestics – Funeral (Feat Goldlink)
17. Mikos Da Gawd & Tele Fresco – Japanese Bucket Hat
Harris Cole:
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By: SELI TAUFALELE
