Phil Phanatic on his musical journey, being inspired by Frank Sinatra & collaboration EP 'Mayhem’s Dove' with Jolevvi

Great to have you on Xttrawave. Please, introduce yourself?

My name is Phil Phanatic, I’m a Beat Producer and soundengineer from Germany and my collaboration-partner is Jolevvi from Vancouver.

What got you into music and made you realize that it was your chosen path?

I play the piano since I was 4 years old and my whole family is very musical, I would say that I grew up with music, my parents and siblings practicing their instruments made me love music. I started producing music 4 years ago and taught myself a lot about music theory and the computer programs (DAW’s). One day I started producing songs with several artists from my hometown and now from all over the world.

Tell us about your new music? And what’s the story behind it?

Well, around 4-5 months ago I had a lot of freetime and I wanted to start a new project. That’s why I asked everybody I know, if someone knows an English speaking rapper or singer who wants to collab and start a new project.

I wasn’t prepared for such an incredible engagement. I got around 100 emails in just 24 hours with previews of several rappers and singers who wanted to collab. But my cousin wrote me a message, that his guest brother from his international exchange program in Canada, Vancouver raps as well.

That’s how Jolevvi and me came together. We’ve been on the phone with each other a lot and discussed our next plans and made sure we are on the same page. Everything seemed to fit perfectly. That’s how it started.
After that he told me which kind of beats he likes and I produced them customized to his style. He recorded the vocals in Vancouver and sent me everything back to Germany to mix and master.

What makes your music unique? And how would you describe it?

Our music is unique, because of the international differences of Hip Hop music. The German influences of Hip Hop music flow together with the Canadian style. Apart from this, both of us are very experimental. On the EP you’ll find a lot of different styles, which makes our music unique and authentic.

Do you play any instruments? And why do you love it?

Yes, I took piano lessons for 16 years and the only reason I stopped taking piano lessons is the missing time. That means under no circumstances that I quit playing the piano. I’ve got a piano at home and whenever I find a minute between studying and my daily routine, I play the piano. I love it, cause it’s so versatile, you can actually play every music genre on the piano. In my opinion it’s the most multifaceted instrument.

How is your creative process when recording music? And what makes a good recording session?

When I’m producing beats I feel like being in another world. Everything except the music seems to be far away and I feel the music very intense. In those moments I can be the most creative.

Who are your biggest musical influences? And any particular artist/band you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I’m an independent producer for a reason. I’m still learning a lot while listening to the latest music from big artists, but I want to help underrated artists like Jolevvi to produce high quality music and getting the attention they deserve.

Of course, it would be very nice to work with big and famous artists as well, but I make music for the passion and not for the money or what else. I love the whole process from discussing the plan over producing to the distribution and promotion phase.

In my free time I listen to completely different music as well. My all-time favorite Musician is Frank Sinatra. So I listen to a lot of Jazz but also Old school Hip Hop, as well as modern Hip Hop/ Rap. I have two more underrated artists collaborations on my list. More information about that will be soon on my Instagram.

Which is the best moment in your musical career that you’re most proud of?

Well, the release day is always the most exciting moment to me. I would say the release day of my new EP “Mayhem’s Dove” has been the most important, because I put so much afford into this project. I worked as hard as I could – and I think we achieved our goal to make music of high quality.

How do you balance your music with other obligations – family, friends or work?

My friends and my family support me a lot. My friends are giving me feedback to new beats or ideas as much as they can and a special shout out to my girlfriend, who supports me the most. She loves to see me doing what makes me happy and that means a lot to me!
I always try to find a good balance between music and other obligations. I often produce at night, so at the daytime I’ve got time with my friends and family.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

Keep doing what you love, never stop and always focus on your goals! That’s the exact same thing I did the last years and I will never stop doing music!

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

Thanks to all of you!!! We achieved TOGETHER with the last EP (Motions) around 430.000 Streams in 1.5 years just on Spotify. I’m very very proud of this achievement!

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or tours?

Oh yes, definitely. There are at least two projects coming in the next months. I don’t want to tell too much, but it’ll be fire! One more unbelievable good rapper and an incredible singer with a breathtaking voice! Stay tuned on Instagram @Phil_Phanatic.