As a new photographer around Hy-Tekk I wasn’t sure what to expect at these shows, but I have yet to leave one anything less than elated. WE HAD A BLAST! Just another baller night at the Granada in great company with great music.
The Mind of Kill Paris
When I heard that we were bringing Kill Paris (AKA Corey Baker) to Lawrence, Kansas, I jumped around like a little school girl. His fusion of different musical backgrounds and his style of mixing is not comparable to any. The way he made everyone move at Abe and Jake’s landing was incredible. Truly a Hy-Tekk event. A man of few words, and got straight to the point. Out of all the artists I have met, he was hands down the funniest. We talk about his Country past, and his future. Also a little bit of Sponge Bob. So if you were at the show, sit back, relax, and remember the feeling you had when Kill Paris destroyed Lawrence, Kansas.
Where did you get the name “Kill Paris”?
So, I was 16 when I came up with that name. At the time, Paris Hilton was really famous for nothing. So, the whole name just means kinda kill the mindset of putting people up on pedestals that don’t do anything. You know what I mean? It’s kind of not really inspiring other people. I mean, it is inspiring people, but in a bad way.
About the age of 16, you started learning how to play guitar. What inspired you to play the guitar? And is there anyone in your family who is also musically inclined who inspired you to play music?
I picked it up from my dad. My dad had a guitar my mom gave him as an anniversary gift, so that’s where I picked it up. And my uncle plays bass in a Jazz band. So I’ve always had a few people in my life that are really musical.
How do you feel your guitar playing skills reflect on how you make your music?
If anything, it’s a different way to write a song or to start a song. Instead of starting it on the computer, I just sit down with the guitar and strum something out the old fashion way. The whole thing that I’ve always tried to do is to blend the technology and the acoustic live aspect together.
Did you get to perform with anyone notable?
Nobody I’d like to mention . Nothing ever ended up turning into anything. I played for a couple bands and practiced with them all the time. Did the Country thing.
What’s it like being on OWSLA?
Its amazing! Its like being on the Lakers, I’d imagine.
How did that come up?
Sonny actually sent me a message on SoundCloud like a year ago, just randomly. He said he really liked my stuff. I don’t know how he found it or anything. So, I just kept sending him stuff over a few months. Eventually, he was like “Hey, do you wanna put out an EP on Owsla?”
What mindset were you in when you produced, “To a new Earth” ?
Well the name “To a new Earth” actually comes from a book by Eckhart Tolle. It’s called “A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose”. That kind of had something to do with it. Around that time it was Summer, so it was just feel good, funky music.
You put out Ableton Live tutorials on youtube. What motivates you to do this? Why share your knowledge?
I went to school for Recording Arts, and they never taught Ableton Live. I paid a lot of money to go to school. Protools, Reason, and Cubebase. So, doing tutorials is kind of a way to use what I learned in the real world. Like real things you would actually use when you want to make music and not just the bull crap on, “How to make a Dubstep sound”, or something like that, and just the fact that there are so many bad tutorials online. I feel like that discourages people that are trying to learn how to make music, or who are trying to express them selves musically. So, that was kind of my whole reason behind doing tutorials, and making them really fast, to the point, and very useful.
I noticed you like to use the Novation LaunchPad when you perform? What makes you choose that as your main weapon?
I just stopped. I think this is actually my first show not playing with it live. The LaunchPad is great. The main thing I used it for was sending midi to the LaunchPad and make it light up. And I would actually have a whole midi track filled with scales in them. So you are sending the scales to the LaunchPad, and the lit up buttons are the scale. Then you can play in key with whatever song you’re playing with. So I was using that for a long time. I actually just got the Push from Ableton. Im starting to get into that. It does the same thing just in an easier way.
How did you and Sponge Bob become such close friends?
I’ve always loved Sponge Bob! Always, always, always loved Sponge Bob.
Does Sponge Bob love Kill Paris?
Not always. There’s been a few mishaps. I actually watch Sponge Bob on a regular basis. I really enjoy it. But yeah, he got out of line that one time. That one time….
When seducing the ladies, what’s your favorite pick up line?
I already have a girlfriend. But, how much does a polar bear weight?
Enough to break the ice!
How was touring with Big Gigantic and Manic Focus?
Oh my god, I wish I could go back! So much fun, man. We had such a good time. I miss them. I’m playing with Mantic Focus in a few weeks in Chicago. Which is going to be great! All homies. All really talented guys. It’s fun to be apart of that.
What are a few necessities for you on the road?
Things that I want and don’t get…. Sleep… And socks. That’s like the biggest thing. Because after you get done playing a big show, or maybe you don’t have time to shower. Putting on a fresh pair of socks is just heaven!
What kind of food do you eat on the road? Do you just get gas station hot dogs? Or do you go out for your meals?
I try to eat as healthy as I can. I fall off every once in awhile.
If you could tour with anyone right now, dead or alive. Who would it be?
God, that’s a hard one. That’s kind of a loaded question. James Brown probably. That would probably be insane, because he is a crazy mo’fo. There would be many good stories to come out of that.
How did you feel about the vibe in Lawrence, Kansas tonight?
It was great. Like, I’m from the Mid West originally, so it’s good to come out and play.
How do you feel about the scene in the Mid West compared to the coast?
It’s better. Definitely catching on. Michigan is really gaining some speed and momentum. As far as the fans are and the shows are going, it’s Electronic music and people just supporting, and the music is spreading all around. So, it’s getting better.
Any big updates you can share with us?
I have a new single coming out in like a month. It’s going to be really awesome. I’m excited about it! Its got vocals on it, both male and female. Going to have a full music video. It’s going to be sexy. Lots of sexy.
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