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E. Philz Shares Personal Loss and Battles in Recent Instrumental Album, 'Basil'

Writer's picture: BUZZ LABUZZ LA


E. Philz is the kind of music artist that puts his all into the tracks he produces. As an instrumental artist, E. Philz is all about combining versatile and dynamic sounds in order to establish various ambiances and energies for his listeners. The most recent work from E. Philz includes his third instrumental album, titled "Basil". The album stems its inspiration from the loss of Basil, E. Philz's furry best friend. With a strong and clear sense of rhythm, "Basil" is able to shine its light on a multitude of emotions, and listeners are ultimately in for a musical journey. 


"TropBop" is the first track on E. Philz album, which hones in on a simplistic keyboard integration. You can tell that E. Philz wanted a nice and easy introduction with the chosen electronics within "TropBop", but don't expect to be stuck in a world of simplicity, as the rest of the album only gets more layered. The albums second track, "The Shuffle", brings in more flavourful instruments, creating an almost mystified ambiance. You may find yourself effortlessly swaying to the underlying harmony (we definitely were), as E. Philz really crafted the perfect kind of interlude song with "The Shuffle". 


We enter an incredibly ambiguous and slowed-down environment once reaching "The Dog". Exploiting smooth and soft bass collections, E. Philz is able to establish a lethargic atmosphere with a bit of flair added in through the high-pitched keyboard blend. There's almost a nonchalant energy that emulates from "The Dog", deeming it a fitting track to listen to if you're in more of a laidback mood. The same goes for the albums fourth track, "Thump Bounce", but this one brings a more intensified persona to the table with the bubbly and vivacious stamina held throughout the song. We have to say that "Thump Bounce" majorly takes the place for favorite song on the album, at least for us, because the track remained condensed in a way that highlighted its elemental sound. E. Philz displays a darker side with "Pursuit" and ultimately showcases how much more stratified his work can become.


We have a haunting electronic presence prominently held during "Pursuit", which accurately matched the essence of its title. The same energy is held consistent within "Murder March", and we're starting to understand the realistic relevance E. Philz puts into his song titles. "Murder March" feels similar to how you'd expect to feel as a listener, and the chosen instrumentals, especially a high-pitched piano presence, is able to bring an eerie vibe to the track. 


We find that E. Philz persists with a melancholic approach in the albums next track, "Death Stroll". We arrive at much more nostalgic energy, which is only slightly uplifted by the keyed integration. Strong and harmonious guitar strumming is what predominantly takes over the track, initiating an even grander wistful ambiance. Things start to feel more eclectic and eccentric with "Collusionist", the eighth track from Basil. "Collusionist" brings forth robust and erratic keyboard collections, swiftly changing the tone of the album in an instant. With the versatile instrumental combination, "Collusionist" is able to feel incredibly busy, making it a great track to listen to if you're wanting a bit of a mind-boggle. Clarity eventually arises with the following song, "The Creep", which takes the melody of the album back to its originality. "The Creep" takes on a completely disparate approach compared to subsequent songs we've seen on Basil. And the complete 180's keep on coming with "Rocky", the albums tenth track. We get a heavy electric guitar integration, which listeners can already expect to raise the intensity levels of the track. This kind of intensity from E. Philz isn't going anywhere, and we're starting to see a theme to the ending of the track with "Metal Memories".


There's definitely a ton of imagery that's able to present itself with this track, and E. Philz chooses to keep a consistent tone for the album's last final stretch of songs. We get a more refined concentration of electric guitar strums within "Metal Memories" and it sets up the right kind of vibe for any listener appreciative of quality. The mood of the album instantly lightens up with "Auvoir", the final track to Basil.  "Auvoir" brings back the light-hearted energy that's intrinsic to the overall theme of the album, and listeners are left with reminiscent thoughts. E. Philz strategically ends his album with this track, and we believe it has to do with letting go of personal tribulations regarding a loss. All in all, Basil was full of dynamic styles, and E. Philz truly used his opportunity to showcase his artistry in the most fitting way possible. 




 

Hello E. Philz, it's great to have you back with us at BuzzMusic. We are so sorry to hear of Basil's passing. Considering the influence you used in order to create "Basil", would you say that it was emotionally trivial to craft the entirety of the album? Was there a specific song on the album that affected you more than others?


It was. I already had tracks ready for an album and a few concepts I was juggling, meanwhile Basil’s condition was getting exponentially worse. When I made the decision to have him put down to end his suffering, I created “Auvoir.” I always felt he could understand me when I spoke to him, so I laid next to him & thanked him for everything he’s been for me the past 10 years. Alerting me when people are around, being a companion, & just being a great dog his entire life. When I hear “Auvoir,” I think of that moment. How would you say each song attributed to Basil? Was there a certain strategy behind each track on the album, or would you say that you predominantly went with the flow for the manifestation of it?

I always go with the manifestation of attempting to create a vibe that I’m feeling at the time. Most of this album is downtempo, a little dark at times with a hint of light. Similar to my energy lately. It’s basically a walk through my five stages of grief.

Would you say that "Basil" contrasted from your previous instrumental albums? How exactly so?

Yes definitely. With previous albums, I used more loops & sounds that are more popular. I wanted “Basil” to feel more organic, soulful, raw even.

Can you walk our readers through the thought process behind "Auvoir" and why you chose to end the track with the spirited energy presented within this track?


In my final stage of grief, acceptance, “Auvoir” encompasses my acceptance of Basil’s death. My thankfulness for his life, and goodbye on a good note.

Now that "Basil" has been released to listeners, are there any next moves you're planning on hashing out next? What kind of future do you see yourself having within the music industry?


The next album is already in the works. “Lakeway Sunrise.” Lots of soul samples & guitars. I see myself having music all over commercials, movies, and video games and possibly working on some EPs with a few of my favorite artists.

 

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