SWEATSON KLANK is a Los Angeles based producer totally unencumbered by limitations like genre, image, or other people's expectations. His music defies categorization, but he's created a sound that is both technically brilliant and very emotional, using a sonic palette that is unique and always surprising. Sweatson Klank will release a brand-new EP, "Then I Was Me" this Friday October 13th, on on Friends of Friends. You can stream the first single Smile below, and also enjoy our Q&A with the producer also known as Tom Wilson, as we discuss tacos, nature, and magical fishes of Mexico...
What's your favorite taco spot?
That's a hard one!! There are endless good tacos in LA. Depends on the neighborhood I'm in!! Right now I'm loving Tacos El Primo in Highland Park.
What brought you to LA, and what keeps you here?
My parents moved here from Paris, France when I was 5. Since then, I have moved and lived all over but LA is always home base. It just always feels like home. Apart from the obvious things like the good weather and the music industry, I love the expansiveness of LA and all the vast space. I never feel boxed in here... and If I start to feel confined, I can drive 20 minutes into nature and get some mental relaxation.
When and where do you find that relaxation?
Nature would be my biggest relaxation provider. The beach and all of the hiking trails in and around LA. When I am particularly stressed I tend to go get a massage. It always helps. Meditation on a daily basis is also key.
What is the most beautiful thing in the world?
Another tough question. Let me give you three of the most beautiful things in the world in my opinion.
1) Children of all races and social backgrounds playing and laughing and smiling together. Watching that non jaded, pure happiness they possess before the harsh reality of the world is put upon them.
2) A deserted tropical beach with crystal blue waters and the sound of palm fronds rustling in the wind.
3) A woman's body.
What were some inspirations or touchstones for the new EP?
I guess you could say the things I just mentioned, as the most beautiful things were inspirations for the new EP. Life, Love, laughter, Pain, Sorrow, Relationships, the quest for inner peace lol!
Living in LA you must end up in your car a lot, what do you listen to?
Surprisingly, I'm not in the car that much. But when I am, I am either bumping some thugged out hip hop or classical music. Depends on the mood really.
Do you have a lucky number?
11 is my lucky number by far.
Describe your last mystical experience.
This one will surely make you smile! A few months back I was in Tulum, Mexico by myself. I went for a swim in the beautiful crystal blue waters. I was the only one out there, it was early in the morning. I looked down and saw a little fish probably the size of a business card swimming right next to me. It was almost attached to my ribs, like an inch away. I said " hey little buddy"! I kept swimming, it stayed with me. You know those National Geographic shows where the little fish swims almost on top or under the bigger fish? Well this was that. I would go under a wave, swim left, right, or out farther and look down and my little buddy was still by my side, almost attached to me. It was wild! This went on for 45 minutes until I got out of the water and said goodbye :)
What are some new sounds that have gotten you excited about music lately?
Well, there are so many!! Music is limitless! I am about to launch my label Tone and Manor in the new year and have been working with a ton of artists who are going to release with us! A couple I want to mention who have incredible releases coming in 2018. Billie Fountain. He's a singer songwriter, beat maker who's style is just so unique yet familiar at the same time. I've been working on his album with him for the last 6 months and am super excited to release it. Another artist on the label who's music is fantastic is Váne. Super ethereal melodic and dark, a bit reminiscent of early Burial. I could go on and on...
Got any shoutouts?
Shout out to Friends of Friends Music, the label releasing this EP and my full length in 2018. They are just top! Also shout out to Point Blank Music Academy where I teach and all of my students there past and present!
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Visit Sweatson Klank on Soundcloud.
Then I Was Me will be released on October 13th on Friends of Friends.
