"Elixir" is the newest album by MDK FLA. The first song is not indicative of the whole album. When MDK FLA think of it, none of them really are. But Triple Threat, Revelation, Beacon, and Resonate are MDK FLA favorites. He thinks Short Shrift will surprise you. So far, True Accord is the most played, by quite a bit. He wanted to use a lot of distortion and reverb. It's almost as if the music is bleeding in from another reality.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello MDK FLA. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I don't see myself as a great musician. I think I might have the capacity to perhaps be great one day but that day is far off in the future. The thing that is my greatest asset in music is that I love doing it. It is so fulfilling to finish a song. It's addictive for sure.
Who inspired you to make music?
My friend came down from Norfolk Va, on vacation to Miami. Being that it's only about two hours from me I headed over to see him. He met up with a friend there. His friend made music and showed me a couple of the videos he made as an independent artist. I was completely blown away by the quality of the music and the videos. I realized that the old obstacles that artists faced in quality of production were largely gone with the new and accessible tech out there. The thought that maybe I could do something similar bounced around my head for awhile until one night I just started making beats. I'm still working to perfect the quality of my sound but every album I feel like I get a little better, learn some new techniques and more about music in general. I'm excited for what's next.
Your latest release is 'Elixir'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I started writing the album during a three day float down the James River in Virginia with 30 of my closest friends, people I've known for a long time. I've moved around a lot in my life and been apart of many different social circles. I feel most comfortable among this group though. That ease and comfort pervades 'Elixir'. But it was finished the weekend after Hurricane Ian destroyed everything I own. Quite the disparity in mindset between the two times.
Can you shortly describe each of the tracks that are on the album?
You Better Run- A straight up EDM song. I wanted to make this album more accessible so I had to get all the weirdness out of the way first.
Triple Threat- I like this song. Starts off with smoky, seductive vocals and ends up with upbeat, driven guitars.
Revelation - Hip Hop. I think the bassline really stands out on this one.
Beacon - Pure pop. Echo-y guitars deep, interesting bassline, beautiful vocals.
The Witches of Arafel - Something different for sure. The bassline in unique.
True Accord - Pop Rock to hip/pop. The guitars during the second half are warm and soothing despite the distortion.
Short Shrift - A bluesy song with a fun solo
Sell Out. - Glitchy Classical to EDM to hip/hop. Great basslines throughout.
Resonate - A warm instrumental jam. The song wraps you in a kind of psychedelic blanket
Traversing the Ether - Sitars, organs and chanting. What's not to love?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
Spotify is a great tool. Start a playlist and pop a few songs in then go down to the recommendations. It takes so effort and time but man, I've found so fantastic music.
What makes you different from others?
I don't know how different one can be in music. We all live in this sea of influences. Many songs are very similar, I mean there are only so many arrangement humans find pleasing. I think my main strength is that I don't confine myself to any one genre. I try to blur the lines between different genres, I am not a fan of the current stringent delineations in genre. I think it's limiting for artists and leads to burnout.
What’s an average day like for you?
Since the storm it's been tough. My last thought at night is the storm and the current state of my life as is my first in the morning. I've been wrapped up in trying to put my life right again. This is fourth time I've had to rebuild everything from nothing. I hope it's the last.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
Well, I don't have many. I am always interested in their opinions of my music. There is no greater feeling than when someone goes deep into your music catalogue. I always hope they find the deeper meaning in some of the songs. I'm always thrilled to speak to a fan.
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Just do it. Don't worry about what anyone else thinks. Also, make it for yourself. Don't do it as a means to get rich and famous. Don't worry about not knowing how. Just start.
What are your plans for the future?
More music. I'm planning on writing and album called tentatively "Monster' about my experience with Hurricane Ian.