Creating quality music takes patience and persistence. It is not for those people looking for instant gratification. Building the skills takes a lot of practice and hard work. But when the passion for music is there, it is well worth the time. Our recent discovery Wynton The Planet has put in the time and the results show on his newest record.
The trippy project that mixes electronica and dance music with the psychedelic sounds of the 60s is the brainchild of Wynton Dorsey. The self-taught drummer and guitarist was born in New Orleans and later moved to Houston where he still sets up shop today. His first instruments were gifts from his dad with the condition that he make time to play every day. Keeping that promise is what gave Wynton The Planet the skills to become the producer he is today. Putting in the time making beats on Fruity Loops as well gave him the edge that sets him apart.
The latest release by Wynton The Planet is the full-length record This Love Is Smooth Yet Trippy. The 15 track album holds true to its title. Right from the opener “Summer” we know we are in for something different with its funk feel building into an all out orgasm of sound. The journey winds through slowed down exotica of “Gone” to the mesmerizing blues of “Blues”. There are no genre barriers holding Wynton The Planet back. The spacy dance track “Nebulae” is another standout track
We had the chance to chat with Wynton The Planet to get a little deeper into his story.
First off, tell us about the name Wynton the Planet?
I like the phrase marching to the beat of your own drummer. But why stop there? I march to the rhythm of my own celestial body in planetary form. Be your own planet.
How would you describe your music?
Ever since the first time I heard Floyd’s ‘Dark Side’, I would say it’s pop with a psychedelic flair. That album was a life-changing experience. I was totally captivated from start to finish.
Which artists have had the biggest influence on you?
The ones that make albums with variety. Flying Lotus, Timbaland, Thundercat, The Flaming Lips, Garbage, and on a few tracks Mr. Kanye. His production style has always been sick to me.
What draws you to creating your own music?
It all started in the early 2000’s when my brother introduced me to Hip Hop eJay, an early drag and drop music-making program. I was hooked. From there I went to FL Studio when it was still known as Fruity Loops, and I’ve been using it ever since.
How does a song come together for you? What is your songwriting process?
I start out with a melody in my head and add instruments to the arrangement one by one until I’m happy with the instruments. Then, I’ll make a second, third, fourth, and so on and so on layer by layer. My song writing process evolved throughout this process. I can tell you now that I’m very excited about my next album. There will be my vocals featured on every track.
Tell us about your new record This Love Is Smooth But Trippy?
I’m a huge fan of psychedelic music of all flavors, or music with that psychedelic feel. Maybe it’s just a delay treated with delay. I wanted that trippy sound, and I feel like the more I experiment I grow. The record has 20 tracks and has a variety of sounds and genres on it, but one thing that remains constant is my use of synthesizers. I use a Roland SH-201 which is sinfully easy to control but isn’t the most feature-rich synth. It has a rawness to it that cuts through your soul, and I can typically always find a place for it in my songs. I wanted to walk the fine line between what is smooth and what is trippy. My father loves jazz and my mother is a rocker, so I came up with artists like Sade from my dad, and Journey from my mom. I think that gave me a good foundation of music appreciation at a young age.
Give us some advice for artists just getting started with their instrument?
Stick to it. Unless you’re a virtuoso, and probably even then, you need to play your instrument as often as you can. You can’t expect to grow in skill, speed, or stamina if you aren’t willing to put in the work and sweat. I would also say play how you want. I’m self taught on everything I play, which is beneficial in some ways but in others not so much. I will say that I will read anything I can get my hands on about drums. I eat, sleep, and breathe percussion.
What does the future hold for Wynton the Planet?
I’m working on a few projects at the moment, but I plan to drop a mixtape before my next record. I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that I’ve been working on a live version of Poison by Bell Biv Devoe, and My Prerogative by Bobby Brown. I’m feeling myself in that 90s R&B for a few weeks now.
Keep up with more from Wynton the Planet HERE.