By: Staff
When we first heard this album we needed to know more! This exciting first listen turned into multiple: Then it became a look into the mind and emotions behind the song and it truly plays out in unimaginable ways, both heartbreaking and triumphant. Emerging from the vibrant underground of Arvada, CO, Phidippus, an enigmatic artist is reshaping the electronic music landscape with the latest release, “Prazosin”.
Known for crafting sounds that defy genre and evoke profound emotion, this visionary is back with a track that promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul. “Prazosin,” is more than odyssey through triumph and tribulation it's a reflection of personal struggles alchemized into art. With its hauntingly intricate layers and evocative vocals, this track beckons listeners to explore depths of emotion with this modern take on music.
But who is the mind behind this masterpiece? And what stories fuel their unparalleled creativity?
We got together for an exclusive interview with Eric Salazar, aka Phidippus, the artist behind “Prazosin,” delving into their inspirations, collaborations, and the raw humanity that defines their sound. Dive into this world where boundaries are shattered, and the unexpected awaits.
Read on to uncover the story of the Phidippus, the album, and the journey that brought it all to life.
Begin Interview:
Hello Phidippus, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more excited to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. What inspired the name Phidippus for your artist persona? How does it capture the connection you want to build with your fans?
A. When I set about choosing a musical alias after the release of When I Was Emptyhead 1997-2007 I wanted a name that wouuld harken back to my childhood and have stroong associations with music for me. Phidippus is the latin name of the jumping spider and was one of three interests as a kid: bugs, music and girls. The name Phidippus was also difficult to spell and pronunciate, so it stuck in the mind easily. It speaks to the inherent complexity of the music I make.
Q. "Phidippus Prazosin" was recorded in a two-bedroom apartment in Arvada, CO. How did the intimate recording environment shape the album's sound and creative process?
A. I don't think it was any different than recording in a small commercial recording studio. There was no time crunch so I think the tracks seem to breathe. Also, snacks were more readily available...When the surroundings are more intimate the sound can be warmer iin subtle ways.
Q. The album features vocals from Jeff Riteman, Alice Indiana, and yourself. How did these collaborations come about, and what drew you to work with them? Were there any challenges you faced in bringing everyone together?
A. I answered an advertisement Alice put out on Soundbetter.com. We actually ended up working remotely on Dummy. She had made a remark thatt she performed better on mushrooms, so I encouraged her to record the performance tripping. I think it turned out great. Jeff is a long time friend and he was over while I was working on I Loved to Hold Her Hand (which I mis-titled-it should be I Love Holding Her Hand). I was in my studio, playing back the track and Jeff justt started singingg the bits. I gave him a mic and lt him do a few passes...These interactions were pretty hassle free.
Q. Can you describe the theme of this release's artwork and what the inspiration and intention were for the observer to absorb from it?
A. Earlier this year I put out an album 'Jinx' which marked a period in my life where I had shattered my hip and was crippled for 6 months. That was shit, but previous to that disaster my wiffe had died of an overdose and I found her. This set of nasty nightmares, part of a complex of PTSD symptoms. Prazosin is a blood pressure medication that also extinguishes nightmares. This album sort of marks my victory overy PTSD and in a larger sense the battles I fought with my wife's death, my injuries and loneliness. The album cover depicts a sleep demon.
Q. Starting your musical journey at age 8, you’ve evolved through different phases, from composing on an Amiga 1000 to creating electronic music as Phidippus. How do these early experiences inform your work today?
A. I remember hearing Yes's "Owner of a lonely heart' sampled and saw the samplee wave form and saw how the samples were assembled. Everything I do today directly reflects that work.
Q. We read, "Phidippus Prazosin" blends genre-defying elements with a punk ethic. Can you elaborate on your philosophy of challenging traditional electronic music boundaries?
A. Its as simple as this: I have no qualms about using samples of a country song in a drum and bass track. The best artists integrate different genres usually to the best effect, This includes mixing disparate electronic genres like 808 State does or Jiri Ceiverr.
Q. One of your songs, “You’re the One,” has a fascinating backstory involving a catfishing experience and a plea for asylum. How do personal stories like this influence your songwriting? This is so unusual of a circumstance. How did this situation end and did the asylum seeker ever hear about the song?
A.I write a lot of personal biopics dependinng on the mood of the track. This is a true story and its onlyy half the story. We ended up getting engaged. I visit her in New York while she processes her asylum. She loves the song, of course.
Q. This was a particularly notable comment we read “I was at a time of my life where I was recovering from horrible injuries suffered in a car crash” Can you tell us more about this? Does making music help with healing from traumatic circumstances like this?
A. Haha, I had just left the nursing home recovering from a partial amputation of my left fott. I drove into oncoming traffic and hit someone head on. I hit the wind shield andd pushed myyfemur through my hip joint, shttering it. They repairedit but it was too badly damaaged. I spent March to August barely able to walk. Making music does not help with the pain but does help with purpose and trauma. Here youu are aa cripple, but youu can do somethhing beautiful. There's a track I did, "Synchronicity" that epitomizes how i felt desspite my gooked up body.
Q. You’ve had your music featured on platforms like The Travel Channel, National Geographic, and even a Mercedes commercial. How have these opportunities impacted your career and exposure? Is this your goal when you create your music?
A.I've found doing music for those platforms looks good on my resume, I've never really thought of a goal for my music except my drum and bass tracks-I see those on labels.
Q. The song about a girl paralyzed from MS holds a poignant place on the album. How did writing and performing this track help you process such a personal loss?
A. I wrote tthe music and as I wrote it I kept thinking of Mary. Subconciously there was a pull to make sense of the situation to myself. "I wondered if her paralyzed body could feel mine." That was the question for me that kind of summarized my feelings...
Q. Releasing your first CD EP under the name Emptyhead at age 24, and later transitioning to drum and bass with Phidippus in 2017, represents a significant artistic evolution. What prompted the shift to drum and bass, and what excites you most about this genre?
A.I met Gary Robinson of Rareform and Total Science. Pretty much drum and bass legends. From there it became a quest to make great dnb. Drum and bass does my favorite well and incorrporates other genres easily. DnB is multihued and tends to be a more 'intelligent' type of dance music. Like good sex I find it harder and faster with more complex rhythms.
Q. Your single "Starfish" achieved radio airplay in all 50 states. How did it feel to reach such a wide audience, and what do you think resonated most with listeners about the track?
A. I guess this was college radio. I never heard it on the air so...I think the unique story coupled with the 'deep' chorus migght've resonated with most listeners.
Q. The production of "Phidippus Prazosin" was entirely self-managed with a computer and keyboard controller. What challenges or advantages did this DIY approach bring to the project?
A. I also used a microphone! I've done it tthis way for so long I don'tknow what to call an advanttage or consider a disadvantage.
Q. Looking back on your journey from experimenting with sampled music in the 1980s to your current work as Phidippus, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical career so far?
A. A girl messaged me and said 'your music is amazing, The words hit me deep into my soul. You need to keep making music like this, it is important.'
Q. Do you have any professional advice that you would give your younger self that might have changed the current course your career is now on?
A. Market yourself, Eric. Regularly.
Q. You mentioned so many iconic bands that influenced you. Do you have a favorite song from your early years of listening to music that you would like to cover that makes you feel connected to who you are as an artist today?
A.Funy you should ask, I am working on my first cover, "So Many People" by Hubert Kah.
Q. So, what’s next? Can you share the full details on your future projects and what fans should be excited about? We’re hearing about more releases, and we’d love to be the first to announce it!
A. My next aalbum has all vocals provided by AI (WHA??) Yup, I've produced the music and written the lyrics, some with Lunate but I've decided to employ AI to do the vocals...People have their prejudices but I think AI is just another creative tool. Many think its shit, but AI can produce terrific results if you use it properly. Rule number one: do not make an entire song in AI. One song on 'Prazosin' makes exstensive use of AI. &25 to your choice of charities if you can guess.
Phidippus, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Phidippus’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
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