INTERVIEW: The Illphonics
SOME'N UNIQUE MAGAZINE ~ S.U.M
PRESENTS
THE ILLPHONICS ~ HIP-HOP-FUSION GROUP
S.U.M couldn't be more thrilled about this interview. It's taken months to put together, but it turns out the timeframe was a blessing in disguise. The interview is just in time for a 10th Anniversary. If you're from the Midwest; St. Louis and Kansas City, more specifically, then you're very familiar with the Hip-Hop-fusion ensemble—The Illphonics!
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: First of all, thank you so much for the interview! We truly appreciate it! — Let's start with the basics, and ask the one thing many fans would like to know, if they don't already – Who, or what is The Illphonics?
Illphonics: The shared musical experience between Kevin, Keith, Larry, Simon, and Chaz.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: So The Illphonics is more of a musical journey traveled with close friends, nice! – You have known each other a long time; when did you first decide to form the group?
Illphonics: We came together in 2006 after recording a few demos
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: A decade later, you're still together, better than ever, and successful— That's a blessing! — In any group, each member is an individual with their own personality, traits, etc. . . So tell us – Who's the most. . .serious, comedic, patient, carefree, spiritual?
Illphonics: Serious: Larry ~ Comedic: Chaz ~ Patient: All of us; we’ve been doing this for 10 years and we haven’t quit yet! ~ Carefree: Simon ~ Spiritual: Kevin and Chaz, though in completely different ways
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: You definitely need patience to wholeheartedly devote yourself to something for 10 years; a lot can happen in that time. — So are there any dads in the group? – Do we have any “babyphonics” running around!?
Illphonics: Chaz is the proud father of Chasity, who is 3 years old
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Chaz, I see we have something in common. . .we both have a little princess! Okay fellas, the ladies wanna know who's single?
Illphonics: Keith, Kevin, Simon
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: There you have it ladies! Alright, after becoming a group; when did you first realize you held true potential & talent?
Illphonics: As individuals, we all had the support of family and we all felt like we were put here to play music. – Though, we started to realize we had potential as a group after the release and initial reception of our "iLLUSiON" EP, which gained some traction in 2011.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: So how difficult were things in the beginning? – What are some obstacles you've overcome?
Illphonics: We’ve definitely had our fair share of obstacles: Car accidents, phony managers, theft, close-minded promoters, the “hip-hop” stigma, and many more.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Wow. That's the unattractive side of the music industry that most fans, and even aspiring musicians aren't fully aware of. But as the saying goes. . . “What don't kill you, only makes you stronger” – A decade later, you guys have proven that to be true.
Kevin, you jam to everyone from Nirvana to Snoop Dogg; how would your bandmates describe you?
Kevin: Out there!
Larry
Kevin
Keith
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Lol! As The Illphonics, you have over 200 shows under your belt, and have opened for big names such as; Lupe Fiasco, The Roots, Everclear, and Wiz Khalifa – How difficult is your schedule on your home life?
Illphonics: It is extremely difficult; we all have 9-5 jobs and other personal pursuits. Somehow we keep making it work.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: I can definitely relate, I'm the same way about writing.
Keith, you were producing hip-hop tracks back in high school at U-City, and have musical influences that includes, Beethoven!? How did you get into Classical?
Simon
Chaz
Keith: I got into classical at an early age, just listening to the radio: 99.1 FM. Also, through Looney Tunes lol!
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Looney Tunes!? Lmao! I say it all the time. . .It's amazing to hear the places a person's influence or inspiration for their craft derives from.
The Illphonics has played the “2008 PlaySTL Music Festival”, you won the “2009 Taste of St. Louis, Tasty Band Competition”, you've been featured at the “Red Gorilla Music Fest” in Austin, TX from 2011 to 2013 – With all your success, do you feel as though you should have accomplished more at this point?
Illphonics: Yes, for sure. But you gotta keep movin’ and groovin’ – We can’t dwell on water under the bridge.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: You're always your hardest critic, but you're right; you can't dwell on what's already happened and done with. . .you can only learn from it and move forward.
Simon, you've played Bass Guitar since you were 13, and one of the first songs you learned was Stevie Wonder's, “Superstition” – How has your bandmates influenced you musically?
Simon: Chaz and I came up listening to music together, showing each other different types of music. Also, he’s been playing drums with me basically since I started playing, so the impact we’ve had on one another is pretty big. Although everyone in the group has pushed each other in various directions.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: That's cool. I saw you perform in May 2015, downtown at St. Louis Central Library, and you guys brought it! – How do you maintain such a high, lively & enthusiastic energy level when performing? You guys make the audience gasp for breath! Lol!
Illphonics: The love of the music is all we need. We feel like we need to basically throw our energy at the crowd in hopes of gaining new listeners. – Sometimes, people seem shocked at the sounds they're hearing. . .they can’t help but get into it. Then that helps us to bring EVEN MORE energy!
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: You're definitely right about that! I saw it happen first-hand!
Larry, you're the MC, but you can rock out to The Beatles and Pink Floyd, just the same as Jay-Z!? – How long have you been rhyming? – Would you say you're a more cultural and conscious MC because of your musical influences?
Larry: I started rapping when I was 13. And, no, not necessarily. My style really comes from the way I was raised. I think there should always be something positive in what you do, even if it’s subtle.
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F. Kenneth/S.U.M: No doubt. – When the Illphonics aren't performing or on the road; what are they doing? How do you guys unwind and/or relax?
Illphonics: Simon enjoys sleeping, going to shows, and video games. Keith likes to relax with some quality television, movies, and good food. Kevin loves the outdoors—biking, hiking, and camping are some favorites. Reading and recording music. Chaz is into shopping, shoe fashion, attractions of the East side (strip clubs), and potato chips. Larry enjoys working out, learning (he’s working towards a Master’s degree), and gardening.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Those are some pretty good ways to spend spare time and take in a little R-and-R.
Chaz, you're noted for having an uncanny sense of rhythm and soul – Are you a Motown man? – Who were/are some of your musical influences?
Chaz: I fucks with the Motown – The Temptations and Stevie Wonder?! I grew up on all that shit.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Lol! Ok, ok! – Alright, you look at some of the “behind-the-scenes” features on groups, and you hear about all the fun, weird, and crazy things that goes on during rehearsals and warmups, and you're just like, “Wow.”
What is a typical rehearsal like for The Illphonics? – Are you guys “strictly business” or is it more on the “fun” side of things, or a combo of the two?
Illphonics: It varies; it really depends what’s on the schedule.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: You're releasing a new album, "Gone With The Trends", in Early 2016 . . .What will set it apart from previous albums?
Illphonics: What will set it apart? – We keep getting better musically, but more specifically, we feel like we’ve written stronger hooks this time around—the kinds of things we hope people will like no matter where they come from.
F. Kenneth/S.U.M: Sounds great! We'll definitely be checking for it! – I would like to sincerely, and deeply thank The Illphonics and their manager, Alex Ellis, for their patience throughout the process, and for granting Some'n Unique Magazine a wonderful opportunity!
