Graphic artist and music producer Peek Levels gives us the low-down on his creative process behind the visualization of epic artistic content to accompany bass music.
Interviewer: Lauren DeGaine
MalLabel: Tell us a little bit about your background! How did you get into video editing and designing graphic art?
Peek Levels: It all started about two years ago when I was making music, I was also thinking of ways to branch out and reach others, even if that meant doing work for free. I found that art and video design was a huge part of the music scene and wanted to be a part of that community. So I started looking at what others were doing and what was working for them. I found video design and art to be more up my alley, because I like having things come to life and pop out at you if you to really give you the overall experience that the artist intended.
M: What does visual content add to the experience of listening to music?
PL: I feel that visual content adds to the experience of the art by introducing another mode of receptivity for our brains to interpret while we are being aurally stimulated. A lot of the time, it’s hard to see the overall picture behind the song with out a little visual content to go along with it and really hone in on the meaning and direction that the artist intended. With this new experience we can only assume that things will continue to grow and get better over time. The visuals will grow and get better as well as the music through the art of coming together.
M: What is your creative process like? What kind of things do you keep in mind when you start to visualize bass music and create video content to accompany it?
PL: My creative process stems from the creativity of the artist. So when I start to visualize the bass music that people are creating I’m already painting a picture of where I am at, what I might see when I am there and also what kind of feelings are present when I arrive. These all take part in the process and really give me a sense of direction when I first take on a project.
M: You were inspired to start producing music after Emissions West Coast Bass Festival. What was it about that experience that made you want to produce music?
PL: I actually was inspired to start producing music back in the middle of 2016 right after I attended a Emissions West Coast Bass Festival. I wasn’t even playing at the time I was just a fan of bass music. I came home after that festival and sat down and had to really think about my future and what I wanted with my life. I instantly made a Decision to quit my job and pursue music producing full time. Shortly after, I was signed to MalLabel Music and my dreams became more present and real. That’s when I thought to my self, “I’m gonna work harder then I ever have,” and maybe my dreams weren’t as far-fetched as I had thought.
M: This has been an exciting year for you, with the release of “Kill My Speakers” and now your newest EP! Do you think that your experience creating visual content has any influence on the way you approach music production?
PL: The experience creating visual content has definitely shaped my influence on my music production skills in many ways. For example, I typically have a certain feeling that I’m trying to portray in my music and by visualizing that content I can come up with a reference as to what I want my vocals to sound like or my melody and bass. Also, by painting a picture with your mind I feel it brings to life some of the ideas that are in your head, and that gives you a direction to go in when creating artistic content for others to enjoy. This whole experience has been really humbling to say the least. Every day I wake up wanting to create and give back to this community, and for that I can never thank MalLabel and the people in my life that continue to show me the blessings we all have, and to be thankful each and every day because we never know when we might leave this Earth. Thank you for taking this time to get to know a little about me and hope this gives you some insight into the world of Peek Levels.