Synthwave interview – Stilz

Slickster Magazine frequently interviews established and emerging artists in the synthwave musical scene.  A complete list of the tremendous talent that has shared their thoughts, ideas, and most importantly, their music with Slickster can be found here.   The genre encompasses a profound love for electronic music.  However, it isn’t just limited to music that is created by computers, keyboards, and drum machines.  Enveloped within the art form is curious nod to the halcyon days of 80’s synthesizer excess, slasher and sci-fi movies, and the occasional neon glow of South Florida.

While as a population, we are nearly three decades removed from the Miami Vice era, the log reverberations of Jan Hammer and Harold Faltermeyer are still being heard.  Up and coming musicians are building on the electric forerunners of the day and continuing to develop new pallets of sonic wonder.  One such aural wizard is a Canadian  who goes by the name of “Stilz”.  With his second full length album being released on 6/8/2018 (Laserdics Records), we caught up with this Sultan of Synthwave.

Slickster: Stilz. After pondering this name long and hard, the best we could come up with was the idea of ‘still photo’ or painting of a inanimate model. Is that even close? What does that stagnate represent to you?

Stilz: The nickname was given to me during my high school years. My peers noticed that I’m a quiet and observant individual and they branded me with it.

Slickster: Do you care you share your Earth name or would you rather keep it a secret?

Stilz: Of course I can share my name. Online people know me as Chris Stilz but my real name is Chris Pavez.

Slickster: Your newest full length album, Sentient, is available for purchase on 8/6/2018. There is a tremendous amount of sonic material on this album. What would you like to say about your artist’s journey in creating this project?

Stilz: This project has been in the making for nearly 2 years; it is inspired by cyberpunk movies and video games such as Deus Ex, Ghost in The Shell, Oni, and Blade Runner. This project has sparked my passion in making my music much more cinematic.

Slickster: After listing to the promo-release of Sentient a few times, it feels like a concept album. What I mean by that is, each track has it’s own unique vibe, but when you listen without interruption from the opening to the final track, it all flows together. How did you accomplish this and was that a primary goal when you started working on the material?

Stilz: I believe that is my style at a baseline when creating a new album. It helps when I imagine a storyline to connect the music and achieve a general theme.

Slickster: Many artists collaborated with you on Sentient. Any shoutouts you want to give?

Stilz: Of course…. thanks to Electric Dragon for helping out with two tracks. Thanks to Nowtro for his support and wisdom. Thanks to Red Marker for his help in creating those synth leads. Thanks to Sid Barnhoorn for being a musical inspiration and his awesome additions. Thanks to Castroe for his synth work and helping to make the track a banger. Thanks to Night Raptor for his masterful work.

As always, I enjoy collaborating with other musicians. It definitely helps to hear others perspective of my vision.

Slickster: Sentient is being released on The Lazerdiscs record label. How did this partnership come about?

Stilz: When I was approached by Lazerdiscs Records back in 2016, I felt honored that they liked my music enough to create an album (Starcrash) and release with them.

Slickster: From your artists bio, it’s clear that you strongly believe sythwave deserves to be performed in front of a live audience. You list the Calgary Underground Film Festival, as one of the highlights of your career. What made this show so special, and how do you plan to recreate the main of that performance?

Stilz: I was contacted by the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) coordinator and asked if I would like to perform for opening night, and first showing in Canada, of the film Ex Machina. I was shocked and super excited to be a part of that. It was the first live performance of my synth music and it was really fun.

Slickster: What advice would you like to share with younger musicians who are just getting started or interested in making music?

“Make the music you want to hear. There’s nothing wrong with being your own biggest fan. Don’t go into music production wanting to sound like your musical idol, be inspired by them,” Chris Stilz. 2018

Slickster: Last question. Thanks for talking to Slickster Magazine and bets of luck with the release of Sentient. It’s not really a question, but more of blank canvas for you to say whatever you’d like. What is the most important message you would like to share with the world?

Stilz: Big thanks to everyone that has supported my music in the last couple of years, you guys and gals are the best. Having fans has really motivated me to create new worlds with my music. I hope you enjoy listening to Sentient!

Big thanks to Slickster Magazine for this interview.

Cheers