Better Beats

Even if you’ve never heard of Kjell Nelson, if you listen to music from the PNW, you’ve probably heard him. The prolific Seattle producer has lent his talents to a number of up and coming Seattle acts. When Nelson’s not producing for his group the Hightek Lowlives, he’s helping make beats for a variety of artists for local label Cabin Games. The sounds of Nelson’s beats and production reflect the diversity of the artists he works with. From haunting grunge for the track he produced for The Ghost Ease, to the afro-futuristic-soul sounds of Hightek Lowlives, all the way to the straight up hip-hop beats of Silas Blak, Nelson can adapt to seemingly any music style.

Obviously making all of this music takes time, lots of time. So getting Nelson to leave the studio is difficult, to say the least. CULTURE met him at “The Cabin”, Cabin Games home recording studio in South Seattle. We talked about his music, where he grew up and of course, cannabis.

When did you get started in playing music?

I started in school, literally playing clarinet, and bass clarinet. Then I got involved with rock bands, playing drums, and computer music. And that’s where I am now.

Where are you from?

From Seattle, born and raised. Grew up in Montlake, lower Capitol Hill.

What artists have influenced your work?

Producers influenced my sound more than players. Cause I can make whatever sound I want to make, with exceptions. So definitely Quincey Jones, Teddy Riley. A bunch of the stuff I grew up on is music produced in the 80s.

Has the cannabis culture in the PNW impacted your art? If so, how?

Well I can tell you for sure that, I don’t know how it has affected my sound, but having medical, and all cannabis around constantly is definitely a reality. It has kept us in the studio 24/7 if we need to without complaining. Without going crazy.

Do you have a favorite piece of work to appreciate while under the influence of cannabis?

All of it.

www.cabingam.es

hightek-lowlives.com