Bryant Knight might be known in the fashion industry from his work with Stampd as Director of Operations, but we are truly blown away after our first taste of his artistic ability in the world of music. Knight brings a minimalistic but diverse side to electronic with smooth vocals, dark dramatic beats and hip-hop undertones. His most recent track “Tell Me” showcases these dark beats from the beginning while incorporating those soft vocals and later, undertones of piano.
Between Scion web commercials, opening for NERVO at the SLS pool party last summer, a production featured in the Stampd New York Fashion Week Mens show, and being mentioned in a video by Beats by Dre, Knight has been hitting the music scene hard. His ability to bring the work he does in fashion into his music is a breath of fresh air.
RaverRafting got the opportunity to speak with Bryant on what got him started with music and the other elements that play into his creations.
How did you get your start producing music? In essence what was your AH HA! Moment that made you say: “I want to make music.”
I’ve grown up around music and I was always so curious about the process behind each beat. I bought a pair of turntables when I was 15 and started collecting vinyl. Shortly after that I bought a drum machine and played around with it until I eventually started using it in conjunction with Pro Tools. I was hooked after that. When I first started producing I was just messing around trying to make hip-hop beats which has always been a huge influence on my production style. Now I’m just making what I like to hear, and I don’t like putting myself in a category.
You have deep ties within the fashion industry through Stampd, does the work you do with that inspire your sound in any way?
Absolutely, fashion and music go hand in hand with each other. Music and clothing are two things that say a lot about a person. The music I produce is a reflection of who I am.”
How do you balance producing music as well as working with Stampd? Any tips to keep from burning out?
My involvement at Stampd definitely takes up a lot of my time. We’ve been extremely busy and growing but it has been an exciting last couple of years for us, and I don’t see it slowing down anytime soon. I like making music at night, so I’ll usually work on music after I get home from the office. When you’re juggling multiple things you just have to stay on top of your time management.
The video released by Beats by Dre has Chris Stamp talking about you producing the music for the NYFWM show and how it’s a huge element… Is combining the fashion industry with the music industry part of your idea as an artist or do you want your music to become a separate entity from Stampd?
It has always been a separate entity. I have a passion for both industries, so my involvement in each naturally complements the other. Producing the music for the NYFWM Stampd presentation was a lot of fun and it took me out of my comfort zone. The track was very cinematic, which is something I haven’t really tried before. I’ve been able to build a lot of good relationships through Stampd that have opened up good opportunities for my music.
What artists do you look up to the most when producing new music?
I have a lot of respect for Diplo. He has done a great job with producing beats for hip-hop artists and a lot of mainstream acts while keeping his edge within the EDM scene. There are a lot of emerging producers out there now too, like Hucci, who have a lot authenticity that I’ve been listening to as well. Some of these young producers are next level.
How would you personally describe your sound?
Experimental electronic music with a hip-hop influence.
What can we look forward to for 2016?
I’m going to focus on putting out more music and performing more. I have some exciting stuff in the works right now. I can’t share it now, but I think everyone will like what’s next.
Connect with Bryant Knight:
http://www.facebook.com/thebknight
http://www.twitter.com/thebknight
http://www.soundcloud.com/bryantknight
http://www.instagram.com/thebknight
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