From the ashes of noise projects and sonic experiences, the Zlorngler has emerged as an experimental force to be reckoned with.
The LA-based producer's root's lie in San Luis Obispo, CA where he started using Ableton as a method to defeat boredom. Early on his producing path, he cofounded a DIY label called Raptor Chapter with his good friend, blakblakblak. that stands as a home for the strange and untamed. Beats from the deep side of the pool.
As the duo "Blap Pastor, they've hosted a variety of underground concerts throughout California while honing in on their own artistic strong suits. Besides creating his self-proclaimed "wonk-hop", the zlorngler has developed his own style of visual art that often accompanies his live performances.
Analog visuals and distorted sampling techniques allows the zlornger to develop soundscapes that border the waves coming from Brainfeeder, yet he seems to be carving his own slice with cheeky song titles and an overall psychedelic aesthetic.
Albums like, Zlornglaphobia and Illegal Alien Music are good introductions for those looking to venture into his discography, yet his most recent release Zlorngler-Type Beats stands out as more than just a local gem.
It's hyperdrive music; electronic noise experiences that may or may not cause basic reality to melt away. Glitched out bliss that's fitting for anyone caught adult swimming through their stream of consciousness.
At first glance, the 16-track album is a smirk toward all the up and coming rappers who constantly scour Youtube for "type beats".
Soundcloud rappers desperately seeking the next hit wouldn't have a chance at killing any the zlornger's beats. His tracks are like an obstacle course where survival of the fittest comes into play. Only well equipped lyricists can play with the fire he supplies. Feel free to check out his collaborations with Flak Mob for the proof.
Currently, the zlorngler is working on releasing more music with his label and playing shows throughout the LA area. Experimentations are expected ahead.
During my time as a radio DJ for KCPR, I had the opportunity to have a chat with the Zlorngler on air. Here are the highlights:
Q: How’d you first get into making Zlorngler-type beats?
A: My homie James showed me Ableton. You know I was bored, so I checked it out. I made early stuff that wasn’t even really music. It was more like soundscapes or sonic experiences.
At first, I didn’t even use synthesizers just cut up samples into weird arrangements. Sampling any sound really is still a big part of my production.
Q: Have you ever sampled any sounds form your day-to-day life?
A: Sometimes. I’ve used birds before. I’ve been meaning to use this one noise. My kitchen sink here in SLO is making a really crazy sound. I haven’t made a beat with it yet, but I’ve recorded it. Something way hyphy, like some sort of bass music with it will be tight.
Q: What’re some of your favorite samples you’ve used in songs, so far?
A: Oh man...I really like taking drum breaks and slowing them down or speeding them up, warping them a lot. I use a lot of effects so I forget since the samples usually turn into something entirely different.
Q: Do you have any creative influence that helps spark your music?
A: Being bored… no. I like all kinds of music you know, experimental hip hop like Brainfeeder, old school hip hop, jazz, and dub.
All types of stuff, but the homies are definitely the biggest influence on me musically.
Q: So how’d you go about forming Raptor Chapter?
A: Me and the homie Alex, aka Black Black Blak started it up. You know it’s just me and the homies putting out a lot of weird beats. A home for the bizarre. We’re all located in LA, Santa Barbara, and SLO.
We do shows too. You know the name just came to me one day. It’s funny there’s actually already something with the name. It has a good ring to it. It’s something from Warhammer 40k. They’re like space paladins, but no that’s not the one you’re looking for. We’re the Bandcamp page.
Q: Is your recent project being released through Raptor Chapter?
A: Yea, it’s on our Raptor Chapter Bandcamp page and on other streaming sites like Soundcloud and Spotify.
