Mike Nasty: “This EP Pays Homage To The Place I Love The Most”

We recently caught up with NYC-based Mike Nasty and asked him to talk us through the production of his new EP ‘Journey From Memphis’.

Following the recent success of his debut album ‘Deep Into The Sun,’ Mike Nasty is back with a new EP titled ‘Journey from Memphis.’ The project is designed to depict his musical journey from his hometown Memphis, Tennessee to the present day in NYC.

The four track EP is filled with influences from jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop and also features contributions from pianist Omari Clarke. As such the record oozes groove and lush harmony.

We caught up with Mike and asked him to walk us through the EP’s production track by track.

Journey From Memphis EP

I wanted to tap into deeper sonics of house music with influences of jazz, soul, acid house, and hip hop. The project represents my musical journey which all began in Memphis. The blues and gospel influence from the city has helped shape my music style into what it is today.

This EP pays homage to the place I love the most. I’ll always represent the South with every accomplishment I achieve.

Jazz Club NY

This track was a collaborative effort from myself and Omari Clarke. We were in this Grammy award-winning producer’s studio out in LA when the song was made. The main sustained chords in the song were created with the Rhodes piano.

I wanted to paint the picture of a new-aged jazz club infused with today’s dance music. The rolling bassline comes from a Serum bass instrument. The best part of the track is the spoken word sample that depicts all of the feelings someone gets at an amazing party.

Journey

I was in the studio with Omari Clarke and we were watching old movie clips from Blade and The Matrix for inspiration. I remember looking at one of the rave scenes in the Blade film while it was on mute and I pulled up the TB-303 to start designing the acid bass you hear in the song.

After I got a groove going with 909 percussion, Omari played these lush chords with the Juno 106 and the rest of the creative process was magical. The song was finished that day, one take.

The idea for the song started as a film score but it later turned into a cosmic journey sonically that depicts the travels of Peris Kagiri. She’s a model, dancer and actress from Kenya who has migrated to Seoul, South Korea to further her career. In the video, she talks about the struggles of her journey but also shows a ton of optimism along the way.

History

The foundation for this track starts with the Juno 106 and Serum. For some reason, the chords in the track were inspired by the 80s, vaporwave music and vintage films. The vocals in the track come from a phone call I had with my Uncle from Chicago.

He was describing an old Blowfly record from 1980 called ‘Rapp Dirty‘. I immediately started recording the phone conversation right away. The subject matter was too good to miss.

Juno Love

This track was also created in LA with Omari Clarke. This was the first time I got the chance to use an original Juno 106. This was the inspiration for the name of the song. The track would be my take on new age deep house with old soul influences.

I intended for this record to sound lush and wonderful during long scenic car rides. I enjoy listening to this track in the car more than anything.

Stream or purchase Mike Nasty’s ‘Journey from Memphis’ EP now.

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