One thing that is sorely missing from a lot of recent trap records is the feeling of live instrumentation. With the rise of FL Studio and other click and go production software, a lot of beat makers these days are more like computer programmers than real musicians. But multi-instrumentalist producer King Wizard is bucking that trend, with his background as one of the best keys players coming out of the UK. Alongside his manager and business partner Oliver “Big Papa” Harvey, King Wizard is taking over the trap scene. With his deep use of instrumentation, innovative use of sound design, and his ability to pick up and play pretty much any musical instrument, King Wizard is a force to be reckoned with.
One track King Wizard produced track that springs to mind above the rest is in terms of outstanding musicianship is Yung Miami’s “Rap Freaks”. The music video for “Rap Freaks” became a viral sensation trending at #1 on both Apple Music and Youtube. On this record King Wizard played and recorded dozens of different instruments in order to bring together an outstanding melodic backdrop. The idea Wizard had for the instrumental was to make the whole thing sound like an old soul sample. In order to achieve this sound Wizard performed and layered live piano, organ, guitar, bass, violins, vocals and even live trumpets, along with some well placed vocal chops and some mixing wizardry in order to achieve the effect.
Having spoken to many of King Wizard’s co-producers and co-writers that he works with, it comes to no surprise that his skills are put to great use in studio sessions. King Wizard’s colleagues describe his playing in the studio as like being at your own personal concert and that you really have to see it to believe it. Wizard is said to be able to lay down instrumentation in mere minutes of being told what’s needed, often doing parts all in one take. We’ve even heard of reports of spontaneous applause in the recording studio whist Wizard is working – something unheard of for a beatmakes. It’s not often that a talent like King Wizard comes around and we are very excited to see what the future holds. Will Wizard’s work inspire other talented musicians to take up the torch for the return of real instruments in music? I sincerely hope so.
If you want to keep up with King Wizard’s journey and see a making of video of the “Rap Freaks” instrumental on his page you can follow him on his Instagram @iamkingwizard.
