Maintaining Control: Channel Tres Interviewed

Channel Tres is moving with alacrity. A true creative, the Compton producer draws on a vast number of strands to craft his unique style, and the world is starting to notice. Growing up in those West Coast clubs, his ears are drawn to global sounds, and he serves as an intermediary in the conversation between multiple genres.

Right now, he’s on tour with Kaytranada – two kindred spirits, they’ve been tearing it up in venues across North America. Taking time out for a quick Zoom call with CLASH, he’s all smiles and positive energy, dubbing the tour “one of the best shows out right now”.

It’s a challenge being the support artist, but it’s one he’s risen to. Channel Tres is operating out of service to his debut album ‘Head Rush’ – released to across-the-board acclaim earlier this year, it’s a huge marker for him both creatively and personally.

“Now that it’s out, I definitely feel accomplished. You have to give people time to adjust to things. People are still getting to know me and my music, and I owe it to the album to promote. So although I’m already getting ideas for future projects it’s OK for me to sit in this project, and promote it a little while.”

It’s a long path from 2018 breakout cut ‘Controller’ to his current status. Channel Tres actually performed his first artist show in London – at Dalston sweatpit the Shacklewell Arms, in fact – and he remains closely tethered to European styles. “I’ve always been into things that are not conventional. I’ve always been an experimental artist. I’m born and raised in America, so I have a certain palette. But when I hear something that has its own space, something that comes from a different culture, that really intrigues me. I DJ’d at Berghain about a year ago, and I was there for eight hours, just experiencing music… it’s something that inspires me.”

This desire to seek inspiration from outside his lane connects Channel Tres to Kaytranada, another cross-genre creative. “We share a similar outlook, sure. But also, he’s just a cool ass person!” the producer laughs. “With all these collaborations, it starts with being a cool person. I love conversation, and speaking to people. Being around him is amazing. The first time we got together in the studio we wrote three or four songs – he just loves making music. And when you find that type of person, you keep them close.”

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A noted collaborator, Channel Tres feels that personal connection is the magic ingredient for studio success. “You have to have the skills. You have to live it, breathe it. And your experiences come out in your music. Everyone experiences life differently, and that always comes out.”

In a year littered with fresh highs, Channel Tres has risen to a number of new challenges. A go-to remixer for some iconic names, he was recently invited to remix Lana del Rey, turbo-charging her Quavo collaboration in the process. “People usually give me free rein. With the Lana Del Rey remix, they gave me free rein – they literally wanted what I do, and appreciated the fact that it was me. You don’t really hear Lana Del Rey in the club like that, so I wanted to make a track that could be heard at a rave. With a remix, I want to help people live in spaces outside of where they usually live.”

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Enjoying life on the road, Channel Tres tries to seek out art galleries, with visual art serving as a spur for his own creative practise. “I’m still learning how to merge, like, sound and visual together. So I like to take time and look at things, because I don’t naturally like that.. I like listening to things. So it’s just a muscle that I have to exercise.”

Relishing down-time, the producer is also continuing to seek out new ideas. “I write on the road. I have my studio set-up in my green room wherever I go, in case I have an idea. It just really depends. Sometimes when I’m on the road, I might take an opportunity just to live, and have experiences. You meet so many people, so I like to take those conversations in.” 

His next stop is Europe, for a solo headline run – it’s something Channel Tres is already keenly anticipating. “It’s gonna be vulnerable. I haven’t performed the album, so I’m gonna be able to express more of the music that I want to express. A lot of my inspirations are from Europe – like, London and Berlin – so it’ll be nice to play those songs there.”

Much of the album is hugely personal, and revisiting this material presents some unique challenges. “Sometimes I’ll perform a song, and it enables me to tune into a certain emotion. It’s like a form of therapy. It can be a reminder not to go back. But equally, with some ideas – like production – I keep hold of those for the future.”

Staying balanced on the road is key, and Channel Tres thinks he’s come close to mastering it. “Therapy every Tuesday. No matter what! Sleep when you can. Drink as much water as possible, instead of soda. Floss! Hygiene, all that stuff. And go first class – get a lie-down seat whenever you can. The shows are never the problem, it’s always the travel. But you just keep your mind focussed on what’s ahead. I remind myself that this is my dream, and to have gratitude for my health, for the ability to let people experience my art.”

And art remains the core of what Channel Tres is trying to achieve. He’s one step ahead, continually focussed on the future. “I try to progress musically after every album. So with my next body of work… I’m always trying to get better at production, better at hooks, choruses, and things like that.” 

“I’m sketching right now,” he closes. “I always have ideas that come, but I’m just sketching them right now. When I’m alone, I love to sketch ideas down… then when I get home, I listen through them and see what works. Being a creative person, it can be difficult to see where you want to go, as I make so many different styles. I’m at the point right now where I’m just back having fun.”

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Channel Tres plays HERE At Outernet in London on November 28th.

Words: Robin Murray
Photo Credit: Julian Burgueno

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