By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Recognized as one of electro-hip-hop’s international ambassadors with six studio albums, 800 concerts played across 60 countries and over 112 million streams across Spotify and YouTube, renowned producer Wax Tailor recently dropped his latest album ‘The Shadow Of Their Suns’ via Lab’oratoire.
His first studio album in five years, it’s highlighted by a prestigious cast, with appearances from Mark Lanegan (Queens Of The Stone Age), Rosemary Standley, D Smoke, Yugen Blakrok, Adeline and Boog Brown, among others.
Wax Tailor embarks on a new international tour later this year, with it beginning at the famous Paris Olympia in France on Dec. 2, 2021.
The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with him about ‘The Shadow Of Their Suns’ and more.
Music Bugle – How did you decide the name “Wax Tailor”?
Wax Tailor – This is what best defines my music. I make instruments by cutting out notes in wax, to make customized arrangements, so, I’m a wax tailor.
Music Bugle – What inspired the song “Just A Candle” and what was it like working with Mark Lanegan?
Wax Tailor – The inspiration came from many elements and I remember thinking about the idea of life, its fragility like a candle that you can blow out. I immediately thought of Mark and I must say that it was a very nice collaboration and a great meeting. He is as humble as he is talented.
Music Bugle – How do you differentiate your mindset between being a producer and creating your own music?
Wax Tailor – For me, there are no boundaries and I am anyway constantly focused on my own project. I find it interesting to work for other people, but in both cases, I consider myself as a producer and especially as a director.
Music Bugle – What was it like making your album ‘The Shadow Of Their Suns’?
Wax Tailor – As with every album, this is a moment in my life that I devote entirely to this project. I had a common thread and during two years, I really concentrated all my energy on this record.
Music Bugle – What do you attribute your success to?
Wax Tailor – I often speak of happy coincidence. I don’t believe in talent that necessarily pays. Some artists work all their life without a door opening. Then, for me, the most important thing is also the way things are done. I don’t have a superstar career, but I know that I don’t say anything to the record industry and its methods.
Music Bugle – Of all the shows you’ve played, which ones stand out the most?
Wax Tailor – It’s very difficult to choose one and I could make another choice tomorrow, but I would say maybe my Symphony Tour. It’s an unforgettable moment where I was both actor and spectator.
Music Bugle – What makes you the proudest about where you come from?
Wax Tailor – I’m not sure to answer the question exactly, but the idea of knowing and not forgetting where it’s appropriate is really important to me, so I’m especially attached to this idea of not forgetting.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Wax Tailor – As I’m often immersed in a lot of old albums, I listen to a lot of soul, music from the 60’s, 70’s, but also U.S. rap. I find that there are a lot of interesting things coming out in the last few years outside of the big commercial releases.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt music?
Wax Tailor – Both at the same time. I think 15 years ago, social networks were more organic. Today, the algorithm has taken control and we know that visibility is very complicated. It’s very difficult for many artists to survive in this jungle, where you have to spend your time doing storytelling instead of music. It’s also a complicated aspect nowadays. We are often more stuck on the packaging than on the music itself.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Wax Tailor – I think we’re all affected at different levels. It’s a difficult period and that implies for the world of culture to think about new ways while waiting for the return to normal. I had to postpone my touring projects like many artists, but I am aware that many people are much more to be pitied than me and in a precarious situation.
*Photo Credit – Ronan Siri*
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