Albums | Electro-soul guitarist/producer Phyphr unveils debut LP Catalyst

Posted by on March 2, 2023

Guitarist/producer Phyphr is one of Denver’s most hotly-tipped talents, making waves with his electro-soul stylings and funky, electronic songwriting. Dedicated to inspiring his listeners, the artist has a DIY, self-produced ethos that’s intrinsic to his artistic expression and messaging: for Phyphr, everyone should be empowered to find their passion and make positive change for themselves and the world. 

Phyphr’s own hard work and focus have led to a unique performance style that blends live guitar playing with immaculate electronic production – a vibrant mix that’s earned him opportunities to perform alongside acts like The Floozies, Daily Bread, Manic Focus, SoDown, and Maddy O’Neal.

Now, the dynamic maestro releases his debut album, Catalyst – a genre-hopping, full-length LP that’s brimming with raucous beats, textural grooves, and indelible hooks. Chronicling Phyphr’s ongoing journey as an artist, Catalyst is designed to spark creative inspiration in his listeners through vivid, relatable storytelling and honest reflection.

Fans got their first tastes of Catalyst with the blues-inflected “Seven Days,” featuring fellow Denver-based producer Kaptain; the boisterous, bass-fueled “Down The Street”; “Still Turnin’,” a bouncy homage to the glory of used record stores and finding musical gems in their dusty bins; and “Reaction,” a hip-hop-infused electronic cut that stays true to the LP’s central message. 

The creative versatility and motivational spirit of Catalyst is perfectly encapsulated in the track “In The Clouds,” an amorphous collaboration with fellow-Denver genre-bender Manic Focus. Filled to the brim with summery guitar licks, infectious bass wubs, trumpet samples, and expertly chopped-up vocal samples, “In The Clouds” is a jubilant and vivacious sonic experience that sets a free-spirited vibe for the rest of the LP. 

There’s also tracks like “Connection,” a 70s-funk pastiche recontextualized through a modern electronic lens. With groovy basslines, synth melodies, and vocoder-inflected vocals mixed with propulsive drum patterns, deep bass, and twangy blues guitar parts, “Connection” is a masterful genre-traversing track that brings its vintage aesthetic into a futuristic setting. 

Catalyst is rounded out by tracks such as the hazy, laid back “Long Way Out,” the space-age dubstep track “The 80’s,” and the anthemic “Where You Are,” a collaboration with vocalist Kanika Moore and electronic music keyboardist Jason Leech (who’s opened for Galantis, GRiZ, and Big Gigantic). 

With intricately concocted electronic bangers and soundscapes complemented by a contagious aura of positivity, Catalyst acutely introduces listeners to Phyphr’s sonic and philosophical sensibilities – a combination that is sure to charm any fans new or old and inspire them to chase their dreams. 

This spring, fans can catch Phyphr’s live performance prowess at shows across Colorado in support of jamtronica band Sunsquabi before his headlining slot at Denver’s art experience space Meow Wolf Denver in April. This summer, the producer will head to Illinois for Summer Camp Music Festival before returning to Colorado again for Sonic Bloom.
 

Future Funk | Kaptain Returns With Funky Cut “Claremont Canyon”

Posted by on June 13, 2019

Just as Kaptain’s sound saw a change years ago, the producer will be seeing new territory very soon. In honor of his now former homeland, Kaptain has released his funky original “Claremont Canyon” as a free download. His groovy signature comes out in full force for a musical adventure with twists and turns. Denver will be Kaptain’s new home, a place he’s played a few times already. Maybe we’ll even get a song dedicate to his new home soon? Better be on the lookout!

Future Funk | Kaptain Delivers New Anthem “Empty Without Music”

Posted by on July 11, 2018

Kaptain’s EP, The Practice of Letting Go, has been on its way to the world one single at a time for a few weeks now. Today the full project comes out with the last full single being revealed. The collaboration with Brodie and Willdabeast on “Empty Without Music” pretty much sums up how most, if not all, of us feel. His chilled out anthem is all you could want from a future funk record and it closes out the full EP quite nicely with its fresh sound. Make sure to check out The Practice of Letting Go in full on Spotify or Apple music!

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Chill, Future Funk | Kaptain Continues Unveiling His EP With “Perspectral”

Posted by on June 20, 2018

Kaptain has been someone that we’ve followed for years and he always to manages to outdo himself. From transforming his sound to what it is today while continuing to hone his creative abilities, he’s a true testament to artistry. It’s been a while since we’ve had an EP from him and since the release of the first single “Your Every Move” we’ve been excited for what’s to come. The second piece of his EP, The Practice of Letting Go, is here in the form of “Perspectral” in collaboration with guitarist Jarrod Guaderrama. Simply put, it’s among his best work and if you haven’t dove through his catalog before, you need to.

Chill, Future Funk | Kaptain Returns With New Single + EP Announcement

Posted by on April 17, 2018

Around six months ago the funky beatsmith Kaptain dropped an official remix for a psychedelic rock band from Greece and since then he’s been quiet as far as releases go. Today that all changes with the unveiling of his original single “Your Every Move” that will be a part of his upcoming EP, The Practice of Letting Go. If the rest of the EP is anything like “Your Every Move” then look for Kaptain to make major waves like future funk/glitch kings GRiZ and Pretty Lights did back in the day with their hallmark projects. Kaptain is a true talent and “Your Every Move” shows that tenfold. Lastly, this one is a free download, so make sure to get it.

Future Funk | Kaptain Gets Funky With Official Remix For Naxatras Band

Posted by on October 4, 2017

Kaptain is known for his funky taste. His style caught the ear of Naxatras, a psychedelic band from Greece who is doing their own thing much like the San Francisco producer. Kaptain was commissioned to take on their song “Space Tunnel” and he knocked it out of the park. What makes this remix as interesting as it gets is that Kaptain wasn’t able to use any stems because the song was recorded originally onto one channel. That didn’t matter as Kaptain’s remix doesn’t show any signs of the challenge. Instead it’s a smooth groovy song that is one-of-a-kind. This track dropped as a free download, so don’t miss out on getting a copy for yourself.

Future Funk | Kaptain Revives A Classic With VIP Remix

Posted by on August 24, 2017

It’s not often you come across a VIP remix by an artist of their own song, but it does happen. Kaptain did just that with his classic “Never Will” that came out a couple years ago. This newly re-imagined version takes things up a few notches while instilling Kaptain’s usual funky grooves that he’s known for. Fans have been wanting this one after hearing it in his sets, including one at Electric Forest that was a treat if you caught it. He’s got more music coming soon, but fans can get their fill with this free download. If you like anything groovy, then this will be right up your alley.