by Kaelin Ellis is having quite a year. While it’s been a rough one for many, the producer is thriving. In 2020 Ellis has gone from a SoundCloud favourite to dropping the HOUSE EP with Lupe Fiasco, and his album MOMENTS. A multi-instrumentalist and gifted artist, his style fuses soul, hip-hop, trap and electronic. He’s at home flipping 2000’s rap classics, creating soulful instrumentals or even working with rap legends. Never lacking originality or skill, we figured it was time we connected with Kaelin Ellis for a guest mix + interview. The interview explores what kept him going while he was making beats in his car while delivering UberEats, working with Lupe Fiasco, potential Katrananda collabs, Tinder and more. As for the mix it’s a vibey rap journey filled with a bunch of his remixes and edits, classics from Roy Ayers and De La Soul, an unreleased original, and more.
What can we expect from the mix? Where are you taking listeners with this?
Expect a journey of sounds and some familiar vibes to play on your everyday walk.
Tell us a little bit about your musical background. How did you pick up so many instruments? What ultimately lead you to producing?
I grew up playing drums in church, and my Dad used to play a lot of instruments and make music back in the 70s and 80s. He introduced me to FL Studio and Sony Jam Trax and my life was changed forever.
I had this intention to serve and help create with others, and maybe it be the universe or a higher power, I was always taken care of when I would use my gift and walk in my purpose.
You said a few years back you were making beats in your car while delivering UberEats to make rent. What kept you motivated during that time to keep going?
Going through that period, I had this feeling like I needed to just keep pushing. I had this intention to serve and help create with others, and maybe it be the universe or a higher power, I was always taken care of when I would use my gift and walk in my purpose.
What was your initial reaction when you heard Lupe Fiasco rap over one of your beats? Where were you when you heard it? Did you lose it?
I woke up from a nap and I saw my homie Marcus text me saying I was on Lupe Fiasco’s instagram page with a full freestyle written. I definitely lost my mind at that point.
How did you go from that to collaborating on a full EP together?
I sent him a DM on instagram and I got his email address from him. I got in connection with his team and moved from there.
What was the working process like on HOUSE? What surprised you most about the project?
House was one of the quickest projects I’ve made outside of MOMENTS. I gave Lupe a beat pack and he turned into what became House EP. I was very surprised how quick he got to writing and recording.
Can we expect some Kaelin Ellis x Kaytranada tracks in the near future?
I hope, that’s my bro, we’ve made a couple tracks, one featuring a few artists, hopefully we can get back to them and finish those tracks.
What’s your personal take on artificial intelligence? Does it excite you or scare you? Why or why not?
I think it is pretty scary but if you understand it you can use it to help others.
A friend of mine at the beginning of this year told me to plant myself and stay grounded. That advice changed my life.
What was the last piece of advice that you received that really stuck with you?
A friend of mine at the beginning of this year told me to plant myself and stay grounded. That advice changed my life.
Why is Tinder so bad for musicians?
For me, Tinder wasted so much of my time. Not only did it waste my time, but it made me realize how lonely life can truly get when you don’t focus on your purpose. It’s better to focus on your craft and purpose, that way you can naturally meet the people who are meant to be in your life.
What’s your proudest accomplishment outside of music this year?
My proudest accomplishment outside of music this year was bouncing back from the intensity of life I experienced the last 3 years. I managed to start a business In the middle of this pandemic and it changed the trajectory of my career in the creative space. I’m super thankful to be in this position.
Tracklist
Intro
Jacob Ogawa – Perfect Sweet Blue (KAELIN ELLIS EDIT)
The Basement Khemist – Everybody (Instrumental)
Ariana Grande – Thank You Next (Kaelin Ellis Remix)
Busta Rhymes – Pass The Courvoisier (Instrumental)
Kaelin Ellis – Uh Uh
De La Soul – Me Myself and I
Kaelin Ellis – Oh Boy Flip
SchoolBoyQ – Collard Greens X Grits Kaelin Ellis Mashup
Roy Ayers – Everybody Loves The Sunshine
Kaelin Ellis – Touch
Shawty Pimp – Playa No Playa (Unreleased Mashup)
Rich Boy – Throw Some D’s (Kaelin Ellis Edit)
Glenn Jones – Ive Been Searching
Drake x Lil Baby – Yes Indeed (Kaelin Ellis Edit)
JAY-Z – Jigga What, Jigga Who (Originator 17-132)
Kaelin Ellis – Unreleased
2 Chainz – Watch Out
Ty Dolla Sign – Blasé (Instrumental)
Orijanus – Oochie Wally (Cant Stand the Rain Mashup)
Kaelin Ellis – Unreleased
Clipse – What Happened To That Boy (Kaelin Ellis Edit)
Snoop Dogg – Drop like Its Hot (Kaelin Ellis Remix)
Kanye West – All Falls Down (Kaelin Ellis Remix)
