Harmonizing Hues: The Unfiltered Sound of Collaboration
The Unlikely Genesis of a Musical Partnership
Upon their arrival at the Hypebeast office, the authentic bond between Anysia Kym and Tony Seltzer was immediately apparent, transcending a mere professional alliance. Kym's prior tenure as a Hypebeast employee marked a poignant return to familiar surroundings. Now a prominent figure within the independent record label and publishing entity, 10k, Kym has forged a distinctive path in the New York City music scene. Her sound is a captivating blend of diverse genres, characterized by its ethereal quality and her role as a self-producing artist.
A Shared Rhythmic Foundation and Creative Fusion
Seltzer, also a member of the 10k collective, shares a similar eclectic musical background. Their connection was initially sparked by a common passion for drumming, an influence vividly present throughout their joint mixtape, 'Purity.' This project showcases their seamless genre-hopping, creating an immersive and abstract soundscape. While Kym typically leads the production, 'Purity' saw her focusing on songwriting, entrusting much of the production to Seltzer, with 'Afterparty' being their sole co-produced track. Their initial encounter, facilitated by 10k founder MIKE during the final recording stages of 'Pinball,' was unplanned and organic.
Crafting 'Purity': A Mixtape's Intentional Flow
Kym shared that their collaboration began without any preconceived notions, with Seltzer only introducing beats after several casual meetings. The duo intentionally aimed for a concise project, ultimately settling on 12 tracks after initially considering eight, then ten. Kym clarified that they envisioned 'Purity' as a mixtape rather than a conventional album, emphasizing the raw and authentic process behind its creation. This unpolished yet deliberate artistic approach resonates deeply with these Brooklyn-based artists, underscoring the genuine connections that define the 10k collective.
Authenticity at the Core of 10k's Musical Ethos
Seltzer highlighted that within the 10k community, artists prioritize genuine creativity over industry aspirations or commercial success. He noted that the focus is on creating music driven by current feelings and artistic desires, rather than chasing trends or seeking validation. This commitment to unadulterated expression is a defining characteristic of their work, ensuring that every piece reflects a true and uninfluenced artistic vision.
The Journey from Casual Acquaintance to Musical Companions
Kym recounted her initial awareness of MIKE's collaboration with an enigmatic figure named Tony Seltzer during the 'Pinball' sessions, which eventually led to their meeting. Seltzer recalled Kym sharing an unreleased 'Pinball' track, leading to an Instagram connection and his immediate admiration for her music. Despite their mutual appreciation, their initial conversations about making music together were open-ended, lacking specific plans or expectations for their creative direction.
Discovering Their Collaborative Groove
Their initial attempts to create music together involved Kym singing over Seltzer's pre-existing beats, which, while pleasant, didn't quite capture their desired collaborative flow. The turning point arrived when Seltzer proposed building a track from scratch, with Kym expressing her desire to focus on songwriting. This marked a shift towards in-person, co-creative sessions, a philosophy both artists staunchly uphold for all their collaborations, valuing direct interaction over remote exchanges.
Curating the Tracklist: A Deliberate Selection
Despite generating a substantial body of work, the selection of tracks for 'Purity' proved relatively straightforward. The distinctiveness of each song, coupled with their initial vision for a concise project, guided their choices. They consciously limited the album to 12 tracks, aiming for a short yet impactful listening experience that encouraged repeat listens and maintained a dynamic flow.
Defining a Mixtape's Identity in a Modern Landscape
Kym clarified that her solo album projects often mirrored the approach of a mixtape, focusing on brevity and directness rather than extended narratives. Both artists shared a mutual fondness for shorter songs, which allowed for diverse stylistic explorations within 'Purity.' Their collaborative approach and shared sonic sensibilities ensured a cohesive sound, despite the album's varied genre influences, reflecting their unified artistic vision.
Mutual Admiration and Creative Trust
Kym praised Seltzer's open-mindedness and willingness to embrace unconventional ideas, valuing his ability to connect with an artist who is both a producer and songwriter, especially early in her career. Seltzer, in turn, appreciated Kym's candidness, which allowed him to experiment freely while receiving honest feedback. This dynamic, characterized by trust and open communication, became fundamental to shaping their final musical output.
The Emblematic Tracks of 'Purity'
When asked to identify a track that encapsulates their collaborative essence, Kym found it challenging, suggesting that all songs embody their shared spirit. She ultimately pointed to 'Diamonds & Pearls' or 'Afterparty,' the latter being their only co-produced song. Seltzer concurred with 'Diamonds & Pearls' and also highlighted 'Automatic,' citing Kym's layered harmonies as a moment of profound creative impact that solidified the track's single status.
Focusing on Songwriting: A New Creative Dimension
Kym emphasized the freedom she found in focusing on songwriting for 'Purity,' trusting Seltzer with the production aspects. This allowed her to expand her lyrical and melodic craft, a shift from her previous projects where she often managed both roles. It underscored a deliberate effort to strengthen her abilities as a composer and lyricist.
The Unwavering Support System of the 10k Collective
Kym lauded the 10k family as a collective of exceptionally diligent, experimental, and audacious artists. She described it as a special environment that prioritizes long-term artistic integrity and genuine self-expression. Despite their individual differences, a shared passion for music, particularly the art of rap, binds them, with Kym finding immense inspiration from her fellow wordsmiths.
Prioritizing Genuine Connections Over Industry Imperatives
Seltzer reiterated that 10k fosters an environment where genuine relationships and creative freedom take precedence over industry politics or commercial aspirations. He emphasized that artists within the collective focus on immediate inspiration and authentic expression, free from external pressures or concerns about market reception. This philosophy defines the true artistry of 10k, where music is created from a place of pure passion.
Cultivating Inner Focus Amidst External Distractions
Kym often reflects on Niontay's mantra: \"No one is bigger than the program. But the program is big.\" This reminds her to remain present and focused on the current creative process, balancing future planning with the integrity of their organic endeavors. She stressed the importance of surrounding oneself with trusted collaborators, advocating for discernment in choosing artistic partners to safeguard the authenticity of their work.
The Foundation of Friendship in Creative Ventures
Kym explained her decision to collaborate with Seltzer stemmed from his genuine approach, never giving the impression that he sought personal gain from their friendship. This allowed her to relax and be authentic around him, noting that Seltzer didn't even bring up beats until their third or fourth encounter. Seltzer echoed this sentiment, underscoring that his collaborations, especially within 10k, are built on strong friendships, with the music naturally following these established bonds. He cited his decade-long friendship with MIKE as an example, where their connection thrived independently of their musical projects.
Anysia's Distinctive Sound: A Producer's Perspective
Seltzer expressed his admiration for Kym's willingness to experiment and her unique sonic palette, which incorporates elements of jungle and lo-fi genres. He highlighted her distinctive sound, affirming that it is unmistakably her own and provides a fertile ground for boundless creative exploration.