Verbz & Mr Slipz - The Way FWD (Album) + 10 Questions
Verbz & Mr Slipz new album ‘THE WAY FWD’, the anticipated full-length follow up to their 2020 LP ‘Radio Waves’ is OUT TODAY on High Focus Records.
An album fuelled by evolution, ‘THE WAY FWD’ pays respect to the signature sonics that are synonymous with the duo; the dust laden, sample driven boom bap energies are present throughout, with a greater focus on arrangement, form and musicality this time around. Sourcing from the many adventures both Verbz & Slipz have been on in the five years separating the 2 x LPs; experiments across genres and BPMs informing the direction of travel before they completed the circle, ‘THE WAY FWD’ combines new spirit with a dizzying timelessness; Slipz’ sophisticated brushstrokes informing Verbz’ penmanship across 12-tracks of true introspection.
With features from Cappo, Cam Thomas and additional vocals from India Shan, ‘THE WAY FWD’ has all the makings of a classic release, especially if it ends up being Verbz & Mr Slipz’ last collaborative contribution to the genre…
Verbz & Mr Slipz sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. It’s been 5 years since you dropped the incredible Radio Waves album, and you’re now back with THE WAY FWD, tell us about this new album?
V: I wouldn't really say there was much of an idea to begin with, we just made the songs, then thought it would be cool to basically film everything on VHS and keep it very analog looking aesthetically, hence where the name came from and the inspiration for the artwork too.
S: At the time I was only using the MPC Live, SP202, SP404MK2 and a Korg Minilogue, avoiding the computer for anything. I wanted all the sounds from the album to come from records, and had put a limitation in place to push my creativity more and try to grow in some way. I was digging a lot and just making one beat after work each day for about four months. This batch was what I was playing for Verbz when we started thinking about making more music together. I liked the idea of keeping it away from a computer. Obviously when it came to recording him I had to use the computer…
2. You have just two features on this album compared to Radio Waves’ posse of featured artists, other than that, what can fans expect from the new project?
V: Evolution. I think there's a distinct difference on this project in some of my writing style, content, tonality etc. Same old V at heart though, five years went by innit so it's only natural. Weirdly this time around we just made a bunch of songs and didn't really create them with the intention of getting any features on them. It was quite refreshing to be able to do it that way.
S: I think it's classic Verbz & Mr Slipz, just a bit more concentrated. The beats are probably a bit more raw, I tried to come good with the sample chops and choices. Maybe a bit more focus on structure and musical elements, we also have a lot of singing from Verbz himself and the super talented India Shan.
3. Is this likely to be the final outing for you guys, or can we expect more music from you in the future?
V: We're gonna only make progressive soviet-wave techno going forward. Slipz has been tryna’ crack the Berlin scene for a while now, been practising my German for the vocal side of things. 'Für die crew im inneren'.
S: I'm sure we will make more music in the future...
4. How long did THE Way FWD take to put together, how long has it been in the making?
V: It took about two years, maybe longer. Few ups and downs, bumps in the road.
S: Not heaps of studio visits to get the initial skeleton down in terms of linking with Verbz. I remember playing him some rough ideas from that batch of beats out the MPC and we recorded them out. We uploaded them to our Google drive and he wrote to a few at home but also on visits to the studio. Then over time there were new ones he picked out and we repeated the process.
Once we have something that begins to take shape I think we tend to lock in and focus a bit more on music together. We did five recording sessions I believe and did three tunes each session. Then focused on twelve of them once the verses and choruses were in, I focused on the beats and tried to develop them a bit more in terms of musicality and structure. I even remade some, for example ‘Switch Lanes’ and ‘Mémoires De Perte’ are different from the original songs. The final part was adding the singing and cuts so all in all I'd say about two years, but we were also working on other music and just doing up everyday life.
5. Will there be a tour with this album, have you locked down any dates and venues yet and where can fans cop tickets?
V: We have a few European dates locked in, Zurich 8.10.25, Munich 9.10.25 & Budapest (TBA) details available via the HF website. We love getting out and connecting with our fanbase across the EU as much as we do in the UK. UK dates too of course, keep ya eyes peeled.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
V: Make progressive soviet-wave techno only and move to Berlin.
On a serious note though, just keep making stuff, that's all that matters. The creation of the music should be the focus before all the other things that come with/are a part of it.
S: It's hard to give advice because I feel like I'm still working it out myself. From my experiences so far, I'd say showing up and putting in the action 24/7 is a must, even when you don't feel like it. Learning from the L's and finding a way to still enjoy the process and the parts of releasing music that you might not enjoy.
7. How would you describe your sound?
V: Insightful, reflective, chaotic, nostalgic, classic.
S: I guess most of what has been released and am known for is in the ballpark of hip hop. You could say it's dusty, raw, 90's sounding stuff with a blend of current lo-fi hip hop.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify (or other) playlist currently?
V: Can't lie I use Apple Music, some of the last projects I've listened to: Belly Gang Kushington - The Streets Is Yours, Bawo - It Means Hope Where I'm From, Halogenix - Passions, Brainstory - Sounds Good, Jamie Isaac - Please Remember.
S: I only listen to Ted Hughes, if you know you know! Nah I listen to music mostly on YouTube or play records from my collection or anything new I pick up. I'm a bit weird with it to be honest. I have to listen to certain older / classic albums, at least once a week as well as consuming new stuff. Obviously when you go digging you end up listening to lots of stuff old and new. In terms of new stuff I'd say Kofi Stone's new album, FloFilz new album, The Jazz Bois, a lot of the stuff Alchemist is touching or involved with, Dal Trio, anything El Michaels touches or anything Big Crown related, I recently got put on to Joyce Wrice, she is cold!
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
V: Listen to progressive soviet-wave techno, I enjoy going on walks to be fair, been getting into that a fair bit recently. Cooking, enjoying any form of Chinese cuisine, pub, cycling, pub and cinema.
S: This is super boring but I like working haha, it keeps me busy, however I enjoy walking my dog, going to record shops, I like playing 5-a-side and making the occasional appearance at the skatepark.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
V: Water, herbal tea, sweets.
S: Besides the obvious studio gear, i’d say Yorkshire tea, crips and some peace and quiet.