by: Andrew Waner
Q: What is Wingclipper?
A: Wingclipper is my personal music side project. I have been making music since the late ‘90s, but I officially started releasing music as Wingclipper 12 years ago, in 2008.
Q: You just played at Waluigi’s mansion on Friday, Jan. 31. What can you tell me about that show and experience?
A: It was fun! Waluigi’s Mansion is a really cool house venue in Urbana, and I was super happy to play there. The show featured Black Daniel White, the Data Waves, IsaiahG, and myself. Several of my students and friends came to see me perform, which always makes me feel so good. The support is very much appreciated.
Q: How many times have you performed?
A: This was only my 4th time performing live as Wingclipper. I have been releasing music under this project for many years, but just started performing live last year, in 2019. I have played at SvenStock, The Front Porch, The Source, and now Waluigi’s Mansion.
Q: How many albums have you written? Which one are you most proud of?
A: I have released 10 albums as Wingclipper over the past 12 years. It’s pretty hard to pick a favorite, but I suppose I would have to choose my most recent release, “Future Vintage.” I put that out a couple of months ago, in December of 2019. The album was well over a year in the making, and it is my longest and most definitive Wingclipper release to date. Some others I am really proud of include “Fresh Green” and the “VHS series.”
Q: Any upcoming music releases?
A: Yes, I am always working on new material. I have a couple of collaborative projects in the works that I am very excited about. Working with other talented musicians can bring a whole new approach to the music. I’m looking forward to releasing multiple projects in 2020.
Q: How do you release your music and in what formats?
A: I love analog media, so I always like to do a physical release for my albums. I also love visual design, so making the artwork and layout can be just as fun as creating the music. My preferred release format is cassette tape. I have also put out a couple of vinyl record releases. My releases are always available for free download on my Bandcamp, and it they also be streamed on all major music services like Spotify and Apple Music.
Q: What tools do you use to write and record for wingclipper?
A: My main production tool is an MPC1000. This is a stand-alone sampler and sequencer that is great for making instrumental hip-hop. I do a lot of sampling from vinyl records. I also love to use synthesizers, analog drum machines, and tape loops in my music. I typically record my songs live to analog tape, either to a tape deck or a reel-to-reel. I will just keep performing the song to tape until I get it right, and then that’s the song (no multi-track mixing after the fact). I really enjoy this approach, as it is drastically different than how we typically create songs in a traditional recording studio environment.
Q: What is your genre?
A: I’m not sure what my genre is. I suppose classic instrumental hip-hop would be fitting. It has a lo-fi aesthetic at times, but I don’t feel like it really fits in with the new lo-fi hip-hop genre that has become popular in recent years. It is a more of a throwback to the way my favorite hip-hop beats were made in the ‘90s… obscure chopped samples layered with dusty drum breaks. If I had to compare my style to other artists, I might describe Wingclipper as a mix of Odd Nosdam and vintage RZA.
Q: Where did you come up with the name, Wingclipper? What does it mean?
A: It’s a secret, sorry.
