This week, we are thrilled to spotlight Phantoms as our featured artist. The Los Angeles-based indie-dance duo, comprised of Kyle Kaplan and Vinnie Pergola, recently released their first single of the year, “The Way You Groove,” via ODESZA’s Foreign Family Collective. This track is a dynamic, funk-fueled production that combines organic piano progressions and energetic percussion, embodying an 80’s 80-inspired electronica with a modern twist. Additionally, Phantoms has announced the upcoming Deluxe Edition of their acclaimed sophomore album, ‘This Can’t Be Everything,’ which will include a full second disc of original music and remixes.
In our exclusive interview, Phantoms discusses the challenges and opportunities in today’s music industry, sharing insights on how social media has transformed artist promotion and offering valuable advice for aspiring musicians. They emphasize the importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s unique sound.
Phantom’s Artist Of The Week Playlist
Be sure to check out the curated tracks for our weekly playlist featuring the best in underground dance music, and follow the playlist for updates and selections from top artists.
To find out more about Phantoms, go to:Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | SoundCloud | TikTok | Spotify | YouTube
Interview With Phantoms
What makes finding success in today’s music industry harder than it was when you started? What makes it easier or more accessible?
When we first started, social media existed, but not to the extent it does now.
Back then, you could be an artist who was much more closed off and less forthcoming about your life and music. Now, it feels like you have to be your own PR machine. However, this also allows for many more opportunities for anyone. You can be from anywhere, doing anything, and as long as you have access to a phone and the internet, you can start promoting your project easily.
Is there any advice on making it in music that you wish you had learned earlier?
I think it’s crucial to fully be yourself and not try to sound or be like anyone else. When everyone first starts, they try to emulate other artists’ sounds, which is fine, but it’s important to make sure you discover your own sound because that will set you apart more than anything. Make the music that you want to be excited to perform in front of people.
Share the most important advice you’ve ever been given about finding success and happiness in music.
The best advice we’ve received was from Harrison and Clay in Odesza, who told us just to do exactly what we want to do. While that seems simple, as your career grows and more people hop on the team, whether label managers, agents, or whoever, it can be easy not to follow the route you think is right for you. Listen to your team, but at the end of the day, as the artist, you are guiding the ship.
What does success in music mean to you?
Success in music means sharing our vision with a large number of people. We get to travel all around the world and have people dance to the music we make at home, which is an everlasting feeling of achievement.
Also, starting our record label this year, Speed Dial Records, has brought us so much joy because we can help promote younger and newer artists. That’s been an entirely new experience that definitely gives our career more meaning.