Jimmy Edgar has been an unstoppable creative force for nearly two decades, consistently churning out creatively ambitious and innovative electronic productions. In February 2021, the veteran added to his legacy by releasing CHEETAH BEND, a remarkably innovative LP that tests the boundaries of modern electronic music. Complementing Edgar’s off the wall instrumentals are a true A-list of featured artists including the likes of SOPHIE, Hudson Mohawke, and Danny Brown. The record is as bombastic as it is experimental, and overall, it’s a must-listen for fans looking for a totally unique sound.

Dancing Astronaut caught up with Jimmy Edgar to chat about his new record, his production style, collaborating with so many differing artists, and more. Read the Q&A below.

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One of the standout traits in your music is your knack for sound design—what part of a particular sound tends to catch your ear most?

Edgar: “I love the way sound can move your imagination. The way frequencies can let your brain follow an imaginary path or how a sound can inspire you to move your body in a certain way. As humans, we want to be coherent with the sounds we hear.”

You feature artists from a broad array of genres on CHEETAH BEND—how do you bring artists with such different skill sets and creative perspectives into your world?

Edgar: “I don’t have a set formula, I just had a vision and it all fell into place. There honestly isn’t any pre-conceived idea that made them all come together, I just let my excitement create the path for everything to manifest. Of course I love the artists I work with and I had some visions of others that weren’t able to participate but that is all part of the fun. Instead of a bunch of planning I just went with the flow.”

The music community has been reeling with the tragic loss of SOPHIE. You worked with her on “METAL,” if you’re comfortable with it, could you please share a little about the impact SOPHIE and her work had on you?

Edgar: “SOPHIE was my best friend and a genius who I love very dearly. We spanned so much time together and taught each other so much over 10 years. It’s difficult to put it into words but if you can imagine a friendship that is so mutually exciting, learning from each other, supporting each other and inspiring every moment, then you can begin to understand her and I’s relationship. I’m at peace but she will be sorely missed by me and the world.”

‘CHEETAH BEND’ is arriving 17 years after your debut project, what advice do you wish you heard when you were starting your career? And if you could go back and tell your younger self one thing, what would it be?

Edgar: “Follow your highest excitement. Let your passion lead the way. Don’t ever listen to discouraging thoughts or words.”

What’s the secret to sustaining such a lengthy music career without ever sounding stale?

Edgar: “If you’re living your passion you won’t need any secret! Part of my passion is keeping things fresh, learning new things. Take risks. Don’t second guess your excitement.”

What do you hope listeners take away from CHEETAH BEND?

Edgar: “Honestly I don’t care!! I did my best and what I wanted to do so anything above that is a bonus. I could care less what people think of the album for real. Of course I would love people to love it with me, but I did what I needed to do. I knew I was finished when I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to make it and that’s enough for me.”

Featured image: Jimmy Edgar / Instagram

Tags: CHEETAH BEND, Jimmy Edgar, Q&A, SOPHIE

Categories: Features, Music