Zuko Komisa
André 3000, one half of the iconic hip-hop duo OutKast, has unexpectedly released his first solo EP, titled 7 Piano Sketches.
The EP, a collection of improvisational piano pieces, was apparently recorded around a decade ago.
André 3000, also known as Three Stacks, shed light on the project, saying in his announcement with a clear “Warning: no bars.”
In his candid post, he elaborated on his creative process, stating,
“These piano sketches are improvisations. To conjure them up, I spread my fingers out on the keys and randomly but with purpose move them around until I find something that feels good or interesting. If it feels really good I will try to repeat it.”
“I cannot name which notes, keys or chords that I’m playing. I simply like the sound and mechanics of piano playing.”
He also shared that there has been a diverse range of musical influences, including jazz giants Thelonious Monk and McCoy Tyner, minimalist composer Philip Glass, Broadway luminary Stephen Sondheim, folk icon Joni Mitchell, and the beloved Vince Guaraldi.
André 3000 even promoted the EP in a truly unforgettable fashion when he made a striking appearance at the recent Met Gala, the annual high-fashion event in New York City, carrying a piano on his back.
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