The Making of Phyzikal’s New Album Hell Of A Life: Behind the Music

Phyzikal, the multifaceted artist and producer, celebrates ten years in the music industry with his latest project, Hell Of A Life. This milestone album not only showcases his evolution but also offers a glimpse into his personal and artistic journey. As the primary producer of the project, having produced 12 of the 13 songs, I spoke with Phyzikal to delve deeper into the making of this album and uncover the inspiration, challenges, and vision behind it.

What inspired the overall theme and vision for this album?

Phyzikal describes Hell Of A Life as a culmination of his personal and professional experiences. "This project is like a snapshot of where I am right now," he says. The title reflects his journey through pitfalls and self-discovery. "It’s been a decade since I adopted the name Phyzikal and started releasing music under it," he explains. "This album is a celebration of how far I’ve come and a reminder of how far I’ve yet to go."

His creative process is organic, relying on freestyling rather than meticulously writing lyrics. This approach allows his thoughts and emotions to flow naturally, capturing raw and authentic moments in his music.

How did the collaboration between you as an artist and the producer TheZachMichael begin?

Phyzikal’s journey into music started in college, where he experimented with DJing under the moniker "DJ Phyzikal," a nod to his love for physics and astronomy. "I always believed that a DJ’s next step was to learn how to make beats," he shares. By 2015, he was producing music, self-taught on Logic Pro X.

Coming from a musical family—his father is a professional producer—Phyzikal was raised playing piano and violin. However, it wasn’t until college that he found his passion for creating music. "Production and vocals are two sides of the same coin for me. They’re both forms of self-expression, one through language and the other through sound waves."

Phyzikal and TheZachMichael connected in early 2021 after Zach coproduced a song called “when u need” by Austin Skinner. Since then, Phyzikal and TheZachMichael been locked in and have collaborated on over 30 songs together that have been released. They have collaborated on beats, co-wrote multiple songs together, and supported each other in their own respective music career. TheZachMichael was honored to have produced 12 of the 13 songs on this album and his label Elizabeth Records handled the distribution of this album.

Were there any songs or ideas that almost didn’t make it onto the album?

With Hell Of A Life featuring 13 tracks that span 30 minutes, Phyzikal deliberately kept the album concise. "I could have added more drafts, but I felt this length was perfect," he notes. He wanted the album to be a blend of styles and moods, showcasing his versatility while remaining an accessible starting point for new listeners.

What was the most challenging track to create, and how did you overcome the difficulties?

"Rock & A Hard Place" stands out as the most challenging track, particularly in terms of mixing. "Making the sound homogenous was tough," he admits. He spent significant time on mix drafts, ensuring every detail was perfected. "The second verse was especially tricky, but I’m thrilled with how it turned out."

Did you experiment with new genres or styles that you hadn’t tried before?

Phyzikal’s sonic exploration shines on Hell Of A Life. From drill-inspired tracks like "Hell of a Life" and "Live and You Learn" to boom-bap records like "Rewind" and "Over The Edge," the album spans a variety of styles. "I also ventured into pop with songs like ‘Eying You’ and ‘Rock & A Hard Place,’" he shares.

Despite trying new sounds, Phyzikal ensured the album retained elements that long-time fans love. "When friends said the music didn’t sound like ‘me,’ I took it as a compliment. It’s exciting to create music that surprises even those who know me well."

How does this album reflect your growth as an artist?

Compared to earlier projects like 808 Rockstar 2, Hell Of A Life is more polished and introspective. "I grapple with themes like isolation, self-confidence, relationships, and mental health," Phyzikal explains. The album’s authenticity resonates deeply with listeners.

For Phyzikal, this album is just the beginning. "I’m a veteran to some, but a freshman in the eyes of the world. I’m eager to prove my worth and keep growing."

Did other musicians, songwriters, or engineers contribute to the album? How did they impact the final result?

While keeping features light, Phyzikal collaborated with trusted peers like Stav Z, who produced "Fortress." Guest appearances include SnowMoney, Yung Blurr, NBK Saint, and TonyBandz. "Saint uses the same mic as me, so our parts mixed seamlessly," he says. Collaborations were often organic, stemming from open verses shared with friends. TheZachMichael, the primary producer of the beats on the project and the author of this article was crucial to the creation of this album. Working alongside Phyzikal, the two creatives spearheaded the creation of Hell Of A Life.

What do you hope listeners take away from this album, and how does it fit into your larger body of work?

Phyzikal hopes Hell Of A Life resonates as a snapshot of his life and artistry. "I overthought every part of the process, but as I finalized the tracklist, I grew more confident. Now, I’m super proud of it," he shares.

For new fans, this album is an introduction to his polished sound. For longtime supporters, it’s a testament to his growth. "If you’re an independent artist, trust the process and keep working. Good music takes time, and those who are meant to hear it will."

With Hell Of A Life, Phyzikal marks a decade of perseverance, creativity, and evolution. This album not only reflects his journey but also paves the way for what’s to come. As Phyzikal continues to grow and innovate, his fans can expect even more groundbreaking music in the years ahead.

Go stream Phyzikal’s Hell Of A Life!