Temple jazz performance major Ethan Fisher combines influences to make hip-hop beats

As a freshman jazz performance major, Ethan Fisher is focused on making music. That is why he self-produced his debut six-track EP, Beat Tape in his dorm room, using his Macbook, speakers, keyboard, and a mic.

It’s basically an experimental hip hop album and the intro sets a post-apocalyptic world ambiance, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats and jazz-influenced guitar. “Bass Jams” opens with a minimal drum pattern and features Fisher’s twin brother on bass, who is also a music major at Temple.

“Stakes Is High Remix” is an interpretation of a classic by New York hip hop vets De La Soul’s track. The remix is heavy and percussive, which makes sense since Fisher’s instruments of choice are drums, vibraphone, and keyboard. The complex drum patterns fit cohesively over De La Soul’s expressions, which showcases the young musician’s understanding of Hip Hop.

Fisher, who is from Bucks County, is heavily involved in the Philly jazz scene with his six-person jazz group, The Vibe Plus Five. The musicians play gigs at Time Restaurant in Center City regularly. Get more information about their upcoming shows here, and listen to Beat Tape below.