His latest project, Phonograph Phoenix, finds the DJ/Producer returning to the
forefront and embracing an entirely new approach to making music. A departure
from previous work that was primarily sample-based, Phonograph Phoenix finds
Abilities opting to build the album's compositions from the ground up, creating his
own sound through Ableton Live and various soft synths, with razor sharp cuts and
select vocal chops providing a voice where his fallen partner may have once stood.
Abilities' new production techniques breathe an awakening essence into
Phonograph Phoenix, whether that's in the deep, cavernous bass and funky drum
loops of "Worldwide", the gorgeous atmospheric synths he conjures on "Waves",
or the sinister head-nodding groove of "The Badman" with its vulnerable-but-
not-self-pitying vocal samples. Throughout its creation, Abilities sought to
remain as truthful as possible, ensuring that each song held qualifying meaning
and that the album on a whole made a definitive statement. The process inspired
Abilities to dig deep and pull up some heavy, heartfelt beats and, speaking with
his hands as all great turntablists do, he used this space to address grief, loss,
and his own personal shortcomings, all while making room for hope and optimism.