Trans Producer a.k.a. Skips Shares Debut EP, ‘Jawfiller’

In an industry that would often seem to prefer that queer people disappear, trans artist a.k.a. skips returns in protest with his debut EP, Jawfiller.

For an artist like a.k.a. skips, creative expression is first nature. Photography, painting, drawing, and tattooing are among the many outlets CK Neiman has in his repertoire, but music production is the one that keeps us coming back.

After a nearly decade-long successful journey with his Ducky project, he retired the alias. At the time, he shared that misogyny, transphobia, the overall frat-like nature of the industry, and the impacts of it all on his mental health were contributing factors in the unexpected conclusion of Ducky.

Following the end of this chapter, CK retreated to privacy to transition and re-emerged as his most authentic self, with a new moniker to top it off. Donning this new alias, Neiman looks the industry that seems to make no room for him in the eyes and defiantly holds his ground.

a.k.a. skips is not only an outlet for the trans artist, but a statement that exclaims “We’re here, we’re queer, and you can’t make us disappear.” His debut EP, Jawfiller, is just the beginning.

Check out Jawfiller on Spotify or your preferred streaming platform, and read on for more on the EP.

Stream a.k.a. skips – Jawfiller on Spotify:

The title of the project is a reflection of a.k.a. skips’ trans experience.

Fillers in the jaw are frequently used to achieve a more masculine appearance, here symbolizing how our outward form can be altered to express deeper truths about who we are. The five-track project is also an ode to queer and trans culture, highlighting the joy and community that are created when we come together despite the world that we are escaping.

The opening song, “I Get Along With Everyone,” features skips’ distorted voice declaring liberation. The track immediately takes the listeners to a dark, sweaty warehouse with spirited drum breaks, evocative hardcore synths, and a party-inducing kick. The song’s distinct taste of nostalgia for vintage rave aesthetics carries on throughout the rest of the EP.

Jawfiller invites listeners to an underground warehouse rave where bass thumps through the floor and all are free of judgment.

The leading single, “I.T.C.T.M.” playfully carries the party on by slowly layering on instruments until suddenly we are in a full groove. Skip toys with this building of sounds to push the song forward in an intoxicating way. “F.M.T.D.” — abbreviated for “fuck me to death” — is next, and it oozes with confidence. The fast-paced beat bangs away (no pun intended), jolting the listener with energy for nearly seven minutes.

“Shut Up” feeds off of the energy of the previous track. A certified techno banger, the tune hypnotizes listeners with a thumping kick and palpitating bass. Though it is the most prolonged effort on the EP, the track keeps the energy high from start to finish. A softer side to the release, “If The DJ Let Me,” concludes the package warmly. The glittering house tune is carried by grimy breakbeats and euphoric melodies.

The end of Jawfiller leaves listeners floating on cloud nine as a.k.a. skips’ debut EP is a treat for listeners old and new alike. This release is only the beginning for him. With a loud, proud declaration, he is here, and listeners can’t wait to hear what’s next.

a.k.a. skips – Jawfiller EP – Tracklist:

I Get Along With Everyone

I.T.C.T.M.

F.M.T.D.

Shut Up

If The DJ Let Me

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