Klassik

Klassik is truly an old soul. His fusion of Hip-Hop and Jazz, amongst many other genres, pays homage to the many legends of generations past. His music is not based around braggadocio or glorification of the world’s ills, but rather portrays a positive, forward thinking person, fueled by his inspiration to constantly create and innovate. His diverse influences including Stevie Wonder, John Coltrane, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, and Steely Dan, have helped mold a blend of musical styles that comes out one hundred percent unique, fresh, and timeless.

Klassik was born and raised in the blue-collar Midwestern city of Milwaukee, WI. First encouraged to pick up the saxophone by his late father, Robin Abston, he was mentored from an early age by local jazz saxophone legend Berkley Fudge. By the time he was in high school, he was already touring Europe with a group of his peers and professional musicians. His evolution to a recording artist began during this time, as he experimented with the music production software program, Fruity Loops, on his home PC after school. This hobby transformed into a full blown obsession. After one year of studying English at the University of Wisconsin-Madison while on a scholarship, Klassik decided to leave school in order to pursue a career as a professional musician. He could no longer foresee himself doing anything but music for the rest of his life.

Klassik’s evolution to a professional musician culminated with the release of his first full length album in fall 2012 titled In The Making. The album garnered national attention and charted on the College Music Journal’s Hip-Hop top 40 for 15 straight weeks following its release. Klassik has further established himself with the release of his second album in late 2013, YRP (Young Rising Phenoms), along with featuring or producing in several regional artists’ projects. His hard work has paid off, as he was named “Solo Artist of the Year” 2012 for the 88.9 Radio Milwaukee Music Awards, “Rap/Hip Hop Artist of the Year” for the 2013 Wisconsin Area Music Industry Awards, and Milwaukee Magazine named “Anything” as the “Catchiest Song of the Year” for 2012.

More recently, he was named “Top 10 Artists to Watch in Wisconsin” for 2014 by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. He has received coverage on several prominent publications including The Source, Hip Hop Dx, 2DopeBoyz, DJ Booth, and Ruby Hornet. He has opened for the likes of Talib Kweli, Oddisee, Kendrick Lamar, Asher Roth, and The Cool Kids and plans to continue building his performance resume throughout this year.

Klassik’s new school take on old school styles helps bring listeners to a place where they can embrace a musical experience that is as lively and melodious as the music of legends past. Vowing to make his biggest influence his deceased father Robin, honored and proud, Klassik shows no signs of slowing down on his quest to create truly everlasting and inspirational musical works.