(All photos courtesy of the artist’s bandcamp profile)
Author: Madeline Thomas
In an alternate universe, maybe a 90’s sitcom character can become an electronic producer. Luckily for us, Ross from Friends is not David Schwimmer in shoulder pads, mansplaining the perfect beat-matching technique. His real name is Felix Weatherall. He claimed the monicker Ross from Friends in a moment of pure genius six years ago.
The British producer has a lengthy discography sprawled across various music platforms; since 2012 he has pumped out multiple EP’s, but only released a full-length album this summer. Family Portrait is as much an homage to his father, an 80s DJ with an affinity for Italian disco, as it is a goodbye to the past.
Previous releases tended towards lo-fi house with hip-hop influence. Family Portrait is a step in a new direction. Tracks are a bit weirder, certainly more dynamic. With such a cheeky name, one can only assume the music is droll. Weatherall’s approach to house music is certainly tongue-in-cheek, but less so on Family Portrait. He is carving out a space for himself alongside more serious producers; now signed to Flying Lotus’ label, Brainfeeder, the artist has come upon opportunities to diversify his sound.
Weatherall is currently touring the states before heading back to the UK. He’ll stop in Seattle on Wednesday, November 14th. I patiently await his arrival. Until the day comes, I will be playing The Outsiders (2017), personal favorite, on repeat. Fans of DJ Boring, Mall Grab, Palms Trax, DJ Longdick, DJ Seinfeld, ought to check out Ross from Friends.
People tend to talk sh*t about Ross from Friends because his music is admittedly similar—a point up for debate following Family Portrait. Admittedly the music is hyper-ironic. Still, his production is innovative within the micro-genre that is lo-fi house. Judge for yourself. Buy a ticket to his show at Neumos. Diss tweet him if you must; it won’t leave a hole in his heart.
Tickets are still available, but sorry, kids, the show is ages 21+. Underage but interested? Listen to Ross From Friends on Soundcloud, Bandcamp, and Spotify. Cross your fingers for better luck on his next tour and follow his journey across the states on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter.
MADELINE THOMAS | the one with the house DJ | KXSU Music Reporter