Saxboi Slick, a trailblazer in blending live saxophone with electronic music, recently sat down with A&R Factory to discuss his groundbreaking collaboration with ANNIKS on Take Me (The Russmerican Mix). The track masterfully combines Progressive House, Deep House, and Tech House elements with the unmistakable warmth of Saxboi’s live instrumentation. In this interview, he sheds light on the creative synergy between himself and ANNIKS, the challenges of balancing live and digital sounds, and how his personal experiences have shaped his artistry. From faith and resilience to his aspirations for sync licensing and live performances, Saxboi Slick’s insights offer a glimpse into a musician committed to pushing creative boundaries while staying true to his purpose.
Welcome to A&R Factory, Saxboi Slick! We’re thrilled to speak with you about your collaboration with ANNIKS on Take Me (The Russmerican Mix) and your inspiring musical story. Take Me (The Russmerican Mix) seamlessly fuses Progressive House, Deep House, and Tech House with your soulful saxophone licks. How did you and ANNIKS approach creating such a genre-defying sound?
“I started following ANNIKS about a year ago because I was amazed to see a female DJ making waves in the EDM genre—it’s inspiring! Her music choices are powerful, and her vibes really resonated with me. As I got to know her artistry, I discovered she wasn’t just a DJ but also a talented producer.
I had been trying to create EDM tracks that I could record my saxophone over for years without success—it just isn’t my speciality. When I heard ANNIKS’ original music on Spotify, I felt like I’d found exactly the kind of sound I wanted to integrate with my saxophone. Even though I knew reaching out was a long shot, given her large fan base, I decided to try anyway. To my surprise, she was open to the collaboration.
The track, ‘Take Me’, was one she created and asked me to add saxophone to. As I listened, I began to hear melodies and harmonies in my head that could complement her work. I approached her harmonic moments with my own melodies, aiming to enhance her track without overpowering it—and I think it worked beautifully.”
ANNIKS’ viral TikTok influence and your live performance artistry bring unique strengths to this collaboration. How did you balance these elements to craft a track that feels both modern and organic?
“When I listened to the original song, my goal was to complement what ANNIKS had created, not overshadow it. I focused on critical parts of the track and either harmonized with those key moments or left them untouched. The idea was to share the space naturally and let the saxophone enhance the music without forcing it. Her track is already stunning, and I wanted to add value without taking anything away.”
Your saxophone adds an undeniable warmth to this electronic track. How do you approach integrating live instrumentation into electronic music, and what challenges did you face during the recording process?
“Integrating live saxophone into electronic music is all about understanding the mood, tempo, and key of the track and finding ways to complement it. The biggest challenge was mixing the saxophone with a fully digital track. Analog sounds like mine can clash with digital audio, so the breakthrough came when I embraced the analog feel and treated the saxophone like a digital instrument in the mix. I used a parametric EQ to boost the mids and highs while keeping some warmth in the low end.”
You’ve faced significant challenges in your life, from homelessness to bullying. How have those experiences shaped your music and the way you connect with your audience?
“My journey taught me that perseverance and faith can overcome even the toughest challenges. I try to convey this in my music: don’t give up on who you are or what you’re meant to be. It’s not easy—many people abandon their dreams to fit into what society expects. Being homeless and facing bullying showed me that I could survive and still pursue my passions. These experiences fuel my drive and remind me to hold onto my faith in myself and in God.”
Faith and purpose are central to your story. How have these values influenced your artistic vision and your mission to uplift underserved communities?
“When I lost everything, all I had left was faith. That’s where my journey truly started. Even when my faith in God was diminishing, it wasn’t gone, and in those moments, I found restoration—not just in my faith in God, but also in myself. Everything I’ve accomplished today is rooted in that faith, and it’s something I hope to share through my music and actions.”
Fans of Bakermat, CamelPhat, and Nora En Pure will likely connect with this track. How do you see your music standing alongside these artists, and what do you bring to the electronic music landscape that’s uniquely yours?
“I’m honored to even be mentioned alongside those names, but the credit really belongs to ANNIKS for creating this track. I feel blessed to have contributed my saxophone to it. What I hope I bring is a unique fusion of live saxophone and electronic music that adds something fresh and soulful to the scene.”
The track is gaining momentum with playlist curators. What are your thoughts on the role of playlists in promoting your music, and how do you hope to expand your reach further?
“Playlist curators are invaluable. They know their audience and what resonates with them. If a curator thinks my track fits their playlist, it’s because they believe their listeners will enjoy it. That kind of exposure helps both the artist and the curator, and I hope to continue expanding my reach through more placements like this.”
You’ve mentioned the versatility of Take Me (The Russmerican Mix), working in both intimate and high-energy settings. How do you craft music that appeals to such a wide spectrum of listeners?
“As a saxophonist, people often expect me to stick to jazz, blues, or smooth R&B. While I respect those genres and cater to them when needed, I don’t want to be confined to a single style. I aim to branch out and explore other genres, creating music that connects with a broader audience without losing my individuality.”
What can you tell us about your plans for future collaborations, live performances, and potential sync licensing opportunities?
“I’m excited to welcome future collaborations with ANNIKS, SunGrass Records, and anyone who wants me to bring saxophone into their music. My ultimate goal is to be a full-time musician—to perform, entertain, and make a living from my saxophone. Sync licensing opportunities would be amazing because they allow music to reach entirely new audiences. I love what I do now, but my dream is to let my saxophone be my career.”
Make sure to visit Saxboi Slick’s website for the latest updates—the site will be kept up to date with all his developments, from new music to performances!
Interview by Amelia Vandergast