WHIPPED CREAM & Monstercat Uncaged Release Enchanting New EP, ‘is this real?’

Canadian producer WHIPPED CREAM has established quite a name for herself since arriving on the scene in the mid 2010s. She originally pursued professional figure skating as a career path before getting behind the decks. Her early work grabbed the attention of industry titan SKRILLEX, who happily signed her to his prominent Nest HQ record label. This resulted in the release of her Persistence EP, forever leaving her mark on the EDM scene. Following a string of genre-bending releases, including “about you” with burgeoning rapper Showjoe and the intimate “still?”, one of Canada’s most sought-after artists WHIPPED CREAM today (June 28th) returns to Monstercat with the profoundly personal EP ‘is this real?’. Working alongside artists like BKAYE, Showjoe, Trent Madison, and Sjayy on the seven-track project underscores the evolution of WHIPPED CREAM’s music by blending electronic and hip-hop genres to forge an innovative sound. With ‘is this real?’ she enriches her striking soundscapes while conveying poignant messages, encouraging listeners to find peace in life’s present moments, even amidst feeling lost. This package marks a pivotal chapter for WHIPPED CREAM, unveiling her deepest emotions and exploring uncharted territories she had yet to personally confront. Introducing a new era of WHIPPED CREAM, she hones deeper into house and club tempos, showcased in tracks like “real 4 me” with BKAYE – an anthem destined to be repeated at clubs and festivals throughout the summer.

WHIPPED CREAM stated the following in an official Monstercat Press Release:

“‘is this real?’ is a project I wrote in and through the darkest time of my life as I held hope for better days. I think many times people ask themselves in good or bad situations, “Is this really happening? Is this really my life?” During that dark point I had to find all the blessings in my life and hold on tight, know that God had the best intentions for me, and that everything was happening for a reason. I look back right now to a year ago from today and see how much life has shifted so much into what I had hoped for. Although a lot of the lyrics and sonics are about my love relationships it means so much more than that to me; this project was made at such a pivotal point in my life. I want this project to stand for risk taking, holding on, and melancholic distance, beauty in pain.”

“Real 4 me” (feat. BKAYE), starts things off on a smooth and delicate note with tip-toeing cymbals, ethereal vocals, and a steady electric guitar-like synth loop. We are less than a minute into the EP and WHIPPED CREAM is already showcasing her genre-bending capabilities. This loop becomes louder, faster, and more prominent in the next section of the song. The cymbals become digitalized, before transforming into a wonderful tech-house inspired beat. WHIPPED CREAM’s vocals effortlessly reverberate off of the humming bass and crisp synth patterns found within “real 4 me.” The lyrics are powerful. Covering themes of loss, yearning, and introspection.

“I like to think in another life we made it. I like to think about you and I when we met. Was it real for you? Real for you? Because it was so real for me. So real for me.”

The elements increase in tempo and intensity, as WHIPPED CREAM’s are split to match the song’s groove. Rapid drum effects fully immerse the listener into the beat and prepare is for a drop. A crisp breakbeat that draws inspiration from the tech-house genre. Fuzzy undertones give the drop a velvety vibe. The drum effects are changed up slightly as the marching bass effects massively grow in intensity and volume. Alternating between deep low-ends and lighter plucks. Demonstrating WHIPPED CREAM’s versatility as an artist and BKAYE’s incredible contributions to the creative process. The electric riff continues, leading us into the final drop. Intense techno drums bridge the two sections of this drop. The track fades out, drawing the first song to a close. This was my introduction to BKAYE and I will definitely stream more of his discography in the near future.

I previously reviewed the second track “about you” HERE. It is a fantastic collaboration with everyone putting their best work forward! “Promises” is the third track on the EP. This one is an absolute VIBE! The vocals, rhythm, and instrumentals work together to immediately hook the listener. “Promises” has INCREDIBLE replay value and keeps me coming back for more. It is the track that I have streamed the most by FAR! “Promises” is haunting, chilling, and majestic all at once. The vocals and instrumentals are both top-notch! WHIPPED CREAM’s affinity for hip-hop shines like a diamond here. Calling upon special guest Trent Madison to contribute his vocals and flow. “Promises” opens with WHIPPED CREAM’s crystalline vocals and bouncing down-tuned synths.

“I wish you really loved me. Though when you said you loved me, that would be really lovely. Instead I’m fucking lonely. Thinking ’bout all the words and promises.” I wish you really loved me. Though when you said you loved me, that would be really lovely. Instead I’m fucking lonely. Thinking ’bout all the broken promises.”

I am absolutely HERE for the lyrics’ shifting tenses and WHIPPED CREAM’s haunting cadence. This brings us to the next section of the track. Deep valleys of bass, shuffling clicks, and descending percussion paint a vivid backdrop. Heavy and chill bass reverberates off of the track’s proverbial walls. WHIPPED CREAM is a creative mastermind! A “that’s not me” chant and celebratory claps appear. “Promises” then rapidly increases in volume as WC sings “how long till you tell me who you are? I’m in the dark. This is war” at the top of her lungs. Tropical drum fills welcome Trent Madison into the mix. His vocal contributions compliment the song perfectly and gives “Promises” an additional layer of chill. The drum fills do not let up and maintain the rhythm throughout this guest appearance. There are multiple layers of vocals for the listener to pick out over repeat listens. A sweeping effect retracts some of the elements as the track charges up. The drums, bass, and synth effects ascend, working in perfect tandem to give “Promises” a heavy House vibe. Bombastic drum hits create an intense breakbeat before the song comes to a close. WHIPPED CREAM leaves us with a final “this is war” and we are on to the next track.

“Is this real?” is an emotional, keyboard-driven interlude that begins with a personal voicemail left for WC, informing her of great news and requesting a call back. The keys and vocals then enter the picture. “Is this real?” asks a concerned WC over echoing vocal samples. Ominous keyboard notes take center stage, as WC repeatedly sings “In a moment, it could all go away.” Capturing the vulnerability and pressures of achieving (and maintaining) success. She then reconciles with the negative emotions that she is feeling in the lines: “I’d rather feel this rain than nothing. Nothing. Nothing at all”, placing extra emphasis on the last few lines. “Is this real?” inquires WC repeatedly over heartbeat drums, clicks, and brief hits of bass. The interlude ends with pleasantly distorted vocal samples.

“Still?” is a chill and bright track. It follows similar themes to the other tracks and has an upbeat tempo. The old school hip hop introduction transforms into a heavy House beat. Claps, subtle bass rumbles, and tropical notes create a pleasant soundscape for this listener. WC asks the subject of this track “Do you think about me still, like the way I do? Do you think about me still? Like the way I do, you?” Aquatic synths, Tropical splashes, and rapid drums lead to the first drop. A gradually evolving beat complete with hi-hats and wavy sound elements. WHIPPED CREAM’S vocals dance along with the House percussion perfectly. Subtle metallic shatter effects can be heard under the track’s layers. A beautiful detail that adds extra flair and rhythm. “Do you think about me still? Is it only just a thrill?” Inquires WHIPPED CREAM over cybernetic synths and raging hi-hats. This section is a shuffler’s dream! “Still?” closes with harmonious loops and majestic keys. Another highlight track!

“Life is not a crime” features Sjayy on vocals and begins with WC briefly singing in the style of modern rap artists, like Trippie Redd. She then switches up her vocals over intergalactic hums and drum effects. She passionately sings; “Imma love you, imma love you, imma love you the right way” before Sjayy politely interjects. “HOLD ON.. YEAH! Cuff Me (x4). Baby girl, come and hold me down. Read me the rights. ‘Till it all goes left and the cops come in and there’s red on my chest. Cuz I love too hard and I love you the best. I don’t know, I gotta ax. Did you love me less?” Thumping drums, cerebral strings, and glorious loops impeccably match his flow. He continues to rap as WC provides backup vocals. They switch back and forth over the beat, complimenting each other well. Another seamless blend of Hip-Hop and dubstep. The final track “love is not enough” is a fantastic way to end the EP. WC’s vocals are delightfully distorted over glacial notes. Intense bass creeps along as metronome-like drum effects ticks in the back ground. Euphoric crescendos rise and fall in lockstep with WHIPPED CREAM’s dynamic vocal range. This huge wall of sound briefly gives way to a gorgeous vocal bridge. The elements gradually return while WC chants “love is not enough.” Suddenly, the drums, bass, and echoing vocals rapidly build and transform into a SICK breakbeat to conclude the EP.

The “is this real? EP” is breathtaking and one of my favorite releases of the year! A vulnerable and honest release from a veteran at the top of her game. Her varied influences and incredible vocal range create a journey for the listener. I cannot wait to see these tracks performed live! You can find tour and release updates from the Relentless Beats Website and WHIPPED CREAM’s official social media links below.

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