Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Patrick Yates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Patrick, thanks for joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

I’m a psychedelic experimental bass music producer named Pickler and I own a record label called Orphin Records out of Chicago, IL. I believe in my vision so blindly that nothing can deter me from where I’m going.
During a string of shows I had during the summer of 2023, I had 5 in 6 days. From Chicago, to St. Louis, to the Ozarks, back to St. Louis, and then back to Chicago again. I hit the road in my 2019 Toyota Corolla. Ended up playing one of the greatest shows imaginable in the Ozarks, MO, and through 3 days of travel and barely any sleep, I never made it to my next show in Missouri. I fell asleep driving on my way there and flipped my car 3 times, absolutely totaling it. I really don’t know how I managed to survive. I woke up in the hospital with 30 staples in my arm, a fractured sternum and a banged up head. But was released. With no car and pretty beaten up somewhere in Missouri, with the help of a homie who luckily lived an hour away, and the quick thinking of my wonderful partner, I made the last flight to Chicago in time to still make it to my 5th show of the run. I was bandaged up and had 2% left in me, but I didn’t even think that not making the show was even an option. I just got up and kept going in the same direction I was going in before I was interrupted. I am programming myself to not flinch when it comes to my goals when seemingly negative obstacles come my way, because I believe in what I’m doing more than I believe that doubt exists. And what seems negative now, might fruit into something life changing.
I’ve actually never publically told this story until now.

Patrick, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started producing electronic music in 2016 but I didn’t release the Pickler music project until late 2022. I wanted to pursue my music career but I’ve also always had a passion for being a positive influence in somebody’s life however I can. I waited until I had somewhat of a library of tracks to release before launching Pickler because I didn’t want to spend all of my time in the beginning producing new tracks when I should be exposing and marketing the brand. I wanted to start a Record Label aimed towards giving artists a platform to expose their artwork. Just because somebody might lack the marketing, or social skillset to promote their brand and get their sound heard accordingly, it doesn’t mean that their countless hours of passion and work should collect dust on the shelves. But I couldn’t just start a record label out of nowhere so I knew that it would be a process to get the proper network and status in the industry as an artist myself and make enough friends and expose my true self and vision to enough artists who also shared a common goal. Once I was in a position to be able to provide this platform I officially launched Orphin Records in August of 2024 and most recently branched it into an event company. I’ve signed and released from the time of this interview 25 artists since its official release in August. Everything I’ve been working towards came to fruition in a clump. My whole end result with this label is to help friends and colleagues excel and reach their full potentials. It was never about return on any investment other than being a part of a movement of artists that want to watch and push eachother to grow and be their best selves. As a team. It’s tough always doing things by yourself. Hence the name Orphin Records. It’s a home. A safe place where artists know they are supported and can focus on what they do best.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Yes. PEOPLE.
My social anxieties and false narratives I made for myself prevented me at the time from reaching out for help, or having the courage to admit that I didn’t know enough. From musical production, to spiritual growth, to business ethics, there is only so much that books can cover. People, experiences & connections are your best resource. But not for personal gain. You offer just as much a resource to the world as anybody else. Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity of being able to work and collaborate on tracks with a number of different artists. And that, without a doubt, just like anything else, has been my #1 portal to knowledge. Being exposed to technique and others intellect and different approaches broadens your mind and capacity as an artist that you may have not unlocked without. If I hadn’t met the people that are in my life and career now, I for sure wouldn’t have developed the knowledge I needed in order to encapsulate my sound fully, which I’ve just scratched the surface of. And I’m still finding it. And anybody who knows me, knows that I’m eager to give information away freely to help the next in line.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to do for others;
What they can’t do for themselves.
So they’re able to do,
What they can do,
For us.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: HTTPS://www.instagram.com/orphinrecords
• Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/Orphin-records
• Other: PICKLER socials:

  Https://www.instagram.com/picklermusic

  Https://www.SoundCloud.com/p-yates

Image Credits

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