From the vibrant heart of Wichita, Kansas, emerges Thain, an artist whose musical journey is defined by authenticity, experimentation, and an unwavering commitment to creative truth. As both a hip hop artist and the lead vocalist of the band For the Birds, Thain has built a reputation for bridging the gap between raw lyrical expression and live musical dynamism. His artistry thrives on versatility, shifting effortlessly from the commanding presence of a rapper to the emotive delivery of a frontman, and in doing so, he has carved his own path in the Midwest music landscape. Thain’s story is one of organic evolution. Having spent years performing across Kansas, from local bars and venues to major events like the Wichita River Festival, where he opened for Flo Rida, he has steadily grown from a local performer into a creative force. His upcoming performance at the Cotillion Ballroom alongside Smells Like Nirvana further cements his reputation as a versatile and fearless artist who can move between genres without losing identity.
Deeply inspired by Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, Lil Wayne, and Travis Scott, Thain channels the lyrical precision and emotional intensity of his influences while maintaining a sound that is undeniably his own. His artistry is grounded in reflection, resilience, and raw emotion, qualities that give his music an immediacy and power that resonate far beyond the studio. Whether performing live with a band or crafting bars in the booth, Thain approaches every creative moment as an opportunity to grow, connect, and express truth. In collaboration with producer Steven Shields of Audio Paradolia, who also serves as the bassist and engineer for For the Birds, Thain has continued to expand his sonic identity. Together, their chemistry in the studio is undeniable, built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision of fusing hip hop’s lyrical edge with live instrumentation’s organic depth. This synergy would soon lead to one of Thain’s most exciting musical moments yet, a track that captures everything he stands for as an artist: energy, collaboration, and authenticity.
“Still Sick” is not just another single, it’s a creative explosion, a moment of spontaneous brilliance that encapsulates the spirit of three artists at their most inspired. Released on October 31st, 2025, the track sees Thain teaming up with Hippy K and producer Steven Shields (Audio Paradolia) in a raw, electrifying session at The Echo Garden studio in Wichita, Kansas. Crafted entirely from scratch in just three to four hours, “Still Sick” stands as a living testament to the power of chemistry, instinct, and passion. The song fuses Thain’s commanding vocal presence with Hippy K’s rhythmic flair and Audio Paradolia’s live instrumentation, creating a sound that feels both gritty and cinematic. Thain’s hip hop roots collide beautifully with Shields’ rock-influenced production, resulting in a track that captures the intensity of a live performance with the precision of a studio recording.
Influenced by the legendary collaborations of Eminem and Dr. Dre, Thain channels that same spirit of innovation and energy, yet brings it home to the Midwest, infusing it with authenticity and fire. “Still Sick” is more than a song, it’s a statement of endurance and evolution, a declaration that Thain’s artistry remains as hungry and fearless as ever. This release marks a defining moment for Thain: a bridge between his hip hop origins and his future as an artist unbound by genre. It’s the sound of three creative minds locking in, igniting in perfect harmony, a lightning-in-a-bottle moment that proves Wichita’s underground scene is very much alive and still sick.
“Still Sick” by Thain featuring Hippy K opens with a gripping sense of tension and energy that instantly commands attention. From the very first second, the track explodes with a rugged pulse that feels alive and unfiltered, a synergy of steady live drums, vibrating basslines, electric guitar distortion, and faint background synth textures. The opening riff immediately hooks the listener, its jagged tone carving through the air with authority. There’s a rawness to it that feels intentional, like Thain wanted the listener to feel every vibration and every breath of sound. The percussion begins with a thick, muscular groove, tight snare hits, rolling toms, and punchy kick drums that drive the rhythm forward with unwavering power. Layered on top of this are flickers of cymbal crashes and rhythmic guitar strums that add both edge and motion. The result is an introduction that doesn’t just begin the song; it erupts into existence with purpose. The atmosphere is gritty, the production is full-bodied, and there’s a sense of unstoppable movement that sets the stage for the lyrical fire to come.
As the track progresses, Thain’s vocals cut through the mix like a blade. His voice is rough-edged yet controlled, resonating with grit and conviction. You can almost hear the air in the room, the closeness of the microphone capturing not just his words but his emotion and intensity. Beneath his delivery, the instrumentation locks tightly into a hypnotic groove: the bassline throbs with deep resonance, giving the track its heartbeat; the guitars continue to snarl with overdriven warmth; and the hi-hats tick in perfect sync, adding subtle rhythmic texture. There’s a raw energy in the production that mirrors the lyrical tone, defiant, unapologetic, and unrelenting. Every instrument feels alive in the mix, yet nothing overpowers the other. The interplay between the live drums and the electric bass gives the track a rock-solid foundation, while faint synth pads hover in the background, creating a moody atmosphere that complements Thain’s lyrical delivery. His flow is sharp and deliberate, each line delivered with the confidence of an artist fully in control of his sound and message.
The chorus arrives like a rush of adrenaline, bigger, louder, and more assertive than what came before. Here, the guitars soar higher, the drums hit harder, and the bass swells with added weight. The vocal layering expands as Thain’s main vocal is reinforced with doubles and echoes that give the chorus a commanding, anthemic power. The energy becomes almost physical; you can feel the vibrations of every snare crack and the rumble of every bass hit. The addition of Hippy K’s vocals at this point injects a new flavor into the mix. His tone contrasts beautifully with Thain’s, smoother but equally passionate, creating a dynamic back-and-forth that amplifies the emotional core of the song. Together, their voices sound like a call-and-response between persistence and pride, each artist feeding off the other’s momentum. Behind them, the electric guitar intensifies, sliding between crunchy rhythm chords and melodic accents, while the percussion takes on more layers with fills, cymbal swells, and subtle tom rolls. The groove becomes irresistible, the kind that makes your head nod instinctively. It’s a moment of sonic triumph where the song’s title, “Still Sick,” transforms from a phrase into a powerful statement of self-assurance.
As the track moves deeper into its progression, it evolves without losing its intensity. The instrumentation takes subtle turns, small pauses between sections, brief moments of silence before the drums kick back in, and layers of reverb that expand the sense of space. The guitar solos grow more expressive, bending and sustaining notes that cut through the mix with emotion. The drums remain the driving force, maintaining a consistent rhythm while occasionally breaking into sharp, syncopated fills that keep the listener engaged. The bass guitar continues to anchor everything, its tone thick and slightly distorted, blending perfectly with the punch of the kick drum. The production, handled by Audio Paradolia, ensures every element has its place; nothing feels accidental or out of balance. Even the smallest sounds, like the subtle background hum of an amp or the faint echo of a cymbal, add to the song’s authenticity. It feels like a live performance captured in perfect synchronization, each sound contributing to the layered experience of the track.
Still Sick is a raw, electrifying fusion of hip hop and live instrumentation, capturing Thain’s relentless creativity and Midwest grit.
The closing moments of “Still Sick” tie the entire sonic experience together with remarkable cohesion. As the song builds toward its end, the guitars seem to stretch wider, their tones raw and electrifying, while the drums and bass pulse in rhythmic unity. Thain’s final delivery feels even more urgent, his voice carrying a mix of exhaustion and triumph, like an artist who’s poured everything into one final statement. The music doesn’t simply fade, it lingers, leaving the listener surrounded by the echo of its energy. What makes “Still Sick” so compelling is its balance between precision and chaos: it sounds fierce and unpolished, yet every note and rhythm feels deliberate. It’s a hybrid of hip-hop’s lyrical aggression and rock’s instrumental boldness, fused together through pure creative chemistry. The groove never lets go; the rhythm feels both human and mechanical in its precision, while the texture remains thick, tactile, and alive. “Still Sick” isn’t just a track, it’s an experience, a sonic statement that celebrates persistence, authenticity, and the enduring spirit of music that refuses to stay quiet.
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