Tell us about your musical path. What do you call your first steps in music?
Well, I did some music ‘journalism’ back in the day, was buying some vinyl too, and that eventually got me into deejaying. Nothing special I guess.
Who influenced you as a young man musically? Who are still in the favorites, who are you listening to now?
I have been listening a lot to some obscure polish hip-hop, which I still do. I had uncompromising love for all types of funk music, ranging from these ‘sister funk’ compilations, overpriced Joe Bataan 7 inches bought somewhere, polish funk records to modern breaks and mid 00's south-american influenced club music.
How quickly did you come to your current sound?
I don't think I have anything which can be called ‘a sound' yet... ‘Alpha’ was inspired by all tropical club sounds, i was listening at a time — from cumbia digital to bashment, dancehall vocals chopped up like mosca did on his some of his tracks. I tried to do more funky oriented sound before, like strictly 127 BPM, regular drumwork and cheap syths. Thank god only couple of people heard it, it was really simple, but in a bad way.
Can you give an insight into the diversity of the electronic music scene in Poland? Which styles are the most popular right now?
There's a lot going on in Warsaw now. They're having some really intense gigs recently, with big names from UK and the world every second week: Jamie XX, Martyn, just to name a couple. Which is in a way bad for me, because there was a lot more happening in Wroclaw and Krakow in the past 2 years, which kinda stopped for now. Regarding the producers, it is definitely better and better every month, literally. Talking of garage, dubstep, UK-oriented sound there are some established names, really great producers like Zeppy Zep, The Phantom, Tomek Urbanowicz from Supra1. And yet, there are extra talented gals and lads who are still waiting for appreciation they deserve. Sentel, Vanatoski for sure. I'm really into Space, Ladies now, very mature sound for guys this young, you should defo check their EP coming soon on Senseless. Here in Wroclaw, there are Phat Trakz, really hard working guys, who will release some proper material sooner or later.
I know that you are the former of the BBQ crew. Can you tell us about it?
Well there was three of us. BBQ was both a night and mix series dedicated to bringing to Poland sounds that would not surface otherwise, and maybe even more importantly — sounds that were inspiring and moving for us at a time. We had Mosca booked before he even had EP on Nights Slugs, Guido premiered some of his album tracks here, XXXY and Hyetal were here together last summer. Mixes these guys had put for us are still avalible somewhere pon internet, use google, its worth it.
About your forthcoming release Alpha EP... How long did you work on it? Who did remixes?
First project, finished last summer, was entirely different from the EP version. It didnt had any synths, basically percussions, sub bass and vocal bits. I showed it to Bowly, he was kind enough to agree on making something with it, but than I left to India and forgot about the project for the time being. When I finished the EP version, in the end of 2010 I guess, Nazar from Wicked Bass asked me if I want to release it. Bowly was already working on his version, I had some really ridiculous chats with Sentel and over one I asked them for a remix too. Skinnybones is super talented lad I knew thanks to Bowly, so he was kinda obvious choice as well. All of them did great work, enjoy every single of the remixes. I have some more in the hidden too, will reveal it soon.
Why Wicked Bass Records? And tell me how did you first meet and begin working with Nazar?
Me and Nazar get to know each other while i was working on BBQ mixes, he seemed into it, blogged a couple of them, we started to chat more often, talling gay jokes and so. He was one of the first people that expressed real interest in my production and I was glad he asked me to release my debut in his label.
As our magazine supports free legal downloads - here is our typical question for all the musicians. If we talk about spreading the music, how do you feel about that thing when independent musicians spread their releases for free download or the ability to make a donation?
Thats a good thing. I dont think all of the music should be released immiediatly, nor that blogging everything, 43546508675674 new tunes everyday is something to do. Something in between, like giving away some tunes via soundcloud, or twitter and still leaving yourself the ability to earn some penny from your work with releases — digitals and donations is a good thing to do.
With the development of Internet and wide availability of various social networks, everyone can now feel closer to their idol. In some sense, you can watch every step and action of your favorite musicians. What do you think, what are the pros and cons in this for the artist?
Thats not easy to say for me, as I have like 2 followers on twitter. I dare say that, its rather beneficial thing for both the artist and a listener, when there's no middle-part involved, any agents, whoever there is. Personal contact is the essence of deejaying, I kinda don't get these guys who have agents (their mums or gf's maybe?) after releasing one tune. Nobody is Britney Spears in the club music business yet. Well, maybe Rusko now, but still.
How do you see yourself in the future? Which prospects of your own development are the most interesting for you?
Don't plan anything really. Release couple of more decent tunes, playing live, playing more oftned definietly, I love it and dont do it enough.
What could we expect from you in 2011? Any releases, collaborations, projects, etc.
There is something me and MNSL aka Monosylabikk are working on, really a fun thing to do. He's great at what he does and a cool guy to work with. It's more of techno sound for now, but it may evolve into something completly different. I do also have couple of tracks on some compilations to finish. Some remixes and my material. Also working on another thing – some really basic RNB reworks and playing around with hip-hop loops, maybe will give it away under another guise?
How do you relax? Any hobbies?
I'm at University, working on my thesis on pornography. Apart from that, the usual. I'm fanatic for basketball, would be playing this very moment if i haven't had my bones broken (the interview was done in june — editor's note).
What would you advise to budding musicians?
I'm a bedroom producer myslef, so no words of wisdom I gues. Ah, don't get yourself broken, getting into a bar fight every two months, it is bad for your career.
Anna Maslennikova
Free track from Intreau
Links.
