Anthony Drawn, German producer and saxophonist, released 'Ghost In The Shell’ EP on 'Sichtexot' label this November. In an official press release, the album is called 'teaser of the upcoming LP', which is expected to be released early next year. There are plenty of collaborations on this EP including Nocow who is well-known for the Russian audience. Anthony Drawn agreed to answer a few questions about 'Ghost In The Shell' EP and his future plans.
At first very typical question. Represent in a few words your musical path – from your early steps to our days.
I have learned to play clarinette and saxophone as a kid. With 12 or 13 years I found an old mixtape in a garbage can at my uncle's house with songs from Lord Finesse, 2 Live Crew, Ice T, Diamond D and so on... That was the first impressive contact with Hip Hop music for me and my friends. I´ve started to make hip hop beats and i think we lived the typical late 90's - early 2000 "hip hop youth" (The Roots, Masta Ace, Kweli, Common, Black Eyed Peas, Mos Def, Pete Rock). That is how it started. Meanwhile I listen to all kind of music.
As I see there are a lot of collaborations on the ‘Ghost In The Shell’ EP. Tell me about it.
These collaborations were more spontaneously. Together with my friends from the label ‘Sichtexot’ I decided to release an small EP before the vinyl LP. I asked a few beatmakers whose music I realy like and they made it.
When will be the release of your forthcoming LP and what should your listeners expect from it? Will it be also available for free download?
The release will be hopefully in January 2012. ‘Ghost In The Shell’ with Teknical Development was something like the single off the album. The sound will be similar like the ‘Ghost In The Shell’ EP. Except two songs it is entirely an instrumental LP. The release will be on vinyl via ‘Sichtexot’. So it won't be a free download release.
How do you feel about the sound, which appeared as a result of various collaborations on this EP?
I like the diversity of sound between all remixes. Nocow was the first who sent his version and for me it is still the most impressive one!
If we talk about spreading the music, what is your opinion about the phenomenon of 'pay what you want', which is now gaining popularity? When the musicians spread their releases for free download or the ability to make a donation.
This download/pay/free topic is very complex and also a bit annoying! ‘Pay what you want’ is something new inbetween. I think it is a good idea. People can decide if they want to support a rather unknown artist.
I listened to your ‘Some of there behind’ album. I feel there is a big difference in sound of ‘Some of there behind’ and ‘Ghost In The Shell’. What were the main reasons for changing your sound?
I really made a lot of different music. Sampled and self-composed, all kind of genres just for fun... And of course a lot of hip hop beats. ‘Some Of There Behind’ came up when I had enough of making beats for any rapper or something. I wanted to create my own sound, something I find myself really well. And to be honest I didn't thought, that anybody except of my friends would notice or listen to it...
Anna Maslennikova
Anthony Drawn @ facebook / soundcloud / bandcamp / Sichtexot label
