Category Archives: Features

Coco Bryce Interview | Future Classics vol. 6

603113_484423334937851_183347716_n
Here is a mix we’ve been looking to bring you for a long long time. After many years of lurking round on the internet and scowering after Coco’s previous releases (Like this) passed on by time and continually growing volumes of music. The eclectics of this particular individual far surpassess any other musician I have followed. As such, this kind of diversity offers something fresh and new on the regular. #GetFamiliar

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96005378″ iframe=”true” /]
Who is Coco Bryce?

One half of Light Club, skateboarder, dj, owner of a very small record label, part time creator of rubbish, full time lover.

Where abouts are you living the life at these days?

Breda, the Netherlands.

How does your surrounding climate influence your music?

The climate out here is usually pretty shitty, and so is my music, so I guess 100%.

What is the scene like there? Are you drawing from or collabing with good people?

There’s a couple of friends out here in Breda who are kind of into the same stuff as I am, Skweee and all that, but to call it a ‘scene’ might be pushing it a bit. And the one venue I used to play at and visit on a regular basis went bankrupt a couple of months ago. I regularly play in Antwerp though, which is only like a half an hour away from my hometown. Antwerp has a nice scene going on, I love it out there, good crowd, well into the music. Next Level Shit throw some proper parties. As far as collabs go, I only ever really do collabs via email/internet. I don’t like sitting in a studio together with someone else at the same time. There’s my homie Motëm in Canada, who I freguently collaborate with under our collective Light Club moniker. Tokyo native Emufucka, did some collabs and remixes with him. And Kelpe of course.

How long have you been into making music?

I’d say about 15 years now.

Producing as long as you have I wonder if you feel that you have found your sound? Or, are you on a never ending quest through music.

I’m often told that most of my tunes do have a certain “Coco” sound to them, put I don’t know what it is exactly tbh… I tend to get tired of sticking to the same genres for too long at a time, so I guess yeah, you could say I’m on that never ending quest. I like to switch things up a bit, although I do find myself coming back to certain elements time and time again, like chopped up breakbeats and Rave pianos and stuff like that. I just did a couple of Crunk/Trap joints the other day, with Rave pianos in there.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/92199255″ iframe=”true” /]
How do you plan out a set or mixtape?

Depends on the occasion really. Sometimes I don’t plan anything at all, other times I’ll check which tunes I want to play and see which ones fit best with each other, like, not make an entire set, but just to see what sounds nice, which combos work well. Especially when I have a lot of new tunes, because I don’t want to stand there in front of the crowd, mixing two joints that sound awful when put together you know. And then there’s the times when I plan a certain set, get to the party, and the vibe will be completely different from what I’d expected it to be and I’ll end up playing a totally different set from what I planned.

Are you the kind of guy that sits on heaps of unreleased tracks? That impression comes off a bit.

Well kind of. But I drop so much rubbish for free on my Soundcloud and Bandcamp pages I think most of my halfway decent tunes have been or will be released someway or another.

How quickly do you move through new music?
Very quickly. like, I’ll skip through new releases really quickly and will usually hear in a couple of seconds whether I like the way it sounds or not. But I always end up discovering tunes I really like after a couple more listens, things that didn’t grab my attention right away you know. Which are more often than not the ones I end up liking most of all. The growers.

What are you most frequented sources for new music?

Well it used to be all about the record stores of course. But it’s mainly the internet nowadays for me. Sometimes I’ll pick something up from the radio or someone else’s dj sets. But mainly the internet, like, Soundcloud, Boomkat, Bandcamp, and I’ve been downloading shitloads of mixtapes from Datpiff lately as well. Lots of good, free tunes on there. And of course everything my homies send over to me. I swap a lot of stuff with my internet pals.

What’s you favourite track / record / album / mix set of all time?

pffffffff, I don’t think there’s any way I could answer that one.. growing up, my favourite tunes used to always be Tyree Cooper‘s ‘Turn Up The Bass‘ and ‘Golden Brown‘ by The Stranglers. But right now, I couldn’t tell you my all time fav if my life depended on it. Too many good albums man.. Check Your Head, The Ruler’s Back, Madvillainy, The Unseen, Hard To Earn, Afreaka, First Toke… the list goes on and on and on…

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/81098467″ iframe=”true” /]
If you had to choose, would you rather have paper teeth or fingers made out of asparagus?

I don’t much like asparagus, so I’ll take the paper teeth.. I’d just have to stick to yogurt..

Leave us w. some words on the mix you’ve provided. Where and with what it was recorded. ect.

Last week, at home, on two Pioneer CDJ’s and a cassette deck.

Coco Bryce: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

BarLee Interview

barle

The lovers and leavers of Vancouver’s electronic night life might just know of Blueprintevents.ca ‘s massive presence through-ought the city. These “in the know’ people to whom the previous statement is geared towards are aware of Shine on Water St. and it’s possessors. The early weekly bass business of said venue is spearheaded by one BarLee. The man behind the night curating things in what can stil be described in an underground manner. The regular showcase of talented local movers and shakers is a refreshing sight, a true #Vancouver sight. For this reason we wanted to give BarLee some extra attention. Q’s and A’s and music below. Get familiar!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/79589510″ iframe=”true” /]
Describe yourself in a few words or sentences.

yaooow i’m Neal Washburn a.k.a Barlee, i was born and raised in the city of east van near the commercial drive neighbourhood. i’m just a dude who loves ice cream, blunts, females, music and the best of viiibes. all at the same time has been done. it was the best moment EVER.

What was the main purpose of Lights Out during it’s conception?

i wanted to provide a nice, safe atmosphere where us underground heads, can listen to the best in bass music while mingling and dancing during the week, without having to wait for the weekend to come along.

Do you feel you’ve made good on what you set out to do with your night?

absolutely. i’ve had my ups and downs in the last 3 months, the thing that amazes me most is the people that are coming thru on this night are people that i haven’t even met before, let alone know. we are all coming together as one. which was my main goal.

Has Lights Out filled a void otherwise unfilled in the #Vancouver scene?

i’d say. there isn’t really any other solid spot in our scene where we have a bass night every week on a tuesday, let alone any other day. i’m happy to provide such a place

For those unknowing of the weekly Shine Nightclub event what kind(s) of music are on tap?
well we have everything really – we play rap, trap, juke, footwork, uk funky, house, dnb, proper dubstep. we even had a couple live abelton sets goin on as well. mad variety for all the music lovers

What is your personal connection to bass music in vancouver?

i’d have to say the people. these people in vancouver have a one of kind community where everybody knows each other and respects one another. proud to be a part this special family. we all one.

Can you give some heads up on forthcoming headliners? Will it continue to be predominantly local?

well we have Willisist, one of the main heads of the shah djs coming thru the week after clicks & whistles on june 11th. there are some names that can’t be revealed at the moment, but trust me, it’ll be good.

300593_10151451233219067_1194224278_n

Clicks & Whistles tomorrow? What can can be expected from tomorrows show?

YES YES YES. clicks & whistles. LIGHTS OUT. this could possibly be one of best shows of the year. don’t sleep. expect the best vibes paired up with the best sounds out right now.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/87000353″ iframe=”true” /]
Any shouts or cudos?

shouts to Matt Exyouth for giving me a shot at making this night happen, Alvaro Prol for having my back, Myles Away for the rad posters and flyers he’s been doin’ for the night, the LIGHTS OUT residents/fam plus the people who have rolled on thru to support this night since day 1.
much love, Barlee

Lights Out: Facebook
BarLee: Facebook | Soundcloud

RSVP to Clicks & Whistles

My Robot Ears #85

tumblr_mcbimrNAlI1r1a5igo1_500
During this time of battle over fan retention a bloggers work becomes evermore difficult. Never mind the weekly inbox onslaught with new music, but the Soundcloud dashboard, Facebook home feed and Twitter feeds. Not to mention any sites your frequent or just happen to come across. Everyone, everyone, has their opinion like an asshole and each an every asshole has unlimited access to new music, often good music. Future Classics. No moral of this storey per say, just an AM semi drunken strewing of words. #MyRobotEars

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93001367″ iframe=”true” /]

Forward thinking sounds remain within the top five of our labels to watch. Their roster speak quite loudly for itself being so well in tune with the way undergrounder music sounds today. Hucci Girl, 9FEETOFSMOKE, Lord Boyd all reppin FTS.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93797227″ iframe=”true” /]

Glyph. These Belgians have been know as being Neurofunk producers round these parts. As their free downloads began disappearing from SC they seem to have been taking steps into tribal jungles. The change is good mind you, but fond memories of older works remain. Gran this free while it lasts!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93455997″ iframe=”true” /]

Deep House babe, sexy time. A word of advice, DL all KwikFiks cause it’ll serve you and your boo well from time to tim down the line.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93724915″ iframe=”true” /]

An effortlessly simple edit. “A Structurally Endless Loop” . Even so, this is high contender for track of the day. You decide. #Grime #Jersey

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93746512″ iframe=”true” /]

Sliink be all Jersey an he be making all the Jersey standards. If he doesn’t do “Sliink Remix” people might forget though.. Don’t trust them internets kids.

Almamy Interview

36223_1469082320442_4584348_n

Had an opportunity to catch up with with vocalist, songwriter and producer Almamy, based in NYC. Recently his rework of the infamous Daft Punk’s ‘Digital Love’ (written by DJ Sneak) has been making rounds and he is in full support. Listen and learn below.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/2897570″ height=”300″ iframe=”true” /]

Continue reading

Druture (Grown Folk) Interview

druture_032513

Caught the coat tails of Montreal fused Grown Folk half Drew, aka Druture. The incessant weight of a not small twenty four year old male was enough to slow him down and grant an interview to. The ideal outcome, seeing as how Grown Folk have long been a continuos blip on the Duracell battery powered radar of this ill lit, Red Bull can littered lair. Through the interview we discussed his own moniker, Druture, and the connection between the solo project and Grown Folk.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84909950″ iframe=”true” /]

First and foremost, Druture is purely a side project correct? Last time I saw uploads from a group members new alias was when the LOL boys split.
Damn, RIP LOL Boys. Nah nothing like that at all, Brendan actually was the one who encouraged me to do a side project to get some of these tunes out there. Grown Folk is as strong, and busy as ever, expect to hear a lot of new stuff from us in 2013. Shout out to Jerome LOL and Heartbeat(s) btw, some amazing stuff coming from both of those dudes.

Elaborate on the branching.
With Grown Folk, Brendan and I have always taken a more calculated approach to what we put out there, and we’ve worked really hard to establish a signature sound, a sort of strand that ties together all of our material. Its something I’m really proud of creating, but I also have a lot of other impulses which might not fit perfectly under the Grown Folk umbrella.

How are you approaching solo productions differently?
Its actually not all that different than how I go about working on Grown Folk tunes. Brendan and I have actually spent a good deal of our time working together in different cities. Whether its due to the 4 month summer breaks when we weren’t in school, or the 8 months I spent in London 2 years ago. Because of this we’re often starting up projects, getting them to a certain point, and then uploading them to dropbox. I guess the biggest difference is that there is no one else to bounce ideas off of, and when I get stuck on a track there’s no one to help get things going again other than myself. There’s a really nice fluidity to being in a duo, since you’re not always going to be inspired or motivated to work on things 24/7. You also have another set of ears throughout the entire process, because anyone who’s produced will tell you that after a few hours, its easy to get lost in the loops, and doubt can definitely creep in. I think that working on a solo project will only strengthen myself as a producer, and I’ll have even more to bring to the table when Brendan and I work on a Grown Folk track together.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84909137″ iframe=”true” /]

What genres are you looking to explore outside of the group? Hip Hop clearly. Also, I love that the only person your following is The Dream. The guy is too good, and he remixes so damn well.
Hip-Hop is the obvious jump off point, but there’s a whole world of sounds and regional strains that I’m into. The Houston sound has always been a huge influence for me, and its something that I bring to all my productions, be it Druture or Grown Folk. I’m living in Atlanta right now, soaking up a lot of the mixture circuit as I can, I’ve always been a fan of this city’s output growing up. It was always weird being a Hip-Hop fanatic, but really liking the snap music and “ringtone rap” that everyone was claiming was the death of the music I loved, that stuff just worked to me. Another major influence is the mid 2000s peak-era Roc-a-fella records stuff, particularly the Diplomats camp, anyone who knows me knows how big of a diehard dipset fan I am. I really love Hip-Hop, and to me it means a lot of things.

Outside of Hip-Hop, I’m definitely pulling from a few different places as well. To be perfectly honest RnB is something I’ve only really gotten into since becoming a producer, but yeah I can’t get enough of it. The-Dream really represents a lot of what I aspire to be as an artist. You can hear a ton of different influences in one of his LPs, but they are all distilled through these candy colored filters, and they come out sounding undeniably like Dream songs. I like to think that I’d be able to identify a lot of the songs he’s written as his, even if I wasn’t such a big nerd that reads every releases liner notes before I hear it.

Who are your biggest Hip Hop / Rap influences?
Right now for me the top 10 looks something like:
Kanye, Cam’ron, Max B, UGK, Soulja Boy, Future, Mike-Will-Made-it, Chief Keef, Hollywood Squadda & Denzel Curry

Here’s a big one. Is Druture a play off the rapper Future? I.E. how did the name come about?
Yeah absolutely. I think Future has one of the best names in music, its hard to believe that no one else has claimed the name until now. Regardless I don’t think any other human being embodies the name Future as well as he does, maybe Steve Jobs but those guys just use their real names. I wanted to use my real name, but I didn’t really want to go the Ryan Hemsworth route because I’m overwhelmed by Facebook as it is. Drew rhymes with a cool words, but I really wanted to just have one word. Druture just came to me on a wave out of nowhere, it was a very Future moment.

Do you feel as tough you’ve landed on your sound as a solo artists or is there more feeling to do?
You know that 10,000 hour theory that Malcolm Gladwell wrote about in his book ‘Outliers?’ He basically says that to reach true mastery of something you need to put in 10,000 hours of practice to get there. I was getting kind of depressed about the fact that I probably wouldn’t be able to ever reach that number in anything I do. Then I realized that listening to music is my 10,000 thing. I listen to a lot of different genres, and my taste is all over the place, but there’s definitely a certain vibe that I usually gravitate towards. I don’t think I’ve landed on my sound, but I have a good idea of where I’d like to take things. We’ll see if I end up getting there though, I like taking detours and ending up in weird places.

What would some receive if they ordered a Druture cocktail?
Dirty Sprite mixed by Tommy Kruise.

So what is your next step? What is Druture’s future? Sorry, I’m all about lame jokes.
I’m working on the first Druture mix which I’m trying to record live on Technics. That’s actually how I learned to DJ, but its been a while, with Serato and CDs in the years since then. Helix and I are also working on a mixtape w/ Hollywood Squadda, but that’s still in the early stages. Helix and Squadda are going to be an amazing combination though, just based off of what I’ve heard so far…

The Grown Folk FB page and yourself have been quite a bit more active these days. Is schooling all wrapped up and is that why you’ve been so active online?
More or less yeah. I think a lot of it is also excitement about what our friends are doing, and what we have in store for everyone. 2013 is going to be a very exciting year for people who like good music.

Let’s finish this as charming as possible. What makes you want to throw up?
When people say, “just be realistic for a second.”

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86611910″ iframe=”true” /]
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84911535″ iframe=”true” /]

Cherriep (Philthkids) Interview

IMG_6135 These West Coast (Vancouver & Nelson BC) weirdo’s and Juke all stars are on what some might call “a tear” these day. Lots of radio with SUB.FM , a new label en route and, more music trickling through their online presence to the cold dead fingers of Juke /&+ Footwork enthusiasts. So scoop up all the Philthkids n’ Cherrie P related news and goings on below. Cherrie really went in on the interview and provided in depth information all subjects. PS. your indulgence in FLUCTUATIONS is well encouraged.

Hows you?
Hey, I’m good. I’ve been very busy just trying to keep up with the party scene here in Vancouver. Everything is really happening right now as we get out of this nasty rainy weather season. We had lots of sun last week so people are energized. You can feel it. I don’t think we realize how important the sun is for moral until it gets taken away for six months.

You just released the Space Potion EP. Tell us about it, how long in the making, where it was recorded and with what, etc. All the deets.
Space Potion is a super silly record containing a whole lot of silly tracks that we felt would work as a free release. You have to do that now and again, give stuff away for free. It’s available exclusively through Walmer Convenience, a Toronto based Music blog run by street people – seriously I’m almost certain their homeless.

Tracks to look out for on this release include “Lit Up”, which was produced on an actual 808 drum machine. If you listen to the percussion, you can here the difference. Another track to look out for is “Fuckin with Hoes” , which was inspired by Dj Omega (I record all my own vocals btw). Finally, “Water Broke” and “So Big” which are some biblical type Ghostwhip jams we thought you’d never hear.

This is really the “new jazz” of electronic music. Structurally it allows us to explore ideas outside the conventional methods of song arrangement and presentation.

This hasn’t been the focus of all the philthy attention though has it. Philthtrax, a label is in the making, correct?
Footwork has been a significant focus of the crew, its just so new and unexplored. The label has been my primary focus of late, as it will propel our crew to the next level. From a bookings stand point and overall reputation with artists, we feel that its in our benefit to establish ourselves as a label.

With whom are you working on the endeavour of endeavours with (Philthtrax)?
I’ve been working closely with Pat Walters aka. Dj Cure from Aufect Recordings. He lives across the hall from me and has lots of experience and helpful information. He helped connect us with our current distribution partner as well as publicity people. It’s really great to have access to somebody who’s made mistakes and who can guide you away from making the wrong moves.

I’ve also been working more with Ghostwhip as an A&R, he has always been really great at finding the music. It’s the core of any catalog — the songs. So it’s very important to have people on your team who know where to look.

Are your signees to be of primarily Northwestern local, Canadian local, or of internet connection?
Were focusing on anybody who can produce original (very important) Jungle/ Juke Hybrid music. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen many submissions from Canadian artists, Hesk being the only exception. Outside of him and ourselves I think that’s about it for Footwork producers out of Canada. Send content to submissions@philthtrax.com

We want to hear something that draws from the sound and emotions of 90’s Jungle music while maintaining an original feel with elements of Chicago Juke music. These two genres go splendidly together. If you want to hear some good examples check out our latest release with Aufect Recordings “Fluctuations.” — link — http://philthkids.bandcamp.com/

Also check out Chrissy Murderbot’s label Loose Square’s, Addison Grooves new stuff, CL Moons “Sweeekers Vol.1 and 2 and of course Dream Continuum (Machine Drum and Om Unit).

What brought about the decision to start your own label?
The decision was made after waiting on labels to release our music, in one particular case it took this one label like a year to put out a release. Fluctuations was the release, we ended up passing it to Aufect Recordings in the end.

Honestly, it has a lot to do with poor organization and no real accounting structure. Label heads need to wake up in my opinion. The technology and services for artists to start their own labels and build relationships with Distribution partners is becoming more and more accessible. What makes you think your artists won’t do what we did and just start their own label?

Externally its always nice to know that people are “buying” your music and not stealing it. I have downloaded my share of music before, but mainly stuff you can’t find in digital formats. Bah excuses. Since I’ve begun the label process I’ve changed and I hope our fans plan to do the same. We will be offering new formats and interesting ways to get their attention you can believe that.

As Cherriep, will you be a prominent artist on the roster? Separate from the Philthkids I mean. I don’t think so. Cherriep stuff will be handled outside of the “Philth” moniker. Every once and a while I’m sure a track will come around, but Cherriep is my solo stuff and I hope to use it to branch out. It’s very important to keep your options open as an artist as things change over night. One minute your seeing some success from Juke, the next minute everybody’s into Trap. One day you wake up and Trinidad James is amazing. So assume formlessness and just go with the flow.

How does Cherrie P differ from the Philkids?
Cherriep doesn’t require any kind of approval from anybody. It allows me to do whatever I want — whereas with Philthkids there are protocols and stylistic requirements for me to meet as a producer. The subject matter is a lot more sexual and freaky and the tempo is slowed down a bit. The Cherriep thing is really an outlet for me to be a creep and just fuck with peeps in the worst ways. Cherriep the Creep as a character came about while doing the Aufect Radio thing. I use this moniker for hosting the show, every Sunday from 5-7 on sub.fm with Dj Cure and special guests. Here’s the latest archive. link — https://soundcloud.com/philthkids/aufect-radio-w-frumlater?in=philthkids%2Fsets%2Fmixes-radio

Describe Cherrie P in three words or less.

Creepy… yet Intriguing

Aight, that’s all I gots fur yuh. Feel free to add and last minute addys now.
We plan to bring Canada some of the rawest forms of music from around the world. We want to know what you think about that. Feel free to post, comment or interact with us online. We’re very approachable…well I’m very approachable. Ghostwhip is kind of a wierdo and Choones never leaves his house — He wears slippers to the market. If your ever in Nelson just stand at the corner of Ward and Baker and open a can of Old Milwaukee, they’ll be there faster than you could say “Hobo Space Wagon.”

If you want to buy music direct from us for a cheeper price go to ….

http://philthkids.bandcamp.com/

If you want to connect with us on FB go to…

https://www.facebook.com/Philthtrax.Philthkids

If you use twitter and you want to twitter with us then go to…

https://twitter.com/Philthkids

Check out our website at…

www.philthkids.com

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/74401619″ iframe=”true” /]
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/87292490″ iframe=”true” /]

An-Ten-Nae Interview

this-life-an-ten-nae-remix-josef-salvat-free--L-xfDrpS

April 1st saw the release of An-Ten-Nae’s debut album. A notable mark in any artists career, especially one as influential as the San Franciscan Glitch Hop and Acid Crunk pioneer’s. Thankfully a short time after the release of the record, the opportunity arose to have a few q’s a’d by the forward thinker and Acid Crunk volume bestower.

On a side-note, according to a post on the artists Facebook page, another body of work has been completed, similar in size to an album. Could the sophomore album of An-Ten-Nae be on the horizon? For the time being let’s focus on Raindrops on Roses. See below.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/85835211″ iframe=”true” /]

How are you doing today?
Great, working on several remixes and a new EP with Soom T.

How does it feel to have gotten this debut album, ‘Raindrops’ , out to the world?
So good! Felt like it was a long time coming. An album is more representative of where you are at as an artist, versus making tracks specifically for the dance floor like on my Eps. So I am especially stoked that the album has been so well received and is doing so good.

Let us know how this album is special.
This is the first time I have used my voice on a release. And I use it quite extensively on this album :)

What were your driving influences for this record?
So many, From James Blake, Early Acid house, to 808 sub boom nastiness.

Where about was the album recorded? In flight or in a Queens of the Stone Age Dessert Sessions type seclusion secret studio?
Some of it in Australia, on planes, and alot of it in my studio in Oakland

Do you have a favourite track, and if so, why?
Really like how the Pair of Aroows remix came out, Beautiful, In the Jungle, Shining down on me.. gosh actually to many faves..

Which, of all the questions you are asked in interviews, are you asked the most?
What is Acid Crunk!!!

The single, ‘We got the Power’ has got a nice video accompanying it. We you there on set?
No I wasn’t there. A friend of mine made the Video, Mara Breedlove, the film is an expression of creativity, which is ultimately your real power.

Are video’s an element of An-Ten-Nae that we can expect to grow?
Yes, I have been studying Final cut Pro, and am really excited to start making more videos to my music..

Lastly, and this question is growing on me, what makes you want to throw up?
Monsanto

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/4461557″ height=”400″ iframe=”true” /]

An-Ten-Nae: Facebook | Soundcloud | Twitter

Purchase Raindrops on Roses via iTunes

Slow Graffiti Interview | Future Classics Mix vol 3

309212_257022977664348_869015238_n

Last week we premiered Volume 3 of our Mix Series on Soundcloud. The mix came from LA based produced and DJ, Slow Graffiti. He first caught our attention with his UZ and Die Antwoord mash up (Dis IZ Why IM Hot (Zef Remix) Vs Trap Shit V7). Shortly thereafter he became one our first regular submitters. His remix’s remain of pallet well in line with our musical taste buds. These, and also his catalog, well endowed with Legacy Mixtapes, enticed us enough to arrange for volume 3. We hope you enjoy the mix and familiarizing yourselves with Slow Graffiti as much as we have.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86891555″ iframe=”true” /]

Let’s get a background on you. How old are you, where do you live, what’s your favorite color and so on.
I am 28, born and raised in Los Angeles, started playing music when I was 13 years old. My first instrument was guitar, self taught then I moved to bass and drums. After my last band broke up, I started working on my own productions and started to work on electronic based tracks. I would say my favorite color is black, even though its considered a shade.

Have you always lived in LA?
No, I lived in San Diego for six years, and then recently moved back about two years ago.

How, if at all, has LA’s scene had it’s influence on your style?
Moving back to Los Angeles has been a major influence on my music, it has put me in an creative environment that I didn’t have in San Diego. No disrespect to San Diego, but Los Angeles is the fore front when it comes to electronic music. Tons of Dj’s and producers move here and create new sounds that no one has heard before, one example that comes to mind would be Jerome LOL. Very unique style that incorporates many sounds that are highly original and forward thinking. That’s why since I moved back I have been trying to collaborate with many different artists, it gives me an opportunity to be well rounded as an artist.

How long have you been DJing and producing, and which came first?
I’ve been Dj’ing for about three years now, I have been producing seriously for about 5 years. I started producing first, my earliest projects where recording live bands and then putting them into Logic Pro. I have always loved production, being able to put your own style on projects is one of the coolest things to be able to do.

You’ve a consistently good selection going on in your mix’s. Name off five of your top producers these days.
Felix Cartal
Flume
Cashmere Cat
Surkin
UZ

Favourite sources for new music. Are a blog reader or does Soundcloud keep you happy?
I utilize both forms, I love reading blogs and love Soundcloud. I think they both work very well together, it’s becomes easier finding out about new music. Using Soundcloud feels like virtual carte digging, you able to go through so much content, and find artist that no one has heard of.

Now production. What are you working with in the studio?
Currently I just finished an original that I am currently shopping to some labels, then next I got to start my next Legacy Mixtape Series which will be Vol.9. I am trying to focus on more originals these days, but there are times when you hear a song and you drop what you doing. That’s how the Grimes remix came about, an idea hits you and then your run to your computer to capture that feeling.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75383932″ iframe=”true” /]

Gear or software?
Software, I love new software, especially synth based that allow me to push it to it’s limit.

Your doing some things with a couple labels. How’d y’all link, and what do you have forthcoming?
Well everything happened on Soundcloud, I was contacted by them on there and then established relationships over time. I just released a single titled Manifesto on Clubstream Label that came out last month, and have a demo out there that I have sent to a couple labels waiting to hear back. As far as forthcoming, Legacy Mixtape Vol. 9 will be out before the end of the month to keep peoples ears open to some amazing tracks and artists.

Can you talk about the mix? What’s in it, how and where you recorded it, etc.
I’am extremely proud of this mix, I wanted to incorporate songs that I have played out and currently enjoying. I featured tracks by RL Grime, Surkin, Flume, and included two of my favorite remixes I have done for Crystal Castles and Grimes. I recored the mix In Los Angeles and used Ableton, I use Ableton for everything it’s my DAW of choice since I left using Logic Pro a couple years back. I wanted to create a mix that’s high energy and grooving that captured the sound of Trap, but also how it’s influencing other artists overseas that are putting there spin on it. That’s why I decided to include artists like Surkin, High Powered Boys and Melé, they offer a very refreshing take on the genre creating exciting productions that deserve attention.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86458401″ iframe=”true” /]
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/86459298″ iframe=”true” /]

Pigeon Hole Interview

jesseminsPHxxsml

As the market for Electronic music swells, the pool of talent does as well. One of the more notable hands, and more established hands enting the game are Canadian producers, Pigeon Hole. Having stemed from Sweatshop Union lends an established foundation in the music industry, and years of experience. Footing like this is an amazing spring board of the right kind. These factors are bringing a fresh perspective to their brand of Electronic music. A more organic sound coupled with rap hype energy that the current variety of Electronica is all too frequently lacking.

Below is the interview. Questions that will lend some insight into the duo’s background were asked, in order to begin a picture of a name you are undoubtably going to see more of.
It looks like PH have a busy festival season ahead.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/83915594″ iframe=”true” /]

Sweet guys, thanks for taking the time. You’ve been killing it online with these past few releases. Please introduce yourselves.

C: Thanks for having us. I’m Colin aka Lebowski1 aka Black Dracula aka Dusty.
L. Lee aka Lebowski2 aka Chi Harvey Oswald aka Young Jakarta.

What are each of your roles in Pigeon Hole?

C: We both produce and make beats, play synths, write and rap and are just starting to get into djing. Lee definitely flexes a little harder on the synths and bass. I’m more of a drum guy.
L. We both think we’re BReal to the others Sen Dog.
C: Oh I’m Sen Dog for sure.

For clarity’s sake, what is Pigeon Hole’s involvement in the Canadian Hip Hop staple Sweatshop Union, and for how long have you been doing it?

C: We’re one third of Sweatshop Union. We’re OG’s. We’ve been part of Sweatshop since day one. Thats our family and crew.

Previous to the union, what are your musical backgrounds?

L: Grade 7 band class and Rap City. It was all about doing what they did in the music videos. Everyone was an icon back then.
C: We used to just record at home and play small shows around town. We went as Creative Minds back then. We were really creative. haha.
L: We were, in our minds anyway.

Are there any plans to fold other members of the union under the wing of PH? Featuring or otherwise?

C: We were hoping to feature some of the dudes on the record but nothing really panned out. Mos was on the first record though. He killed it.
L: Yeah. We hole up and geek out while we make a record. Reaching out to people is something were working on. I want to work with A Tribe Called Red.

When and where did Pigeon Hole come to be? I’m wondering if big electronic festivals Sweatshop Union / Leisure Gang performed in had bearing on the decision to branch. Namely Shambhala.

C: Oh hitting all those festivals and getting exposed to these new sounds definitely had a huge impact and influence on the new record. Being out there and feeling all the builds and drops huge bass…. i just remember being like ‘we need to apply this shit to our music’.
L: Shambhala is our local festival pilgrimage. I definitely pictured performing the music there while I was making it. So it had to be BIG and exciting.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/79952310″ iframe=”true” /]

Hip Hop influences of yours are well documented to date. Which electronic producers have been revving your engines?

C: I’m always stoked on anything Diplo does. Hudson Mohawke, A Tribe Called Red are insane! Bird Peterson, Hermitude, Yellow Claw, Zeds Dead, Ta-Ku, Cashmere Cat, Clockwork, Grandtheft, Small Town Dj’s. I’m huge on Moombahton too so Lady Bee, Bro Safari, Stereothieves…. there’s so many. That’s what has me so stoked; how many people are making great shit.
L: There’s so many new producers and influences every day. Justice, Crystal Castles, and Squarepusher are some of the older stuff that got me into it. I remember wondering how I was gonna make it work with hip hop music.

In your interview with Waxhole (which was a good read) it came out that you pref to perform big festivals over clubs. Can you list 3-5 of your favourite Canadian festivals?

C: Shambhala, Rifflandia and my third is a small island party I don’t want to give out the name of. Sometimes festivals are awesome when they’re small and intimate. I really want to play Basscoast this year though. I’ve heard so many good things.
L: I haven’t been to enough Canadian festivals. Basscoast, Astral Harvest, and Diversity are three I’m looking forward to.

In the same interview it was also said that live performances are to be a big concentration of your attention and game upping. You don’t have to spill the full can.

L: Right now it’s a an extremely hype rap show. In the near future we want to focus heavy on visuals, projections, and perfect our backline as we become better dj’s.
C: Yeh, we just love performing. I’m stoked on the show we have together right now but in reality we’re only just getting started.

Seeing as how your well a part of the Canadian music industry I was hoping you could list up some up an comers doing good things. Peeps that peeps may not have heard of yet.

C: A-Ro, Panther, Astrological, Claire Mortifee has an amazing voice.

Lastly, what’s upcoming?

C: We’re going to keep pushing tracks from Chimp Blood, working on a remix EP and we plan on touring around getting buck.
L: We’ll have new music out every couple weeks. Check the soundcloud for the newest releases: https://soundcloud.com/pigeon_hole

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/79247434″ iframe=”true” /]
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/30034083″ iframe=”true” /]