Interviews
Interview | Questions And Answers With 1i2c
Recently, I had the absolute pleasure to get to interview an electronic music producer with a pretty short name, 1i2c. He’s an artist with an extensive career in music you need to know! In this occasion, he shared his most intimate thoughts, incredible details about his life and also what’s next on his project. This interview is worth reading.
1 – What does your artistic name mean?
I wanted a small, easily recognizable name that had more than one meaning. It needed to be recognized by the young and I can only actually see out of one eye!
2 – How and why did you get into electronic music? Who influenced you as an artist?
I was drawn into electronic music around 11/12 years old. My parents and elder cousin I remember the most playing odd sounding albums. My Dad liked the Tornado’s and Jeff Wayne’s ‘War of the Worlds’, my cousin would be listening to Jean-Michel Jarre and Kraftwerk. When I identified with Depeche Mode and Tangerine Dream between 15/16 I had established my own groups of major preference.
3 – Was the first track you ever made a jingle? Do you still make songs for advertising campaigns?
The first track I produced was for an advert for myself, promoting myself in an advert create to become the new man for Milk Tray adverts. I got beyond the first section of the audition and the next part required a 30-second video of an action type character. I dressed in black, ran around my hometown with my daughter filming me and created a small track entitled “Speedy Origami”. I wanted the whole video to be self-created. The video was available on YouTube for a short period of time when I first started getting into creating my own music.
4 – What software and tools do you use to create music nowadays?
I have possessed Yamaha keyboards since around 17/18. My first keyboard still in possession is my PSS-170, then a few years later I purchased a PSR-70. I still own these and use the PSR as a midi device. I also have 2 Oxygen 25′ (2 generations), 1 x iRig and my recent musical tool is a Jamstik. I use Logic Pro as my software of choice but have also dabbled with Ableton.
5 – What’s the name of your upcoming album? When will it be released?
The next album to be released will be ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’. It will be released on May 29th, 2017 by Pink Dolphin Records and will be the first album released on Vinyl too.
6 – What can we expect from this new material? How would you describe its sound?
Some people assume electronic music is always the same. I obviously disagree. Due to the fact I don’t use many vocals and certainly don’t sing ‘often’ I have to make the music itself do the hard work. I make sure the music doesn’t become too repetitive. I set out to make each album have its own distinct sound. ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ was a work of devotion to producing a professional sound. It grew into a collage of some of my best work to date and flows like a rollercoaster, the majority of tracks reflect huge emotion from feeling sexual, to anxious, to lonely, to elation. For those who might not have noticed and the reason for the album title is that each track is a single word starting with the letter ‘I’.
7 – Have you ever had a near death experience? Does it still affect you in some way?
I came close to assuming my time had come back in July 2015 whilst taking a shower after pushing myself hard in a cycle that same afternoon. I often challenged myself using cycle apps and for 3 years running had secured the number 1 spot using these apps on 8 of my closest hill climbs. I was the fastest and endured these climbs the most. The afternoon I took a shower and suffered what I presumed was a heart attack, it was after climbing one of these hills 3 times in succession to push my points higher, but that particular hill was the worst of the 8. Wanting to keep my dignity and wondering if I would make it, my first thought was to get out of the shower immediately, get dried and get dressed. I managed to succeed whilst all the time experiencing pains in my chest that I’d never experienced before. Once dressed I considered all aspects of my life, wondering if I had fulfilled everything. I seemed content with my life, but of course, albeit the continued pain, I was still alive. There was no-one at home. My family had gone on holiday. Within the next few hours, I was in the hospital with suspected heart attack symptoms due to high troponin levels in my blood. It transpired I had Myocarditis. I spent 3 days in hospital having numerous tests and as a result missed participating in the Prudential 100 bike ride I had been training for. The main thing was, I was nervous about getting back on my bike. As the weeks moved on and finding myself with time on my hands, I turned my attention to using the time I spent cycling into being finally creative with my musical equipment. It unleashed a new passion and I would sit for hours making noises that eventually became tracks. The only thing was, three times more that year when I did attempt to get back on the bike or jump into a go-kart for fun, I experienced 3 more heart-related incidents and on the last occasion just after Christmas 2015 was back in the hospital. Subsequently, I’m not as fit as I once was and my bike sits stubbornly in my room behind my keyboard! It’s a Specialized Venge (the same make and model bike that Mark Cavendish raced in 2014!). I think I keep it to remind me to be careful, but with it also reminds me of the reason I started making music.
8 – We know you have a beautiful family. Do you think your children might be interested in music as a future career?
My children swim in and out with my music. My son gave me a strange compliment once when he said “Dad, is this your music? It’s getting hard for me now to distinguish if it’s your music or somebody else’s.” I felt this was a pivotal point actually because up until that moment, all the music I was producing was for me. The fact that I released it was only a platform to share. My daughter 4 years younger than my son, star of “Hammer Blows” video always tells me she likes my music, but I think that is usually just to make me happy or because she wants something. My son, mainly listens to Spotify and doesn’t listen and collect music like I used to, he is hard studying for University and wants to get a degree in Mathematics, so he will be pursuing a music venture and will keep his feet on the ground. It is my daughter that will veer more towards the artistic world, but she mainly dances (Ballet and Modern). She and her friend recently came close winning a prize in a talent competition out of hundreds of applicants through her dance. She will be starring in a dance show at the Gordon Craig over the weekend of 1st & 2nd April and she is due to have a lead part in a small independent film in summer 2017. Her singing voice is really good, though. She has perfect pitch & tone, but I will not push my kids into things they do not want to do.
9 – Where can we stream to your music online?
My music is available to listen to on Spotify and other listening platforms like Apple Music, Deezer, Soundcloud, Indie Sound, Bandcamp, etc. It is also available to purchase from iTunes, Amazon and other similar sites. Even the purchase sites have the ability to hear extracts. I am recently putting a few YouTube videos online to give more visual presence too. There are already a handful of videos, but this should increase to around 9 or so within days. So keep a lookout!
10 – What are your future plans for the rest of the year?
I have produced a follow-up track called ‘Axe Happy’ to ‘Hammer Blows’. I will be shooting a video within the next couple of months to go with this track. This track will then appear on another album to be released much later in the year called ‘Destiny’. This album is much heavier than most of my work, but the Jamstik is having that effect on me. There are possible collaborations also, maybe some vocal tracks. I also aim to stage at least one gig towards Christmas, when I hit my 50th birthday! It would be great to see many of my friends and family and other supporters getting together and having a good time.
Interviews
Exclusive Interview: Paul Mayson Delves Into His Debut Album ‘One Life’
Paul Mayson‘s first-ever album, ‘One Life,’ is like a special mix of his love for House music, blended with different kinds of sounds and cool collaborations from artists all over the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this interview!
1 — With the release of your debut album ‘One Life,’ what are your expectations for how listeners will connect with the music?
My goal was to showcase my story and my sound. And for it to be an uplifting, positive, and summery album. Hopefully, it feels like that! It’s a collection of songs made at the moment, to make you feel happy and free. It’s about embracing life, the good things and the bad. And about doing what makes you happy.
2 — You’ve teamed up with a diverse range of international artists on this material. Please let us know how these collaborations came to be.
It was really exciting taking elements from different genres, working with a group of great artists who come from very different backgrounds, and bringing all of these sounds and flavors together on one project. A lot of artists I meet myself, reach out to the people I’m interested in. I often travel abroad to work on music together and do sessions in London or LA. Sometimes collabs can also happen through the label or the publisher, but ultimately it’s great to have an artist-to-artist relationship.
3 – What compelled you to emphasize the themes of life, freedom, and diversity in this album?
I’m very passionate about House music culture and the way it started. Which was all about positivity and celebrating life together. I love that message and think the soulful, feel-good element of House music is what always really attracted me to the genre. And to music in general, including other genres like Soul and RnB.
4 – Can you share more details about the process of integrating experimental elements into the music production of your album?
A few of the songs (like “Tell Me How” and “I Want You”) were basically made during one big jam session. It’s me just trying out completely different sounds, textures, and rhythms and experimenting with live drums, guitars, and whatever I feel like. Letting go of any rules connected to dance music allows for a really fresh approach to the album songs.
6 – How does the artwork complement the album’s concept?
It emphasizes the feel-good element and the overall message of the album. Life is in front of you, it’s there for the taking. You’re in the hallway, step into the light and embrace life.
7 – Will there be another amazing music video like “Have It All,” dropping in the near future?
We released a really cool art piece and visualizer for the album which I’m very excited about!
8 – Given your ambition to push boundaries within the Dance genre, do you think the bunch of producers already out there could make it tough for you to really stand out?
I think individuality is key. Doing something you’re passionate about. Telling your own story. If you go into that process, the outcome will be unique. Not following trends and doing my own thing is what helps me stand out and allows me to be ahead and I try to keep pushing myself.
9 – Among your studio essentials, what’s the item that you consider the cornerstone of your setup?
Quite a lot of my work is digital. I carry my laptop around and can produce and write anywhere with it, whether it’s my home studio, the studio in Amsterdam, a hotel, or even an airport. That’s what makes it flexible and international! Just being able to work anywhere and get the creative process going. At home I also love my Adam A77x monitors and I also use a Prophet synth.
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Interviews
Exploring “My Friends”: Tobtok Talks Creative Process And More!
In this exclusive interview, Swedish producer Tobtok discusses all the details about his latest single as part of the ongoing countdown to the upcoming ‘My Friends’ EP. This is a collaborative effort with farfetch’d that you definitely shouldn’t overlook.
1 — Congratulations on the release of “My Friends.” Please tell us more about the influences and musical style that shaped this cool track.
Thanks! This tune has taken inspiration from bits and pieces of tracks I’ve been into over the last 10 years, everything from Daft Punk to Fred Again. It contains a lot of micro samples and vocal lines that are in a similar vein as old French House records, but we also wanted to experiment with the current UK rave sound, which we think ended up in a pretty unique and interesting way.
2 — How did you and farfetch’d navigate the creative process together, especially when faced with differing ideas or disagreements?
We were kind of on the same page with most things to be fair. Jerry from farfetch’d is a very creative guy and he loves to bash out new ideas, which worked well for me to develop into full songs. We worked on every track together in my studio and finished them off together. Of course, we had some different ideas about certain things but since none of us had a big ego, we just compromised. I think when you like the same kind of music, you usually think quite alike.
3 — What sets this collaboration apart from your previous singles?
I think this is possibly the strongest single from the EP. It feels catchy and is super simple yet not too boring. It also has Jerry’s voice in it which is unique to any other of our tracks.
4 — Can you share any funny anecdotes about specific moments while crafting “My Friends”?
We have hidden a few wacky voice notes in it as a sort of ambiance. It can be heard in the second verse or whatever you wanna call it. You clearly hear Jerry laughing about something, but I can’t remember what it was.
5 — Is this tune part of an upcoming album or EP?
It’s track no.3 from our ‘My Friends’ EP which has a total of 6 tracks. It was released via Perfect Havoc on 29th September.
6 — What are your emotions when your music receives recognition and praise from other producers in the industry?
It’s always so much fun to get praise from your peers and colleagues. These people live and breathe music and probably hear way more stuff than the average listener, so I guess they tend to be less impressed by music.
7 — Has your signature sound as Tobtok undergone changes over the years?
Haha most definitely. I started out with French House which evolved into Nu-Disco. I later jumped on the Tropical House train (quite early on in my defense). Left that and tried something cooler with my track “ABER,” and from there, it’s been more of a mix between UK and Deep House.
8 — Is there any specific music genre you’re eager to explore?
Old School Disco and Soul. I’m a big fan of the 70s as a whole, that’s why I’ve bought a few vintage Roland pieces in my studio and a Rhodes Piano.
9 — Considering the global nature of music today, are there any international artists you’d love to collaborate with?
I love Jungle right now, for reasons made quite obvious in the previous question. They’ve mastered this cool retro 70’s/Motown sound and yet managed to make it sound fresh somehow. I’d love to just hang out in the studio with them and see what they do.
10 — As we conclude, do you feel that there’s a certain formula that artists can follow to produce chart-topping hits?
Nowadays, it’s all about doing something that stands out from what everyone else is doing and probably also adding a sprinkle of nostalgia and familiarity into something. A good example is the new Peggy Gou record which is a massive hit that takes inspiration from ATB but puts it in a new and interesting context. It doesn’t hurt to have a massive TikTok following either lol.
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Interviews
From Drummer To EDM Producer: Kouss Opens Up About “Can’t Go Back”
You must read this interview with Kouss! He used to rock it as a badass drummer in the Stellar Revival band, but now he’s spilling the beans about how he switched things up and got into making electronic dance music (EDM). The spotlight is now on his latest track, “Can’t Go Back.” Learn more here.
1 — Putting your sound into words, how would you convey the mood and sensations that your music evokes to someone unfamiliar with it?
My music aims to be an uplifting and thoughtful blend of Progressive House and Dance-Pop. Even though the music is very dancefloor-friendly, the songwriting is very Pop-forward. I also love mixing live instrumentation with electronic production to create layered recordings. As a drummer, having live elements mesh with the electronic really brings out a unique texture.
2 — Your transition from Rock music with Stellar Revival to EDM is quite remarkable. Can you tell us more about it?
The transition from Rock to EDM is an exciting and natural creative evolution. I’ve always been passionate about electronic music, so finally being able to fully immerse myself in the genre as a producer and songwriter has been fulfilling. My background as a touring Rock drummer also gives me a unique musical sensibility that I try to incorporate into Kouss Records.
3 — As a drummer, you had to adapt to a different genre. How did you translate your rhythmic background into this new realm?
When approaching any genre, especially Dance music, I’m utilizing my background in percussion to create grooves and drum patterns. The drum parts still come from the same creative place whether I’m sitting behind a drum set or drawing with a MIDI controller. I will say that with EDM I find myself focused more on groove and restraint.
4 — In what ways have Illenium, Zedd, and David Guetta played a role in shaping the sound of your new single “Can’t Go Back”?
Illenium, Zedd, and David Guetta definitely influenced the melodic and atmospheric vibes in “Can’t Go Back.” Their music motivates and challenges me to produce massive soundscapes on the highest level. They’re all melodic magicians, and I continue to be inspired by their work. I also feel like I put my own spin on “Can’t Go Back.” It’s almost like the line between EDM and Pop became blurrier on this track.
5 — What’s the story behind the song title?
“Can’t Go Back” is generally about moving forward and not dwelling on the past. For me personally, it’s about evolving as an artist and person.
6 — Anna Kline’s presence on “Can’t Go Back” adds a unique dynamic. How did this collaboration come about?
I was introduced to Anna soon after starting the Kouss project by “Can’t Go Back” co-producer and dear friend Phil Barnes. The second I heard Anna sing I knew I wanted to work with her. She’s an incredible songwriter and an awesome human. It was an organic collaboration that we’re both stoked about. Definitely be on the lookout for more collaborations with Anna in the future!
7 — How do you aim to connect with listeners on an emotional level through this single?
I aim to connect with listeners on an emotional level through the authenticity and musicality of “Can’t Go Back.” It’s about delivering that special feeling to the listener. We crafted this recording from a place of passion as artists. The lyrics are relatable and cathartic, and Anna’s vocals draw you into this sonic world we created. We also tap into some nostalgia with the Big Room House vibe. But overall the goal was to give listeners an authentic musical experience that resonates with them, regardless of what genre they usually listen to.
8 — For “Can’t Go Back,” did you experiment with a combination of electronic elements and live instruments?
Yes, “Can’t Go Back” mixes electronic production with live drumming and live guitars. The live instruments give the song a dynamic texture and human feel. Not every Kouss song will have live instruments, but it’s definitely a major part of the debut EP coming in 2024.
9 — Looking ahead, how do you envision your music style evolving?
I want to continue bridging the gap between organic and electronic. Creatively, I think there’s a lot of meat on that bone. I also don’t want to limit myself to a single genre or style. I love all types of music and ultimately hope to develop a sound that draws from those diverse influences and experiences.
10 — Lastly, reflecting on your journey so far, what’s been the most memorable or rewarding moment of your music career?
Working with talented musicians and creators who are excited about my music has been humbling and inspiring. I didn’t expect it, but the reaction to “Can’t Go Back” has been both unexpected and validating. It’s so cool to see the song played in clubs, gyms, and cars. I’m truly fortunate to share my passion for music and connect with listeners who share the same passion.