Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I’m based in Melbourne, Australia. The music scene here is really cool. There’s a lot of really dope electronic stuff going on and some real cool hip hop acts i’m into. I feel like Australian music kind of exists in it’s own bubble but creatively I feel like we can compete worldwide. There’s so much talent here it’s crazy.
How and when did you first start playing music?
I first started producing beats in high school, when I was around 15-16. I downloaded a cracked version of FL Studio and was making shitty hip hop beats and trying to get myspace rappers to record to them. I kept experimenting and started messing with different genres and sounds and just kept going from there.
Your new single ‘Aint The One’ is out now, where and when did you record?
We wrote and recorded this in my studio in Melbourne. I started this from scratch with Maddy (the vocalist) and a songwriter friend of ours Mark (New Haven). We literally did the basic production and most of the vocal recording in one day, and had another session just to do extra stuff later but most of it came together really quickly.
What influenced the sound and songwriting for ‘Aint The One’?
We wanted to do something with a real throwback vibe. Something super influenced by 90s R&B which I love and grew up on. I just wanted the whole thing to feel nostalgic.
Please describe the recording process:
We recorded a lot of the vocals as we were writing, then came back and re-recorded bits that needed to be tightened up. Maddy’s such a dope vocalist the whole process was super easy.
How do you usually go about writing music?
It really depends from song to song. Because i’m a producer and don’t write lyrics or do vocals I always prefer to get in the studio with an artist or songwriter and create a vibe. Sometimes i’ll make beats on my own the send them to people and try get vocalists on them, but I always prefer creating music with people in the room. It pushes you to make the song better and you can bounce of each others energy and ideas in the studio.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Right now i’m listening to a lot of Chance The Rapper, and Daniel Ceasar’s stuff is really dope too.
What do you like to do outside of music?
Honestly nothing too much. I work full time as a music producer and do recording, and mixing work for artists too so even when i’m not working on ILLSTRTD stuff i’m in the studio most the time. In my time off i’m usually just chilling with my girlfriend or with mates.
What do you have planned for the remainder of 2018 going into 2019?
Just work on as much music as possible. I’ve got a bunch of demos i’m trying to finish off so we can keep putting out songs! Hopefully line up some live shows soon too.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
That’s a tough one haha. Favourite food is probably Viet food. Nothing better than a big bowl of Pho or some broken rice and pork.
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