Episodes
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I first came across Max Cooper around the time of his last album, One Hundred Billion Sparks. The lead single, Hope, defies simple categorisation, at once ethereal and ecclesiastical, and yet with the throbbing subs and high-end sizzle of a track designed for the dance-floor. The dance-floor never gets its drop, but instead ‘Hope’ unravels into a meditation on beauty, where minutes pass in a few quick breaths.
When experienced with its accompanying video, ‘Hope’ acts a useful introduction to Max as an artist. He’s curious, always incorporating new ideas and concepts, whether they come from science or personal experience. He’s a collaborator, working with visual artists, not as a PR afterthought, but as a central pillar from which his work extends. And he’s not afraid, remaining true to his own path, regardless of how lonely that journey might be.
Even if his music were trash I’d respect the guy’s approach to creativity, but thankfully Max’s music flourishes in the fertile environment he’s cultivated. I headed to his studio in Honor Oak Park to hear more about his musical journey, from growing up in Northern Ireland, to Nottingham and on to London. From academic to music producer, the rigor and curiosity remains a constant.
For track-list and Sound Sources head to the show page.
http://www.soundmotives.net/project/episode-5-max-cooper/
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At the end of June 2018, in the midst of world cup fever, I caught the overground south from Dalston Junction to visit Paul White, a producer whose work I’ve been a fan of for nearly a decade. First emerging as a leader of of the British beats scene of the late noughties releasing on One Handed Music alongside artists such as Bullion and Mo Kolours, Paul White’s take on instrumentals often sampled the weirder, dustier corners of his considerable record collection, from 70s Polish jazz fusion through to prog rock. Since those beginning, Paul’s frequently collaborated with MCs, first on his ‘Rapping With Paul White’ project, and later with Detroit’s Danny Brown, LA’s Open Mic Eagle, and as one half of Golden Rules, alongside Florida MC, Eric Biddines.
In recent years, Paul’s sound has moved away from sampling as he’s developed new ways of creating. Through re-learning various instruments including the piano and guitar, Paul’s embraced more traditional songwriting practices, albeit with an equally broad palette of influences, as his sophomore solo album ‘Rejuvenate’ demonstrates.
During Paul’s Sound Motives episode we discuss his journey in music from childhood influences and working with his rap heroes, through to prioritising an honest creative journey, in the face of commercial pressures to continue with the tried and tested techniques of his earlier work.
http://www.soundmotives.net/project/episode-4-paul-white/
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Missing episodes?
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Earlier this summer, I had the chance to speak with Mala, a DJ, producer, promotor and record label owner from south London, who over the last decade, has played a central role in the development of the dubstep scene. Both his own productions as Mala, and those as Digital Mystikz alongside Coki, are sited as some of the key releases that defined those early days of the genre, and his record label, Deep Medi, has catalogued releases from many of the scene's innovators over the past 10 years. His now legendary club night, DMZ, alongside FWD, has played a seminal role in incubating the genre from it's early form through to today. Despite dubstep's ever-morphing progression and partial shift into the mainstream through EDM, Mala has remained true to his own personal vision. He's expanded his horizons, and developed both as an artist and a person through his solo album projects which explore the musical and cultural traditions of other countries, firstly Cuba in 2011, and now Peru, fusing them with his south London sound system-focused productions. In this episode of Sound Motives, we explore Mala's early influences from jungle to Augustus Pablo, his perspectives on the emergence of dubstep, his relationship with the dance floor and club culture, and how the future looks.
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In June, I had the opportunity to speak with Silas Moldenhawer, better known as one half of Danish electronic production duo, Kenton Slash Demon. Having first discovered them back in 2010 through their Tartelet Records releases, and later, as part of When Saints Go Machine, these Copenhagen producers were at the top of my wish list for the Sound Motives project right from the beginning. In episode 2, Silas discusses how the group came about, their early musical influences, and the artists that used sampling in ways that have inspired their work... whilst also touching on the Compenhagen scene, the pressures of expectation, and how he feels about having his work remixed. Along the way, there are some fascinating 'Sound Sources' including Steve Reich, Axel Boman, the Dubsided label and art collective Dark Matters. Sky Dancer is out now on Future Classic Waa Industry, with more releases coming soon. Enjoy!
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On episode one of Sound Motives, drummer, producer, and Ghostly International recording artist, Zac 'Shigeto' Saginaw talks about what influences have shaped his sound, discussing his hometown of Ann Arbor, and his experiences growing up near Detroit. He talks about his musical beginnings, the challenges involved in performing live as an electronic artist, and the dangers of getting sick of your own work. These discussions are framed around 'Sound Sources' from Shigeto's upbringing; tracks and influences which have shaped his musical journey so far, alongside productions of his own.
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