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08 Nov 2012

 

 

SMD

 

Kmag catches up with SMD to find out about his debut release and how he got started in the drum & bass scene...

 

You've just released your first tune, Jokers Grade...
I actually made Jokers Grade years ago when I was at college when I was producing tunes in my spare time. It wasn't until recently I decided to properly touch it up and the end results were great. It's being released by Cruel Intentions, which is owned by DJ Offset. When he heard the tune he got in touch straight away and asked to sign it.

 

 

How did you get involved in the drum & bass scene?

I heard an old Pendulum set back in the day and just couldn't get enough. I must have listened to that set over 100 times. I then started going to raves and experiencing the music on big systems which is when I decided I wanted to produce dnb.

 

What goes through your mind when making a tune?
The way I look at it is it's like building a house. If you've got a solid base i.e. a solid low end, the house won't fall down as you build upon it. It's best to work your way up through the frequencies - bass to treble, especially when mixing down a track. I primarily make jump up but I'm looking to expand and start producing other genres of drum & bass too.

 

Do you have any advice for other up and coming producers trying to break in to the scene?
One word - networking! It's not what you know, but who you know. Another piece of advice is to not hold your music back, the best thing you can do is send it out to get feedback. A fresh pair of ears will have a better opinion on your track than you will often do.

 

From where do you take inspiration?
Linkin Park are a personal favourite, simply because of how they merge lots of genres together. Their production is always solid. I'm also quite into deep house and love a lot of the sounds that seem to be coming out of that side of EDM. In the drum & bass scene it would have to be Heist, Original Sin, Taxman, Tyke, Harvest and Dominator. Big ups to them, they've definitely been a big influence.

 

What's lined up for the future?
I've got a lot more tunes in the pipeline. Cruel Intentions are releasing an EP in December which will include another release from me, so keep your eyes open for it!

 


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