Introducing: Hectic

 

22 Jun 2010

 

 

 

In recent years, Soundcloud has offered a new platform for up-and-coming artists to showcase their talents. Radio DJs also enthusiastically encourage artists to send them music for consideration. With a wealth of talent at the click of a button, Kmag caught up with one of the most exciting unsigned talents, Hectic.

How did you get into dubstep?

I got into dubstep through being a big fan of Horsepower Productions' early recordings through Tempa and then checking out what Skream and Benga were doing a few years later. I use to produce all sorts of electronic music but always favored the darker, bass heavy styles so dubstep really is the perfect kind of music to produce for me.

 

As We Travel by HecticMusic

 

Who are you influences?
 
The Prodigy, Orbital and The Chemical Brothers are the bands that really got me into producing music.

DJ Shadow, Q Bert, A Trak, Craze, Roc Raida and Mix Master Mike are the DJs who got me into DJing and turntablism.

Skream, Benga, Zinc, N-Type, Joker, Mensah and Clipz are the current crop of producers that inspire me right now.   
 
How did you go about producing one of your most recent trackst, Launch?

This one actually started off as a remix for something else I was doing at the time. It had more of a funkier UKG vibe to it originally but then as soon as I came up with the main bass riff everything changed.

The new drums came together pretty quickly after that and then all the other elements just fell into place. This is often how I do my tracks. I start off with the idea for something and then through jamming with different sounds on Ableton Live the finished product is normally something completely different.

 

Launch by HecticMusic

 

Then contrast that to How The Story Goes, two different tracks in terms of genre...

This is something I started working on just after Guru from Gang Starr died. I've always been a massive fan of Gang Starr so at this time all I was listening to was classic Gang Starr records.

I was messing around with looping parts from these records and came up with the bare bones of this track just by beat juggling on the turntables. I then added the beats, bass and synth sounds in Ableton Live after recording the juggling routine live. Anyway, check it out, download it and any feedback / thoughts would be great to hear.

 

How The Story Goes.... by HecticMusic

 

Have you approached any labels?

I am actually due to release an EP called Start Here through We Are Live Records, which is Run Riot's label. It is currently in the finishing stages and should be out late July.


What do you have to offer that's different in the scene?

I think my style is generally a lot different to other dubstep producers at the moment and I'm not afraid to venture into different styles outside of dubstep. I also like to add my own vibe to more pop friendly records like my remixes of Pixie Lott's Boys and Girls and Gravity.

 

Pixie Lott Remixes by HecticMusic

 

What's next for you?

The Start Here EP as I mentioned before is on the immediate horizon and I already have a few new tracks ready for my next release.

What's the best record you've made?

Predator 2, which is on the Start Here EP.

What's the best piece of musical advice you've ever had?

Keep things minimal and don't over clutter an arrangement. Also roll off any low frequencies that you don't need.  

What was the best set you've ever heard?

DJ Shadow at Brixton Academy in 2003.

What was the last non-dubstep album you bought?

Orbital 20.


Who would you like to co-produce with?

Liam Howlett.

What tune would you like to remix?

Anything by Fourtet.

Finally, you have 30 seconds to tell our readers why they should check you out...


I like to think I have a different style to most dubstep producers out there at the moment and even though my tracks may sometimes be minimal they get you straight to the point right away. I will also be releasing a steady stream of remixes and original recordings so people will be getting something fresh from me on a regular basis!

 

Words: Sam Moir

 


    Related Links:

    Like it? Share it!
    Sign up for more with the Kmag weekly newsletter.

    Comments

     

     

     

     

    Latest

    • Dataset Releases Compilation
      Dataset have just released a compilation called Future Sounds of San Diego showcasing some of the most forward thinking bass / electronic music artists from the city's scene.

    • The Parklife Weekender Returns
      The Parklife Weekender, brought to you by the same team behind The Warehouse Project, returns for the third time at Platt Fields Park, Manchester on June 9th and 10th.

    • Amit Plans Exit EP
      Seven months since the release of his album 9 Times, we caught up with Amit to discuss his new Exit EP, Ableton, vocalists and what he has in store for 2012.

    • New Label Profile: Dench
      Dench Recordings is an emerging future bass imprint based out of Swansea, label owner Josh Henshaw explains all and gives away an exclusive free track.

    • Horizons Release Internal Affairs 2
      Neil Monteiro, head of drum & bass label Horizons Music, tells us all about their new Internal Affairs 2 compilation and what else he has in store for us this year.

    • Mind Vortex Guest Mix
      Drum & bass duo are tipped as ones to watch in 2012. We caught up with them to talk about signing to Ram and their debut single, Now It's Time / Hotbox.

    • Podcast 20
      This month the Kmag podcast features new tracks from Tali, Camo & Krooked, Resketch and Joe Syntax in the mix.

    • Warehouse Wax Give Away RadiokillaZ Edit
      To celebrate the release of their latest EP, Kick Up Rumpus by RadioKillaZ, Warehouse Wax are giving away RadioKillaz's edit of The Moog's Jungle Muffin for free.

    • John B Interview
      John B, the most glamourous man in drum & bass, is back with a new album, Light Speed. We met at the launch to find out all about it...

    • MRK1 and Doctor Present Dukebox
      Dubstep / grime producer MRK1 has joined forces with vocalist Doctor to create a new act called Dukebox. MRK1 and Doctor tell us what to expect.

    • Bustrexx Remix Competition
      Drum & bass label Subsphere have launched a remix competition with Quantum that gives you the chance to remix a track from Bustrexx's forthcoming A Common Element EP.

    • Technicolour and Komatic Video
      With releases due on SGN:LTD, Integral, Fokuz, Viper and Spearhead, drum & bass producers Technicolour & Komatic are set for a big year. We caught with them recently to talk about their plans.

    • Dub Police In Store Event
      Dub Police are all set to take over an East London location this month, with a two day in-store event showcasing the very best of what the label has to offer.

    • Glade Festival Returns For 2012
      Andy C, Dub Pistols, Rusko, Sven Vath, Vitalic and many more have been announced as headliners of the magical party that is Glade Electronic Arts Festival.

    • Kasra Mixes FABRICLIVE 62
      Fabric have just announced that Critical Music boss Kasra is to mix the FABRICLIVE 62 CD. Get all the details here.

     

     

    Recommendations

     

    You have successfully unsubscribed from the Knowledge newsletter