Current Value is a name synonymous with cutting-edge, international, electronic music. In addition to his work with Dean Rodell on the Machine Code project, his signature style of gigantic dancefloor obliterating drum & bass has taken him all over the world. Between studio time for his album projects and travelling for gigs, we got him sitting still for a few minutes to catch up with the Kmag crew.

Releasing some of the darkest drum 'n' bass in the spectrum, what inspires you to write such menacing and evil music?
Well, for me it's a personal taste for the sound. It's nothing to do with evil really. I think "intense" or "dense" are more among the terms I'd use as description.

What kind of gear are you using?
Gear I'm using: Nord Modular G2, Mac and PC laptops (I actually have quite a few...), FL Studio, Ableton, Reason (Rewired), Digidesign Mbox Mini. Headphones:
Beyerdynamic DT990 & 770, Ultrasone Pro 750 & 900, Sony MDR 7506, Denon AH D2000 (just to mention some).

I started using hardware like the Akai S01, Atari 1040ST and diverse Roland synths. I found it almost scary how easy it became to make electronic music. To me it doesn't matter much and I'm not a supporter of the whole "hardware vs software" thing, it really depends on your hearing and developed skills to get what you want. Nevertheless I find that studio tools themselves can inspire and influence my approach to creating something.

Gear that's "ultra good and inspiring", like I mentioned above, that I'd like to get my hands on, would be Stax 4070 electrostatic headphones and a decent amp for them!

You have a busy spring and summer of shows lined up, so how do you get pumped up to go on stage?
That's my work! Making and playing out music to the people... and I love it!  I hope it stays that way.

Having worked on a number of LP projects in the past few years, how can you tell when a tune is going towards an album or a single? Does the creative process change?
It doesn't really change much. I'll usually do the 'single' or 'album' adaptations after writing the actual tune - if necessary. Even that in most cases, only affects the arrangement of the song.

It's popping up more and more recently, but how long have you been experimenting with the half-time DnB sound? Why not a few BPM slower to dubstep?
I'm actually doing both nowadays, dubstep and the half step / quarter step stuff. I really like the fact that you don't necessarily have to slow down the BPM to get more space in the music, when playing half step and quarter step in a more-or-less fixed tempo DnB set.

Working extensively with the Subdivision crews, do you have any big projects or collaborations projects we should be watching for?  
Apart from the Current Value album on Subsistenz, I've finished a Machine Code album with Dean Rodell. We've also done a VS with Broken Note, and will be doing another one. Diverse collaborations with Cooh are scheduled as well. There are also a couple brand new CV feat. Snow tracks that are recently signed/in the process of being signed. Further to all that, I want to do more collabs with Limewax soon.

Music has taken you all over the world, but is there anywhere you want to go that you haven't experienced yet? Do you like being on the road, or prefer being at home?
I like both actually - in the right proportions of course! That of course includes playing every weekend... I'd definitely like to go play in Japan.

What is it about drum & bass that has kept you working at it for so long? With your background in music, why not focus more on hardcore, house or other genres?
DnB for me has always done a great job representing fluidity, speed and hypnotization. It has so much to offer both musically and technically that I just couldn't find in other genres.

Anything else you want to tell us about?
Shouts going out to my girlfriend and my little chihuahua girl at home! To the family, and to all the supporters and lovers of good music out there!

Download Subcast 4: Current Value - Back To The Machine Album Edition

Tracklist

1. Cyrag
2. Permafrost
3. Twisted VIP
4. Circuits
5. Pace
6. In The Shell Rmx
7. Lipophil
8. Black Box
9. This World
10. Haze
11. Grade

Free mp3: Cyrag taken from the Back To The Machine album

Words: Ty 'Dubcomm' Metford

 

• Current Value

Related Links:

• Machine Code Interview
• Soundation Releases The Wub Machine
• The World's Biggest Drum Machine?
• MC Eksman on Current TV
• Free Noisia Download

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