P.U.D.G.E. is yet another beatsmith to emerge from LA's seemingly bottomless pit of immensely talented producers. His forthcoming LP for the impressive RAMP Recordings sees his productions reach new levels, which are perfectly fitting for long summer days. Knowledge spoke to the man behind the productions to find out a bit more about his imminent LP entitled Idiot Box.

How did you come up with the name P.U.D.G.E?
It originally was a nickname given in high school because I was always extra medium, or less than chubby. Then it morphed into my DJ moniker and eventually emcee name, and since I've been producing I started flipping it into monograms: People. Usually. Don't. Get. Even. Pretty. Ugly. Dirty. Glowing. Energy. Putting. Up. Defenses. 'Gainst. Err...

How did the tracks for the album come about?
Feeling and vibes. I don't think about it too much. Just basically start a one man jam session and when the vibe catches, I go with it.

How has Idiot Box expanded your sound and musical ideas?
It has opened me up to putting whole PROJECTS together. From a continuous theme to relevant vox samples. It was the first time I attempted to make a cohesive project and convey a message through only instrumentals.

Why did you go with the title Idiot Box?
It's a term I've heard used when referring to the television and the effect of the programming on the masses. I was laid off from a pretty mindless job in March 2009 and when I started staying home and working on music during the day, I noticed a ridiculous trend on daytime TV. Talk shows, petty court shows, horrible commercials, and the light bulb went off.

Is Idiot Box a collection of tracks or is it a story of some kind?
It's a collection of tracks that tell a story. If you listen close each beat has a theme and some intentionally placed vocal samples and samples used in the beats.

Because of the quality of production for the tracks do you feel it is best appreciated listening on headphones?
Definitely, for one it was arranged mostly in headphones and the TV shows playing throughout are like subliminal messages being played in the background. After a good meditation and some a tasty beverage, I think it will be best appreciated.

How does Idiot Box differ from your previous work?
It's a little more cerebral than previous projects. The tracks are less of big stadium sounds, and more thought-provoking, analytical type vibes. It will show a slightly different side of my production.

Any personal highlights from the album?
My personal favs would have to be... Everything To Me (the beat and the TV talk show segment in the background fit perfect), the judge show interludes (Price Is Wrong, Whut Happened), and Don't Get Too Huxtable. Those are my standouts, but I'm proud of the whole project.

After such a great release with Dibiase for All City did you feel a certain pressure to on making this album for RAMP or did you not feel there was much pressure?
No, it created a cool anxiety actually. I couldn't wait to see how people responded to it because the response to the All City EP was very positive. So I can't wait to see how people take this full length. I just want folks to sit with it. Top to bottom and see how it makes them feel after listening.

How do you see your music, or do you not even see it in a certain way and it's just something you do?
I see it as what I sent here to do. It comes most natural to me, and it gets a response I will never take for granted. Also it's a great way to spread a message, or your own theories and perspectives to a large amount of folks without seeming preachy.

What does the rest of 2010 hold in store?
Some touring of the US in the summer with my frequent collaborator and sister in music, Voice. She is releasing her second album entitled Gumbo, and I have four tracks on the album. I also have been working as her tour DJ. Looking to get back to Europe in the fall for another tour with Voice and hopefully some gigs in the Europe and the UK. And a few projects that I'm putting together. Big tings a gwan.

Words: Ben Sanders
Photo: Janet E. Dandridge

 

Evil Will Pass by p.u.d.g.e.

• RAMP Recordings
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• P.U.D.G.E.

Related Links:

• 328 Free Drum 'N' Bass Samples
• 871 MB Of Free Samples
• Empire Productions Archive
• Sample CD: Pure Drum And Bass
• Future Loops Release Acoustic DNBass

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