Features

Maztek

The European drum and bass scene continues to go from strength to strength, bringing a number of new labels and artists to the fore and helping to shape the future of the genre.

None more so than the mighty Maztek, co-founder of pioneering Italian label, Subculture. Known for his hard hitting, dark tech style, and relentless work ethic, this is one producer bound for big things.

Maztek set up Subculture with fellow pioneers Kalu and MC Shot, intent on promoting new talent, and pushing the European scene forward on the international circuit.

With over 25 releases since 2006 it's clear these guys mean business. We caught up with Maztek to chat about the label, the international scene and the promising future.

When did Subculture begin and why was it set up?

Subculture Recordings was born in 2006 but it all started a year earlier when we launched a drum & bass collective called Subculture dnb, which was about joining up various crews from different parts of Italy. After a while we realised we had the same trouble getting signed on international labels so we decided to produce our own music on our label.

You've signed a variety of artists from across Europe in the last couple of years - what would you say it takes to make it into the Subculture family?

I think an artist must be original and we're always looking for potential artists that have just started producing but have great potential. For vinyl releases we always focus on established artists because they have a better sound and they know how to make it work, but we're always looking for new artists and we start releasing them digitally first. We're always up for receiving demos from new producers as well.

And what tips and advice would you give those trying to make it into the big time, what is important for a successful producer?

I think the most important thing for a producer is that they find their own sound, so that people can recognise the personal sound of that artist.

You've been kind enough to provide us with an exclusive set - what are the inspirations behind your sets and selections?

I was inspired by the new drum & bass trend of the moment: minimal sound, atmospherics, and futuristic, but also funk and old school techstep. Usually when I play live I look at the people and try to understand what they want at that moment.

So how would you define your overall style in production then?

I think my production is a mix between hard and sweet sounds, I love to merge mellow melodies with hard basslines and drums or epic sounds with futuristic or industrial ones. I think in drum & bass there is a great possibility for using different things or different styles just in one tune. It is cool to merge dubstep or breakbeat with drum & bass too, the important thing is that the tune has to sound good and to fascinate the listeners and dancers.

Can you tell me a bit about your studio set up, what pieces of equipment couldn't you live without?

My PC and my guitar of course, I don't like using a keyboard to record MIDI patterns because I play guitar and this is my instrument. So I have a MIDI converter for guitar. I cannot live without those things to write music and I cannot live without my monitors and audiocard. I want to buy some analogue synths in a future like a Virus or a Roland too, and some compressor hardware to make better masters.

You were in several bands in the early years, are you ever tempted to go back and take this route?

Yes, I'm always thinking of doing this and maybe merging the dnb experience in a rock band and I'm starting to do this by making some dnb with female singers. I wish that my sound was more musical so I am working on this.

What artists would you like to collaborate with in the future?

First of all Noisia, I really like their sound. I'm working on a new collaboration with Future Signal and I have started a new tune with Optiv. I like Optiv's sound and that kind of drum & bass in general. I'd also like to make a tune with Prolix or State Of Mind too. Then there is the new school, I like Phace's sound and many others like Spor, Apex or Ewun, but sometimes that sound is too electronic. I prefer something more analogue or instrumental.

What have been your biggest releases to date?

On the digital side the biggest has been the New Dimension EP with epic tracks such as 2012, Electric Rain, Funk Revolution and Abandon. It's still selling even though it was our fist release. The same for vinyl, best tune is Subculture 01 with me and N.phect. The third release out soon is doing very well on promo so we're pretty confident it will be a new record!

What kind of genres and artists do you listen to outside of dnb?

I like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Incubus but I always listen to reggae music or hip hop. I have no limits with hearing music, I just need to feel some vibes.

Where have you played that you'll never forget?

First of all Rome. In two years the scene has grown enormously, it's always a pleasure to play there - a lot of people and big clubs too. Milan or Bologna in the north are cool too. I'll never forget Berlin - it's a young town and I always get inspired when I go there, lots of ideas. I also like Cologne and I had a great time in Budapest. I have had many requests from the East or from Russia. We're planning to make a Subculture party in Holland in April too, that will be amazing.

You have obviously worked tirelessly to get Subculture where it is today, what are your hopes for the future?

The label is still growing and I hope to reach the level of the most important European labels. When I see a Vision, Subtitles or Citrus release I usually think "quality for sure", so I hope to make people think the same thing. As an artist I hope to release many quality collaborations on Subculture and just keep collecting my vinyls for when I am old!

What do you have coming out soon?

Our release schedule is always pretty busy; on vinyl look out for the new Subculture 04 featuring Maztek & Future Signal. Then the fifth with Maztek and Malsum when our sound will be go a little deeper. Then the sixth is a big remix but we don't want to reveal too much!

Words: Chris Carruthers

Download Maztek's exclusive mix for Knowledge Magazine.

Tracklisting