Having cemented his place as one of the most exciting and versatile producers in the scene with releases like Another Year, View Catcher and Depths among others, Anile is becoming a name synonymous with breathtaking production and a unique signature vibe.
Signed exclusively to Med School earlier this year, he’s just released his debut EP on the label, and it’s simply lush. With a debut album in the works, it’s an exciting time for the talented producer. We hit him up for a chat about the EP, upcoming album and more…
Thanks for joining us Matt! The Losing My Mind EP just dropped on Med School – big up! Was it tough to approach your first EP for the label and did you have a specific idea how you wanted to approach it initially?
Well to be honest when I made the tracks that feature on the EP, I got in the studio and just let the ideas flow. I never really find myself setting out to shape a particular track before I sit down. It certainly helps as it keeps the production versatile and can be a very exciting way of producing rather than using the same ideas and similar samples each time, there never much logic or thinking involved, it has to come naturally.
You’ve had 4 releases on the label before – How did you hook up with the Med School lot initially?
I used to send tracks unsigned through to the guys in the office a lot, and it happened to be a lucky batch I suppose as Change Of Direction got picked in 2010 I believe and went on to achieve great things not just with Med School but also Sony. I had been buying a lot of Med School tracks before I got involved so I already had a lot of respect for them. Hooking up was personally a huge achievement and still to date means a lot.
Was signing to the label always the goal?
No not in any way intentionally. I had always felt the need to be a part of a camp. Dealing with so many cut throat labels in the past it only made me want to achieve a position with a respected label who respect their artists first and foremost more so than ever.
Straight to the EP itself: It’s sublime! The title track is entrenched with romantic vocals and a wicked vibe – probably my favorite off the EP. I have to ask, where is that lush vocal from?
A pirate never reveals his treasure…
Cheeky! 😉 Time Like Mine – It’s emotive, atmospheric, and embodies the characteristics of a classic liquid roller. What strikes me about your tunes is that there is a certain simplicity to them, but at the same time there are so many intricate layers within the tracks – what would you say the most labour-intensive part of producing a track is for you?
I feel the most intensive part of producing for me is allowing the track to breathe. The fine balance of keeping things simple yet still filling the track with texture is very hard to do. The mid range frequencies are so important in drum & bass. People spend too much time on focusing on mix downs rather than vibe these days and that’s what makes certain producers stand out from others.
To Live Without – again a contender for my fave track off the EP. The way the vocal loop and piano are sprinkled throughout it and how it progresses is just so suave. What was the inspiration behind this tune and what was the title based on?
Again I wasn’t influenced by much at the time as I try to make a point of not listening to too much d&b in and around the time I’m in the studio, but the more I listen to it certainly reminds of old Commix, Lomax sounding.
What is something you simply couldn’t live without?
I couldn’t live without tea, the Mrs and Pearl Jam!!
We hear a debut album is on the cards for the future – has work on that already begun?
Yes in deed, I’ve already compiled a number of tracks no more than draft versions to choose from. All sounding very versatile and different from anything I’ve really produced in the past. It’s more of an intelligent sounding project right now and tracks that are deep and emotive!
Any idea when we can expect a release?
I would imagine no later than middle of next year, Im hoping to have the entire project finished this end by March 2015 ready for mastering etc.. So it’s really not far away at all.
Can’t wait for that! Does your mood affect what you’re producing at the time? If so, what does the Losing My Mind EP tell us about your headspace at the time it was made?
Yeah hugely. My emotions really affect the state of what I producing in the studio. When I was making the EP I felt at home, feet on the floor and stable. The signing really helped me musically to achieve what I’ve always wanted.
Now on to something I’ve wondered for quite some time – Where did the name ‘Anile’ come from? I’ve found a definition online: Resembling a doddering old woman… please explain 😉
You know this question always gets asked and to be honest my answer never changes as I have no idea where it came from. I actually can’t remember when and why I choose it. It’s certainly something different and cant attract some great connotations.
How old were you when you first started mixing/ producing?
I first started out back in the early 2000’s spinning vinyl and buying everything I could afford. Producing I started back in 2009. My first signing to Loxy’s label Cylon with a track titled ‘Orthodox’ was one of my first proper tracks I produced and it instantly got whipped up and done the damage. I was thrown in the deep end and made a lot of mistakes but learnt from them and here I am! Haha!
Did you always know you wanted to produce music or did you have other ideas in mind for your future?
Yeah music is really the only thing I’ve ever strived to be a part of. I grew up in a musical house and everything revolves around it to this day. I met the Mrs at a drum & bass rave and that was 10 years ago now and we still go out to enjoy ourselves at random dances.
Production aside is your love of dj-ing as strong as ever? Do you still mix in your own time or is your time generally taken up by production nowadays?
Yeah I love mixing, that’s something that’s been a huge part of my life since growing up on 1210’s. Again I like to try and find a fine balance but there are a lot of times where I can’t be arsed to sit in front of a screen so the alternative is to have a mix. I always mix with a cup of tea at home too. Haha!
What have been your favourite releases of your own over the years?
I’m impressed with a lot of releases I’ve put out over the years. For me the EP really stands clear for me as it’s a physical achievement which no one can take away for me. I’d also be lying if the Soul:R release didn’t make me proud. That meant a lot too.
You’re often spotted showing your support and sticking around after your sets – Do you still attend gigs as a raver? If so what was last gig you went to?
Recently I haven’t been able to get out as much as I’d like due to work & studio commitments, but It’s something I like to do from time to time. Although I’m only 28 I was out pretty much out every weekend in London, Brighton and local gigs raving at random nights so I haven’t missed anything at all. What little time I have to relax I’d rather spend it with the Mrs and go out for dinner or take a trip to Canterbury in a more chilled out environment.
As 2014 comes to an end it’s a good time to reflect on the last 12 months. What have been some highlights of this past year for you?
Obviously signing to Med School was a huge step into the right direction. Having ‘Requiem’ featured on the Hospital Records album (We Are 18) and releasing ‘Depths’ on Soul:R.
Got any new years resolutions?
Keep fit and carry on smiling.
Final shouts?
Shouts to everyone at the Purple gates, The Mrs for putting up with me and of course everyone who supports me in what I love to do!
The Losing My Mind EP is out now. Get it from the Hospital Shop or iTunes.
Follow Anile on Facebook, Twitter, SoundCloud.
