Artifact has been massively busy this year with releases on Dutty Audio and Addictive Behaviour… the latter being one crux of this interview: it WAS their birthday yesterday after all! Artifact celebrated in style by taking over the mix – see at end – and, well let’s let Artifact himself take it on from there…
I feel that 2014 has been a cracker for you, what’s been happening?
2014 has certainly been an incredible year for me. I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by theamount of positive responses I’ve received for my music, from fans and great contacts within the scene. During my travels in 2013, I decided to dedicate 2014 primarily to refining the ‘Artifact sound’.
I’ve been totally immersed in sharpening my productions with every new release and it’s already beginning to pay off with bookings and heavy releases set for 2015.
You’ve got a killer sound, what sort of things inspire you within D&B?
Appreciated! For me, inspiration is everything. I need a concept that resonates deeply with me before I can physically begin any track. I take the greatest inspiration from what is happening across the world today, but I am also influenced by my eclectic music collection and books.
For example, ‘Withdrawal’ was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’ and specifically society’s enslavement by pharmaceutical companies… “You Need More.”
Back to ‘Withdrawal’ later… but regarding tunes what are some that people should look for of yours that best sum up what you ‘do’… ie your xfactor?
My latest two releases ‘Surveillance’ (Dutty Audio) and ‘Withdrawal’ (Addictive Behaviour) are prime examples of two conceptual tracks which combine densely packed soundscapes with highly energetic arrangements, contributing to the Artifact sound.
I love contrasting natural with synthetic sounds and bridging gaps with other genres… I’m currently working on a dark, blues-rock inspired number.
Tell us about the hookup with Addictive Behaviour? How did it happen?
I contacted the label with ‘Withdrawal’ shortly after ‘Surveillance’ dropped on BTK’s label and a few weeks later they expressed their desire to work with me as an artist.
I met Clayton and Neil shortly after in London where we discussed the Birthday/Xmas giveaway (below) plus what’s also shaping up to be a very exciting 2015 release!
And I believe that they have recently crossed a certain milestone?
The 16th of December 2014 marks the label’s first birthday… but it feels like they’ve been around alot longer with their impressive roster of artists, like Minor Rain, L 33, TR Tactics to name a few. With backgrounds in PR and events the owners definitely know how to run a successful label and I’m sure we can expect a great future for Addictive Behaviour.
Where can we hear the Addictive Behaviour sound live? This applies to any country… I guess I’m asking where are some global hotspots for the label too.
2015 will see Addictive Behaviour throwing their very first label party in their hometown of London. Some global events where you’re likely to hear Addictive’s tunes being dropped include Eatbrain in Budapest – big up Jade, The Cross Club, Prague, Let it Roll events plus many more…
What’s something, just one little snapshot of the last year for you that really sums up why you love D&B and why you got into it to start with?
One recent highlight of the year was being invited to the Drum & Bass Arena Awards. I’ve been into D&B since I was 12 or 13 years old and I’ve always dreamed of giving something back to the scene I love. Now people are relating to my music I can honestly say I love it even more.
You took the reigns for the AB birthday podcast (below), can you curate what went in here?
I was sent a great deal of new & unreleased tracks from fellow producers and I spent a while picking what was best suited to the mix – including a couple of my own. I was very particular with the track selection and the structure of the set… balancing heavy neurofunk double drops with cooler stripped-back sections, to maintain interest.
Any shouts to sign off, Artifact?
Huge shouts to everyone from Mindtech, Nocid Business and Addictive Behaviour!
Big up BTK, Trilo, and Minor Rain for the support!