M-soul & S27 – AKA Kenny & Nick, in that order – took time out from their production-intensive day to guide us through the conception of the weighty ‘My Hustle/Part of the Plan’… and drew some nice personal choices in the process too.
Hi, straight off, can we talk about ‘My Hustle’? I love the lyrics on this: ‘so dense it’s drawing all the gravity’… wicked.
Nick: Actually it’s a rather old project from us, that we wrote a while ago. When we we’re digging up some old projects to have some fun in the studio, we stumbled upon it again and thought we’d give it another go.
Because we’d done a tune with Pete AKA P-Fine recently for Halogen Music, we thought his vocals could enhance the moody atmosphere in the tune.
What does ‘Part of the Plan’ means? What’s the plan??
Kenny: Actually it has no meaning for us, it’s just that I’m kind of a comic freak and it’s something the ‘Joker’ said in ‘The Dark knight movie’.
Plus titles are always hard for us!
In general, when did you guys start producing D&B and what inspired you to? You are a great example of what happens when you follow your heart and be unique as that’s what you are.
Kenny: We started four years ago, first both solo, but after a few years we decided to work together.
We’re from the same city and we knew each other before, and making music with two or playing at gigs is way more fun then alone in our opinions.
Nick: The partnership also allows us to make more music, and be more creative. When one of us is stuck at a tune, the other finish it, or the other way around.
Who in D&B and beats in general inspires you?
Nick: Artists who immediately come to me when talking about D&B are Skeptical, Arkaik, Amoss, Gerra & Stone, Fre4knc, Transparent, Mystic State. Always a difficult question though.
Really into techno as well lately, especially tunes from Recondite, Alan Fitzpatrick and stuff like that. And then there’s also hip hop.
Kenny: Yeah, Skeptical for sure when it comes to D&B. We both love so many different music styles.
What’s the best thing you have ever witnessed in D&B?
Nick: We played a dub from us at a Halogen Music night recently, which is forthcoming on a certain label. The reaction from the crowd and the other DJs in the booth was amazing, even though nobody knew the tune was a dub from us. Wicked feeling!
Kenny: Probably the first time I went to Starwarz when I was 16 or so, Belgium’s finest D&B event.
What’s your favourite aspect about production… is it easier now that in past, due to technology?
Nick: For me, perhaps it would be the moment you feel a tune is coming together the way you really wanted it. When the foundation of a tune is solid, it’s a real pleasure to work out all the details and create a tune you like.
Kenny: I’m in love with the mixdown, to be honest.
I guess it’s easier now to start with producing: all you need is a computer and some good headphones…
What tunes are delivering for you right now?
Nick: The Arkaik remix from ‘Red Powder’ by Bredren really blew me away the first time I heard it, and still does actually.
Besides that, the Imperial ep is amazing, especially ‘Delusions of Grandeur’ really has that special touch that’s typical for Skeptical.
Kenny: ‘Instant Reflex’ from Skeptical, Love everything about that tune. And Kiril ‘XXX’ on Alchemic breaks is killing me too atm.
What’s next?
Nick: Really excited about the forthcoming releases that are coming out on labels who promote the style of D&B that we love.
Don’t know if we can say something about it, but we’re really pleased with those signings. More info soon.