So it happens that Response is dropping one of the most direct, mind-altering releases of 2014, on Ingredients. The response? Suitably direct too.
Response can you tell us when ‘Control’ came about? I love this tune and it resonates in many ways.
As with all my tunes, I sat in the studio for a few hours and ‘Control’ was the result.
Some tunes start with a beat, some with a sample, and some with a pad. There’s no exact science to it, I just try and keep it natural as possible.
With ‘Control’ the looped sample was first and the track was built around that. I still try to use hardware when making tunes and Control is no different. I did the vocals via a vocoder on a Novation Nova, through a s**t mic. Then distorted like f**k through the desk. I never thought anyone would be stupid enough to release a tune with me on vocals, but Clive has a habit of surprising me!
I did jokingly ask him if he could get me any work as an MC… don’t think he’s had any enquiries!
How do you capture things day to day, to go into music? Write it down, hum into a portable recorder… ? or does it happen all in the studio?
I do try to note down samples when I hear them, that’s as far any form of planning goes. Otherwise it’s just get in the studio and see what happens. Make music from the heart and work hard, let the rest sort itself out.
Can I ask about ‘SOS’?
I sent an early draft to Clive with a Lee scratch Perry sample in it, talking some s**t. He said lose the leprechaun and he would sign it. So Lee got scratched!
Can we find you gigging about? Can you tell us what you draw live?
I am playing in Cardiff on 19th Sept, and Fabric on 26th Sept. I still try to play vinyl, as I like the format. Just put a varied selection in the bag and see where the set or crowd take you. Again not an exact science, just try and play good music.
What album session of any genre or era would you have loved to have seen the recording of and why, what do you imagine went down?
Would be good to sit in a studio with Carl Craig or Drexciya. Anything by them two would be interesting to watch. I can imagine it being a nice, calm, drug free affair with music coming straight from the heart, with a lot of hard work involved.