Albums: the ultimate challenge for every producer. A true opportunity to reveal your full spectrum. No longer just bangers for the dancefloor; an album allows the artist to weave a more subtle web with narrative dynamics, highs, lows and total surprises.
That’s if they get it right, however. And so many don’t. Especially in electronic music. But if there’s one label who really bring the album out of their artists, it’s Hospital Records. Just ask Logistics, he’s penned four of them in the last six years. The latest, Fear Not, was released last week.
“When I was first making music I’d make as much stuff as possible and pick what I thought were the best tracks,” he explains. “Now I have more of an idea of the theme and vibe I want to put across. So in that respect it does get harder. I still think making music is as fun as ever… It never feels like a challenge, but it feels a lot harder in terms of thinking about exactly what I want to put out there.”
In the case of Fear Not, it’s mission complete; a 20 track escapade packed with vibrant highs, pensive lows, steaming, salubrious rollers we’ve come to expect from Hospital and a few cheeky tempo surprises.
“I’ve always made lots of different styles,” he explains. “I started out making two-step! So for me it’s nothing new – but this is the first time a lot of it is getting out there. I’ve always wanted to put different styles on albums so it’s nice to be able to do this. When I first signed up to Hospital on my first album I was like ‘right, I want to use interludes and different tempos’ and they were like ‘no, it’s got to be drum & bass tracks!’ It didn’t happen! Finally on the fourth album, we’re getting there…”
Four albums deep and Logistics is still tweaking his formula for the perfect longer player. We thought we’d ask him what exactly constitutes a magic album. And what are his ultimate three never-be-without LPs.
“What makes a magic album? It’s difficult! A lot of things are attached to personal experience and memories,” he says. “One of my favourites is Cassius 99. It’s not on my list but I took it on a holiday and played it nonstop for two weeks… So that will always sound great to me. Variety is always key. It’s a fine balance between playing something new that also sounds kinda familiar. It needs its own character and atmosphere to it, and that’s very hard to define. It’s a very personal thing. It comes down to what you’re into.”
And these three albums below suit Logistics the best. We’ve picked one highlight from each… But you should really check the whole albums, if you haven’t already!
Logistics Fear Not is out now. Listen and download.
Goldie – Timeless
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYzf_DvXSMM
“I still think this is the best drum & bass album to date. It’s a tough one between this and Reprazent New Forms. Both albums have got a real vibe to them. You immediately understand and hear the Metalheadz sound and the Full Cycle sound – there’s no mistaking them.”
Stevie Wonder – Songs in the key of life
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sIjSNTS7Fs
“This is as perfect as it gets. I can’t put my finger on what makes it so good. Just brilliant songwriting. All of this is in your subconscious subliminally; you already know it without realising. I used to work in a bar and I’d play this every day… Get in at midday and play this for the first hour I’m in. Instant classic.”
Cinematic Orchestra – Every Day
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rMKlE6A99Ug
“Another album I used to listen to at the same time as Stevie. Brilliant song writing. It keeps your attention throughout but you can switch off to it as well. Highly, highly recommended!”
