On the eve of a huge new compilation from Nora En Pure’s label Purified Records, DMCWORLD grabs a world exclusive with up and coming Scottish producer Boy North who has two exciting tracks on the release…
Tell us a little bit about how you got into electronic music?
Well music in general was huge part of my life from a very young age. My Dad worked as a radio DJ, so that alone had a big part to play as I was introduced to many different genres from his enormous catalogue of vinyl, which I taught myself to DJ on Soul, Disco and Funk to name a few. Growing older I was always fascinated with the likes of Calvin Harris, Daft Punk, Justice and Pendulum etc. but the moment I really fell in love with it was around the time I first heard Lane 8’s ‘Rise’ album, I knew from the minute I started listening that this was the direction I wanted to take my music, and still to this day the Album and his music are a huge inspiration to me and my writing.
Can you tell us what role the Scottish music scene played in getting into dance music? Any stand out memories of club shows there?
I started gigging back home in Morayshire in the north of Scotland, I think as an area there was never really much of a scene apart from bar gigs etc. Inverness and Aberdeen was probably the first places I was introduced to an actual “scene”. It wasn’t really until I moved to Edinburgh in 2016 where I worked my way up in the scene to land some great slots, playing nights like FLY, Hectors House and Odyssey where I was lucky enough to support some huge industry names such as Darius Syrossian, Camelphat and Sonny Fodera. The only trouble with the Edinburgh scene was that there was never really a Melodic House/Techno nights, which is why I went onto start my own night “Utopia” to give people the opportunity to enjoy the music which I felt the city was lacking.
What artists have inspired you the most in music in general?
Besides the previously mentioned, the likes of Nora En Pure, Ben Böhmer, Tale Of Us and Anything on the This Never Happened/Afterlife/Anjunadeep roster usually sits very well with me!
Can you name a couple of your favourite gigs so far?
I’ve played some incredible parties and events all across Scotland. The Scottish crowd is always known for being a lively one, and supporting some of these great names was unforgettable! Personally, the small sweaty club nights have always the best up until this point! Cabaret Voltaire and Sneaky Petes in Edinburgh are prime locations for these kinda raves, always feels a lot more personal to me that way, especially when you get to drop your own tracks! No better feeling!
Congratulations on not one, but two songs coming out on Nora En Pure’s Purified Records. Can you tell us about how this came about and what the process was like for you?
Thank you so much! Purified’s brand has always been a massive influence to me. The music, the artists and just generally the whole vibe. I remember listening to Nora’s music for the first time at a pre drinks at my old flat in the centre of Edinburgh and was instantly was blown away. I knew that one day I’d love to have something signed to her label and to be sitting here now saying it has happened is absolutely mind blowing! I actually found a screenshot on my phone a few nights back that I’d sent to a friend to tell them to listen to one of the Purified Fragments, and now I have two tracks coming out on Friday on the latest one! I wrote both tracks during the first lockdown and knew that they would be a good fit for Purified – it was a little while as it always is to hear back from bigger labels and I’m glad I kept patient and waited on a reply, it paid off! From start to finish the label have been amazing, big shout to Abel, Nora’s right hand man, for helping make all this happen so smoothly.
Stream/purchase link: https://purifiedrecords.lnk.to/PurifiedRecords
Tell us a little bit about the productions and what the production process was like. Who did you work with on the vocals?
With these two tracks I approached them slightly differently to my others up until that point. I wanted to write something a bit more energetic, but still keeping it as emotive as my other releases. Was a lot of fun writing the more driving drums and grooved basslines, something which I’ve continued to do on more recent projects. The vocal on ‘A.D.I.A’ is actually a sample I had found, and it fit right into the track, which for a producer is always a nice feeling! And on ‘Break Me’ I had the pleasure of working with a vocal by the amazing Lovlee!
If you could put on your own show, who would be on the lineup and where would it take place?
I ran my own night here in Edinburgh for a while, I also believe its incredibly important to support local talent too, both male and female. There are some incredible female producers and DJs, as well as males that are coming out of Scotland right now! But if we are talking of a huge event I think we can get some idea of who I’d want there haha! But also some great up-and-coming artists I’d have to add to the line up would be the likes of Blueprint, JamesID, Tibasko, Mac & Ward and Ariose. Location wise I think somewhere incredible like where Cercle hold their events, some of the settings are truly breathtaking.
For other producers out there, do you have any tips on getting your music heard & signed?
I think especially right now with having no club scene etc. your approach on getting your music out there is absolutely key. I think really knowing the label and its previous releases really helps. Don’t just write a track and send it to 10 big labels. Start off much like you approach starting off as a DJ. Start off small and start sending to some smaller labels you like. These labels need your help just as much as you do theirs. Even self-releasing to start isn’t a bad way to go. Then gradually as your sound starts to progress the attention progresses too. You could get in contact with some artists you like, write up polite message asking if its possible to send some music over to them. Some may not reply but if you don’t ask you don’t get! I’m always very happy to take time to give feedback on demos that are sent over. We have all been there at some point! Also BBC Introducing has helped me massively in my journey – the website allows you to upload your music for consideration for your local BBC radio stations and even Radio 1!
Post-lock down, what DJs, clubs or events are you most excited to attend?
Honestly at this stage I’ll attend anything and everything I can! The music scene for myself and many other is such a release, so I’m DYING to get back out there! Main place for me will be Ibiza though, it’s my home away from home! Many things about that Island just make it such a special special place for me, I will be on that first plane over once its opened up again!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thanks so so much for having me! And I really hope everyone enjoys the releases when they are here Friday!!
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