Cowlam returns to action with Sheffield, UK-based label Sequence Music on their 22nd release titled ‘Paradise’. Cowlam has started 2021 in the same fashion as he left 2020, delivering his relentless powerfully emotive cinematic techno. This release is no different, in fact arguably his biggest yet, so we sat down with Cowlam to find out more about the release and what else he has in store in 2021.
Firstly congratulations on the new EP – such a powerful release, we feel it is your most complete piece of music to date. How are you feeling about this one?
Hi guys thanks for having me back on for another great interview, I’m feeling pretty good about this release firstly being my biggest vocal track to date I’m pleased with the work I’ve put into it and the feedback and support from it.
How did this EP come about with Sequence Music?
I had been in regular contact with Jason over the past few months beforehand and had expressed my interest in getting a release on the label, a few demos later we had the ep lined up, also being the first UK artist on the label made it a great feeling.
What was the inspiration behind each track?
Paradise – This track came towards the back end of last year when productions were still hot off the press for me, I wanted to make a darker more melodic track, and with this came a strong instrumental, I then thought I needed some vocals for such a powerful piece hence when I sent it over to my good friend Marco and paradise was created.
Vibrations – As you have probably heard with some of my last releases on the likes of Pervhertz and Uxoa Dutxa. I love hard-driving rumbling basslines while forming a unique style I like to play, hence where the name vibrations stems from. When everything opens back up hopefully the name will do it justice.
How did you work on the vocals with Marck for Paradise?
My process with vocals is pretty much the same each time I go to create a vocal track…I send over the instrumental to Mark. His unique voice mainly being a pop vocalist really gives tracks the extra edge they need. Once sent I usually just give any vocalist free reign over the full tracks and in this instance he came back with the demo for Paradise which was perfect.
Was there any difference in approach from previous EP’s when creating this one?
With all my projects I go into making them with an open mind as an idea can quickly change when starting the process of production, it all really depends on how I’m feeling at the time but in my head, I needed something that will shape the way I produce music in the future.
What is your workflow like, short bursts of inspiration or a constant flow?
Mainly I like to work in short bursts as my time is limited these days, having recently changed job roles outside of music has had a big impact on the amount of time I get to spend producing. Having said that with the short bursts comes a vast array of inspiration which I can then continue on and build upon.
Have you learned anything new about yourself musically during this pandemic?
I have really enjoyed digging deeper into the software that I use to produce. The different ways of bending and creating sounds has been really fun, taking the productions to new ends. Also, things won’t always go your way that being said about sending new tracks out just because one label hasn’t replied doesn’t mean you have to stop the amount of new music coming out, it’s overwhelming the pandemic will definitely have shifted the way music is portrayed and consumed.
What are your top three albums of all time?
Afterlife – Unity
Camelphat – Dark matter
Eric Prydz – Opus
Any artists out there we should be looking out for in 2021 and beyond?
Definitely Blueprint really enjoyed watching his socials and the music he is creating is next level. Also, a big name at the minute is Massano had regular chats with Sam and his recent release on the Afterlife imprint is mega.
What is your dream festival line up – pick five names?
Tale of Us – Colyn – Franky Wah – Cristoph – Artbat.
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Cowlam ‘Paradise EP’ is out now on Sequence Music, purchase and streaming links here:
https://www.beatport.com/release/paradise/3332802
https://open.spotify.com/album/5r8BAOmEAH8WHghptrsRMw?si=PV_wFT9zREqs_THDTEzaYQ
Artist Links:
https://www.facebook.com/cowlam.music
https://www.instagram.com/cowlam_music/
https://www.beatport.com/artist/cowlam/798036
https://soundcloud.com/cowlam_music
