2015 watch out! A UK producer that DMCWORLD cannot wait to see what booms out next year
Interview by Rob Chadwick
If you’re a fan of contemporary house and tech-house, you can’t help but have noticed the recent rise of British producer, Cera Alba. The Geordie maestro has been on a real roll of late, not least due to his work on the fledgling Troupe (where he recently released the brilliant ‘Redshift Vortex’), but also over the years on the likes of VIVa, Moon Harbour, Electronique and Roush. A man whose stock is only set to rise further still, we figured it a good time to check in with the man behind the music…
What’s up with you then? How are you doing? What’s keeping you busy away from music?
“Not much, I got up about 8am and had my new daily lemon in warm water. I think it’s meant to make you more healthy, not sure if its working but I still didn’t go for a run this morning. Music is pretty much all I do, although I do look at trainers a lot haha.”
And can you talk me through some of your favourite recent EPs of yours? You’re pretty prolific in the studio by the look of things?
“Well my most recent EP on Troupe is probably the best work I have produced. It’s far more complex than my previous music but I think it still keeps the groove and layers the harmonies well. ‘Dura’ the A-side from the release really does damage on the dance floor. Mainly because I spent a lot time EQing the bass and kick so they worked in harmony with each other.”
You have produced on a lot of labels over the years. Do you ever worry that you’re spanning your net too far? Or is that something that you’ve ever thought about?
“I have released on a lot of labels but I feel that’s because I was still trying to find my sound. I think if labels like Moon Harbour and VIVa are interested in signing my music then I don’t need to worry too much.”
Would you ever consider setting up your own label? What’s stopping you now?
“I have thought about it, but it won’t be happening anytime soon. Financially it needs money putting into it and I don’t have the time to run something like that right now.”
You’re released on the likes of Hot Creations, Moon Harbour and VIVa – what’s been your big break though? And do you reckon the best is still to come from you?
“I think the best is still to come. It’s not about having one track to make you break though, its about consistently creating new and interesting music.”
Have you ever brought another producer into the set-up? Is it something you’d consider?
“Currently myself, Leftwing and Kody are working on collaboration. Previous I have worked with Jonny Cade and we plan to work on a new EP for next year.”
So how do your days usually span out? Do you spend most your time in the studio?
“I get up about 8am, do some exercise and get my lemon and water. Then sit down, look at my notes from the previous day and see what needs doing. I work till about 6-7pm, I find my days are always full. There is always another idea to try and get down.”
So how’s your day in he studios usually work out? Are they usually pretty lengthy?
“Yeah, as I say they can be 8 hours or more, depends what I’m working on. If I’m tired though I stop as I cant make music feeling off or tired.”
Has London affected how you make music at all?
“Yes, it did when I first got here as I started to make more bass driven tracks. But I think that was a mistake as I was straying from my personal style that I think is more of European style tech house.”
When do you know a track is finished? Are you one of those people who’s able to put down a track and know when it is?
“I always know when it is finished, it’s something I have trained myself to do.”
Can you tell us about the Troupe EP? How do you know those guys?
“The Troupe release was part of my residency with them. They wanted to release two of my new tracks and probably picked two of the best. It’s a good label and they have some great stuff lined up.”
What’s the idea behind the name, Redshift Vortex?
“Well this whole EP was based around space. Dura was shortened from Endurance that is meant to represent a long held endurance of time and space. The event horizon is the boundary of space and time. Finally Redshift Vortex was term which was meant to derive a bend in space and time, a vortex. Redshift is a change in waveform via radiation.”
What producers do you look to for inspiration these days? Who do you reckon is closest in sound to you?
“There are so many to mention. I really like Sidney Charles, Philip Bader and Nathan Barato. I would say my sound is a cross between those guys.”
And who’s been a big mentor to you over the years?
“Richy Ahmed has always been a great help and good friend to me.”
How would you best describe your style to someone who’s yet to sample your music?
“Driving, intricate, percussive, warming sounds to make you dance.”
What’s next for you?
“Working on music for the summer, we all need a summer anthem.”
Cera Alba’s Redshift Vortex is out now on Troupe
