The London don sending dancefloors into orbit on Lost Records…
Interview by Ian Fleming
With ‘Orbit’ set to drop on Lost Records, can you tell us a bit about how you became involved with Leftwing & Kody?
They kept turning up at my house and I was like look you need to stop doing this, I have a restraining order. Eventually I gave in and said ok I will give you some music as long as you leave me alone.
What is your earliest musical memory and do you think it has shaped the music you produce today?
My dad playing the piano in my front room when I was around 7-8, that’s not a joke but the last answer was.
Having been in the studio for some time now have you developed a procedure to follow or is the creative process unique to every track?
Yeah kind of, I guess I start with percussion and a good kick drum. Sometimes I start with a lead vocal. I always say go into the studio with an idea otherwise you can just sit there for hours doing nothing.
Outside of electronic music what do you find yourself listening to, does this influence the Cera Alba sound of today?
My absolute favourite album right now is Taylor Mcferrin – Early Riser, It’s absolutely outstanding; in fact it’s a masterpiece in my opinion. I love Machinedrum, he’s one of my favourite artists. The music he produces has so much harmony yet it’s contrasted with the heavy dubby drums. I just can’t get enough of his track Now You Know The Deal 4 Real. I also have had a long time love for Friendly Fires, Manic Street Peachers, Toro Y Moi, Moderat, Dorian Concept, Sampha, The Stone Roses, Lone, The XX, Falty DL, Dam Funk & of course Joy Division.
How is your summer shaping up this year, where can we expect to see you play and is there one show you are most looking forward to?
Yeah it’s shaping up good thanks, I’m actually just about to get on my flight to Ibiza to play for the opening of Tribal Session at Sankeys. I’m then back over the in UK on Friday to play at Glitch in Manchester. Then I’m back over in Ibiza on Saturday for Magna Carta. As for the rest of summer I have an AVOTRE showcase in London on the 19th June, Hideout Festival on the 28th June and I’m playing the awesome Groovefest on 6th September. I have to say I feel pretty lucky, well alongside the hard work.
Have you had the chance to road test the new EP, what has the reaction been like?
It’s been really good, Weapon is the one that works for me but I’ve had good feedback for Blacklight too. Will be playing both in my sets over the next few gigs.
Apart from your own work, what track is really killing it for you in your sets right now?
My top 3 right now are…
Butch & Gel Abril – Juice Machine
The Scumfrog – Send Wave (Mendo Remix)
Fatboy Slim – Star69 (Kalyde Remix)
Are there any upcoming producer/DJs out there that you expect to achieve big things over the coming year?
Well these guys are already well established but I can see them pushing it even further over the next year. Kevin Over is constantly producing interested tough melody driven tech. I’m a big fan of System2, they are making some quality tech house. Kalyde is making the most unique but accessible techno right now. Jacky (UK) is also making some very strong waves too.
To date, what has been your biggest achievement and what do you set out to conquer next?
Well I really want to release on a certain label, which will remain secret for the moment. If my career continues as it has I will be very happy indeed. Good luck to all those young DJ’s and producers out there, keep it up!
Cera Alba’s latest release ‘Orbit’ is out now on Lost Records
You can purchase it here – https://pro.beatport.com/release/orbit-ep/1532961
