Doesn’t like playing by the rules but always delivers
Interview by Ian Fleming
O.D. Math might not be your average producer alias, which is somewhat appropriate when you take stock of the sort of house music that this man makes. A key member of the Electronical Reeds crew, O.D. Math (real name Mathias) is the sort of guy who prefers not to play by the rules when it comes to putting his music together. A host of seminal figures are beginning to catch on to his music too, with Bpitch Control man Kiki giving him a recent endorsement recently thanks to a stunning interpretation of Math’s brilliant original…
What was growing up in Belgium like? A great place for electronic music?
Belgium has a strong history with clubbing and electronic music. Back in the late 80’s & during the 90’s there were clubs everywhere and the DJ culture is also big, but mainly in the northern, “Flemish” part of the country and in Brussels.
Can you tell a bit about your unusual alias? Are you really into math?
Actually it’s a pun of a lot of things: my first name (Mathias), the fact that I was into “Math” at school, the French word for the television and radio audience measure that is “audimat” and the “OD” part which refers to “overdose”… of music, of course…
So what did you study in college then? Any music theory?
No, I was more into commercial studies and then I stopped because I was already DJing a lot so, I did a short studio course at the SAE Brussels. For the music theory, I did a little when I was very young but I stopped because I was more into tennis. Now I want to restart asap!
Do you remember first encountering electronic music?
I was into rock but when I was around 14-15 I discovered electronic music through Belgian house compilations and the first “French touch” albums. Then I bought a pair of 1200’s MKII and started with vinyl.
And when did you release your first EP? How do you feel you’ve progressed since then?
Actually, my first release, not counting remixes, was a track on Electronical Reeds’ third year anniversary compilation. I think it’s day/night when I compare with what I am working on now. In terms of mixdowns and basic studio techniques, I smile when I listen to it, but in a good fresh way of course.
And how do you write a track? What do you start on?
I usually start with a basic rhythm and go with the bass. Then I put some different synth layers on an 8 bar loop. When I am happy with the groove, I do a basic track construction and then start working on details.
So are you a quick or slow producer? Or does it vary?
The first part of music creation has to be quick. If I don’t have something good to work on within 20min, I stop and come back later. It has to be fun! Then when you have something good to start, the construction, mix and sound details can be done with more time.
And what came first, the DJing or the producing? How do you think they benefit one another?
I was into DJing. I started 15 years ago. (Oh shit…I’m old!) It’s a tricky question but I think DJing is helping a lot when you produce dancefloor oriented tracks but it’s not the only path. On the other hand, you can produce amazing songs, having a lot of touring dates and becoming a good Dj but nothing can replace experience in both worlds.
What’s the toughest ever gig you’ve played and why? And what’s the one track you use to rescue the dancefloor in that time?
I think that the most difficult gigs are the smallest ones because I found it easier to make 1000 people dance than 40. In terms of party rescue, to play classics is always a good way to start.
Will you be playing any cool gigs this summer? How does the weather and your mood affect how you make music? Or does it?
Last year, I had a residency all summer in the South of France were I played 62 nights in a row so this year I only have a few dates planned. I want to enjoy quality time with my friends and go to nice festivals such as Calvi On The Rocks.
And aside from music, what sort of other stuff do you get up to in your day-to-day life?
For now, I’m only focusing on music!
So are you involved in music aside from your DJing and productions?
I just took over A&R for Straight Music. It shares management with Electronical Reeds so, it’s a bit of a “deep” sister label. I want to discover new talent and but some more great music out for the world.
And what’s your involvement like with Electronical Reeds? Are you involved in their parties etc.?
Yes, I’m kind of resident for their Brussels based parties alongside with Felix Cage and others. They are currently developing more the booking agency part so, it’s gonna be more worldwide soon!
Who was the last DJ to really impress you?
I was really impressed with Smash TV when they came to our party in Brussels last November.
Your latest release – what was the vibe you were going for with it? And did this change at all the longer the production process went on for?
It’s more pure dancefloor material. I want to go further in this direction for future releases. It was quite a quick start as I found the vibe really quickly and I think it’s a good thing with this kind of tracks. Then you can take your time for the mix part.
What else have you got coming up that’s really exciting you recently?
I’m focusing on my next productions, taking care of the next releases by Straight Music. I’m DJing a lot around Brussels as the summer season is starting. I also want to plan some summer/fall dates around Europe!
OD Math’s Deliverance EP (featuring a remix from Kiki) is out now on Electronical Reeds
