Three tracks all over The Buzz Chart. This producer is on fire right now
Interview : Dan Prince
Dude welcome to DMCWORLD, where on planet earth are you today?
“Thanks for having me. I’m England right now…and it’s raining.”
You have smashed into the world famous Buzz Chart thanks to your collab with Lazy Rich thanks to ‘Beginning Of The World’ out on Avicii’s Le7els label…talk us through the making of the track…
“The track initially started as a remix that I’d made for Lazy Rich a couple years back which never got released. A few months later I heard Rich play it on his radio show, so I got in contact and we ended up turning it into the collab that it is now.”
How do you think yours and Rich’s producing techniques complimented each other with this record?
“Rich’s more electro infused approach to dance music helped to shape the track sonically, giving it a more aggressive sound and increasing the energy.”
You also dominated the always eagerly awaited Unsigned Miami Buzz Chart this week with two entries! Let’s kick off with ‘Save A Beat’ – tell us about the track…
“I really enjoyed experimenting with new styles in this track. It’s a bit groovier than my other stuff. I’m experimenting with mixing groovy elements along with progressive and big room right now.”
‘Unite’ with producer Ansolo also made it into the top 10, another massive tune. Tell us the history of this track…
“Ansolo had been sending me some track ideas for a while, but when he sent me an early version of Unite I instantly fell in love with it. I skyped him and said ‘You have to let me work on this track with you!’. Thankfully he was up for it, and together we developed the track to what it is today. I think it really compliments both of our styles well.”
Obvious question…any label interest for these tracks these past few days?
“Unite was discovered by Tom Staar and will be released on his label Staar Trax in April which is really exciting. Save the Beat is a track that I’ll be putting out for free as a thank you to all the support I’ve had recently.”
March 14th – a big day in your life! Radio 1 spin your tune for the very first time! Where were you when this very important moment of your life took place?
“I had no idea that the track would be played and I was casually just listening to Radio 1 when it suddenly came on. I was actually in shock! It’s such a big personal achievement for me because it’s something Ive wanted to happen for a long time.”
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. Back to your early years and artists that first got you hooked on music…
“I produced a lot of hip hop and R&B in my early teens and it wasn’t until I started attending under 18 raves in London that I developed a love for dance music. Seeing artists like Rusko playing live was a big inspiration and eventually I discovered progressive house which I really enjoyed because of the beautiful chords and melodies.”
Was music always the idea for a career or was there something else you fancied a pop at?
“Although I was good at maths and science in school and was considering some kind of career in that field, I always had a deep passion for making music. I even made a deal with the school caretaker so that he’d let me stay in the music room and work on the computers long after the school had closed for the day. Eventually I realised that I could make a career in music production, and I haven’t looked back since.”
Not many people know this…but Special Features is really good at…
“Cooking! Well I’d call myself a good cook anyway…”
Special Features – cool name for an artist. Be brave, what were some of the other names you banded about?
“I spent a lot of time thinking of other names when I first started but somehow none stuck with me like SF did. I won’t lie though, I have considered shortening the name to ‘Spesh’ before.”
If you could write yourself a letter today and have it delivered to yourself 3 years ago, what would you write?
“Keep going!”
Who are some of the producers from around the world you are giving high fives to right now?
“I’m really feeling the studio output from Lxury and Grum right now.”
Most producers rely on coffee when making new music. You sunshione hit the Deperado! Does it help?
“Yes, believe it or not, beer has been proven to be good for creativity. A couple of beers to initiate the idea, followed by a combo of regular coffee and water to develop and finish the track is the key!”
A recent post from you on Facebook…“Somebody asked Hans Zimmer what he thought his best piece of work was. He replied, ‘I haven’t written it yet. That’s what gets me up in the morning, I’m still trying.’ What gets YOU up in the morning and into the studio…?
“Exactly the same thing. I’m always striving to make something new that I can be really proud of and that is better than my previous project.”
And finally, what is coming out next from you studio wise?
“A bunch of cool remixes are on the way and I’m also finishing up some originals for later this year.”
Lazy Rich & Special Features ‘Beginning Of The World’ (Le7els)
Out Now (Beatport)
Watch the teaser video here:
http://bit.ly/1cYgCSE
