The Cheap Thrills boss goes Jackin WIth Your Mum. The first of many huge 2015 releases
Interview by Dan Prince
Mr Harvey a massive welcome back to DMCWORLD…where in the world are you right now?
“Hey Dan, I’m in my studio in east London polishing off two tracks.”
What was the first piece of music you heard this morning when you clambered out of bed?
“Harold Budd and Brian Eno – A Stream With Bright Fish, I love to listen to ambient music in the morning…”
A brilliant start to 2015 thanks to numerous productions including your new track ‘Jackin With Your Mum’ coming out March 15th. Talk us through the history and sound of the ace new Skint release…
“It’s a phrase Trev used to say when were out and about at clubs. One day last year he came over and we jumped into my studio and we used it as a starting point. Originally it was us rapping and singing on the track! To get the idea down then I got a rapper called Willy P to develop the verses with me (he has a track “Jus Take It” coming out on my label 8th March btw…”
What are the big 5 tracks in your box this weekend…
“Skapes – Busted – forthcoming EP on Cheap Thrills Records. Great new producer with some wicked tracks already under his belt.
Hervé – Hate On Me – Jaded Remix (Hervé Edit) – out now on Cheap Thrills Records. Love this remix, Jaded really did a top notch job on this twisting, cross genre beast of a remix.
Cause and Effect – Get To The Chopper – free on their Soundcloud. Love the hybrid house garage grimy bass workout…
Hervé – Doughnuts – coming soon on Cheap Thrills Records. One of my favourite new things I’ve done, underground house/garage/UK wonky bass track, coming soooon!
Closer – Xymbol 02 – white label. This is an indie/dance band I produce. This next track is a monster.”
Loved your social post late last year concerning the Garage Bass Vol 01 release that included 13 tracks from your label’s back catalogue…”some stuff even I’d forgotten and will be playing out again.” What were some of the gems that got an airing…?
“LOL! Really wanna get the time and do Volume 3! I tend not to look backwards, I think I was getting a bit nostalgic whilst making a special mixtape (yet to be released), so I don’t think I dragged any of them into sets. I’m so proud of those comps, you would not believe how many people tell me they got introduced to dance music through those comps! It’s insane. They sold pretty well so I suppose its not a massive surprise. I think Volume 3 would sound different, it’s a different time, lots of new sounds to draw from.”
3 bucket list adventures you wanna do in your lifetime?
“Make an independent film from one of my own scripts.
Travel through all the national parks of Canada and USA.
Write a truly great pop song.”
An up and coming producer we should be looking out for in 2015…?
“KC Lights is a kid that I/Cheap Thrills Management look after. A very accomplished musician but has a great ability to write melodic house/dance music. Keep an eye out for his next record with some one big! Also been involving him in writing with my team for other people.”
A figure from history you’d like to have a pint with?
“Robin Williams. And I would give him a big hug and tell him everything will be ok.”
What can you tell us about some of your future releases…?
“Couple of things under secret pseudonyms. Got a Count of Monte Cristal single coming Feb 24th on the legendary Nervous Records which will be followed by a Count track featuring a great singer/artist called Pepper…label yet to be confirmed. Another Hervé track on Love and Other Records being set up for summer, VIPs of Polar Bear and Chronic, some underground bits on Cheap Thrills and some very very cool collabs! Been working hard producing Closer tracks with those guys, got some singles ready to go and they sound so amazing! Also a pop project I’ve been doing writing and producing on is nearly ready to roll!”
Some DJ dates in your diary you are chomping at the bit at in 2015…
“All will be revealed Dan. Hold tight!”
An album we’d be surprised nestling in your collection?
“I’m not sure what’s a surprise these days, people seem quite open to other music. But maybe Diiv – Oshin haven’t stopped listening to this since it came out.”
We often see you whizzing round London on your scooter. Our pal Toni Tambourine was sent crashing to the floor of his Vespa not so long ago, any big scrapes your end?
“No, I’m a pretty safe driver. Have been ran into twice – would you believe I was stationary both times at traffic lights! One of my little brothers did fall of his motor bike in Essex just before Christmas, snapped his collar bone! He sent me the x-ray, NOT PRETTY!!”
The last great live gig you went to?
“Sleaford Mods at the 100 Club a couple of months back. A really great live experience.”
Your proudest career moment to date?
“Working with Armand Van Helden. A massively talented man and a great person to hang out with. It’s crazy to meet an artist who you respect so much who digs what you do, crazy.”
A celebrity you would not want to get stuck in a lift with?
“I don’t like lifts. Whoever it was would basically be used as a battering ram so that I could get out. So they really, really don’t wanna be stuck in a lift with me.”
When was the last time you pressed rewind and listened to a track over again because it was so damned good?
“Spooky Black – Echoes In My Mind – love this kid’s voice/music.”
A tune nestling in your set that just won’t go away from last year?
“Crystal System – Step Back – Odysseus Remix – my brother Sinden’s side project got Odysseus to do this great quirky house track which I’ve been consistently reaching for!”
And finally…to the thousands of people reading this wanting to follow in your famous footsteps…a piece of advice to make it as a producer in 2015…
“Work hard, get good. It’s tough. Networking. It’s never been more about who you know than what you know right now. Sad but true!”
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