K-Mag have asked me couple of questions recently :)
Bisweed is a young Estonian producer, taking his place in the world of dark, deep dubstep. Hooking up with the Paradise Lost crew for the Tsar Bomba EP, his sound is set to blow up. Kmag spoke to him recently about what drives him, inspires him, and what he hopes to achieve.
So how long have you been into writing music, what drew you to it?
Hello. I am always a bit confused when I am asked this. I am still more like searching for the right genre, gaining experience, simply tweaking knobs and seeing what kind of sound this would do etc. But I can say I have been tweaking those VST knobs since I was approximately 13. I remember that back in the day my dad had the only computer in the family and some games installed there but he also had a demo version of Fruity Loops Studio and I have found that shortcut once and asked him: “what is this game?”. So it’s 7 years now since I have been “in the game”.
You produce some very deep and dark dubstep, who are your influences? Are they’re any from outside the electronic music scene?
I got interested in electronic music when I first heard DJ Antaro’s Global Psychedelic Chill Out Compilation Vol. 4. Since then I started digging different styles. Classic drum & bass artists such as Dom & Roland, Seba and Bad Company UK have formed my love to the industrial atmospheres. Then Digital Mystikz, Kromestar and Burial drew my attention. Nowadays I appreciate such artists as Swindle, Kahn and Joker. Commodo and Gantz as well. Non-electronic? Umm, Lamb of God, Leningrad, Marvin Gaye are the first names which came to my mind. And quality reggae music by all means.
Talk to us about your method of production - how do you build a general basis for a track?
Spontaneously. Every tune is always different. Sometimes I start with a beat, sometimes with finding a good sample, sometimes with a melody and some synthwork. I can’t really start a tune without my MIDI keyboard - I always play my melodies and some modulations. If it’s a remix, I see which elements I like and which can be changed. But yeah, it’s always different so unfortunately I can’t generalize.
This new ep, talk to us about your work with it, has it taken a long time, and do the tracks have any personal significance to you?
This EP is literally the next level for me. Much effort has been put in from both sides – me and the label (Paradise Lost Recs). It has really been quite a journey but it is finally almost out. Every track means something for me. Question, Solar System, Catacombs, Magnetic Field, Ghosts Remix, Ghosts VIP and Tsar Bomba. I think the last two I mentioned are the most expected by public. By the way, many people were asking if there was ever going to be a vinyl release of Ghosts when it had came out digitally so they will now have possibility to get VIP version on wax. Magnetic Field is my personal favorite though, but at this time it’s only available as a digital track, which comes with the vinyl as a download bonus. I started Question in 2009, I think, and AX Farel added his ideas later. The guys from Paradise Lost liked Tsar Bomba when it was just a demo version and they already wanted to sign it. So the time has truly passed since I put first effort into this release. And about the record itself: it’s on beautiful clear purple marbled wax with sick artwork which is hand-numbered on heavy art paper and can be framed (it’s an insert into the sleeve).
Are there any places we can see you playing in the future?
I still consider myself to be producer not a DJ. But I am a selecta as well and my schedule is quite tight at the moment. Unfortunately it’s mostly in Tallinn I have got bookings until the end of the year though I feel really excited about going to play in Russia, Yekaterinburg and Chelyabinsk really soon.
You have been getting some attention from some big producers such as Mala, J: Kenzo and Swindle. How does it feel to get recognition from such big producers?
It’s a great feeling when your music is supported or criticized by the ones who inspire you most. I would also love to point out that I am really happy that Joe Nice, my favorite DJ, supports my music. This always gives much energy and inspiration.
Every producer has a goal as such, what do you want to achieve before you bite the dust?
I would love to reach my own special sound, special style. Maybe even to become a pioneer of a new genre, this would be just wonderful!
Are you ever tempted to produce any other styles of music?
Oh yes, always. This is an interesting question because at the moment I am into different styles as never before. I really like UK garage, house and techno. Under my real name, which is Maksim Adel, I have already released two remixes which were inspired by all three genres. I think I also may soon reveal some of my hip-hop and neo-soul bootleg works under the new name - Wisbeet. Furthermore, with my close friend Djuko we are working on some UK-inspired stuff. Our joint project is called Whisper Flash and we are already working on some music for the first record. Last but not least, I have recently started a new project with one very talented girl. She loves catchy melodies and has got really good vocals as well.
What advice can you give any aspiring producers/djs out there?
Here go my own postulates: Keep working on your own style, it’s important. Don’t be in a hurry with making an album, never be in a hurry with music at all. Remember to be friendly and establish contacts, but never forget the real reason why you make music.
As a producer you constantly surrounded with music, what do you do outside of music to keep a level head?
Well, music is the number one for me, but I am also studying at university and now I have daytime job as well. One has to find right people to surround him to develop and I am happy to have such good friends as I do because I feel I’m constantly evolving.
Finally is there anybody you would like to thank?
My family, especially my dad. Seriously, I get so much support from him and I look forward to any opportunity to say thanks to him! My label. Rob and Geoff at Paradise Lost put great effort in this EP and these guys are so soulful as well as the whole Paradise Lost crew. Respect! My mates, fellow musicians, listeners and followers. Everyone! I really appreciate how much smiles, love and inspiration I get from people around me! And you, of course, thank you for your questions.
Words - James Draize Ramsbotham
http://www.kmag.co.uk/editorial/features/bisweed-interview.html
