BASSIC
Where did it all begin?
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So it all began when I was 12. My older sister's boyfriend at the time had a set of turntables, and I told him I had always been interested in DJing so he began to teach me. I fell in love with the art of beat matching instantly, and began saving for my own equipment. I eventually began entering DJ competitions, and over a few years built up my experience, and networked whenever possible. I found myself in the fortunate position of being able to earn a living solely from DJing, and after doing this for a few years I decided I needed to move to the next stage, and this is when I started to look at getting into production.
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What inspires you when making music?
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Simply put, I have two huge inspirations, nostalgia and innovation. Any music that triggers memories, or helps me regress mentally, inspires my ideas. I want to make music that feels familiar, or from a previous time, but you can't simply copy previous trends as it would just sound dated, so this is why I look for innovation in other music producers. Stuff that sounds fresh, and in particular the different sounds these artists are using. I love dance music, but a lot of my personal listening is of alternative electronic music, at a much slower bpm than I would make or play in my sets. I feel this style is the most innovative, and so I'm always intrigued to see what is coming out.
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What have you got planned musically for 2017?
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This year I've had my first original track signed, which has had plays on 1xtra, Kiss and Rinse FM, so I've been in talks with the label and we are currently planning a music video and working towards a full single release date. The track has also been signed to a major compilation, but I'm currently unable to reveal which one. So, my next step is to work on a follow up to this with the guys from the first track - Damien Murdoch, 4bz and JoJo F. DJing wise I'm really excited to be playing some big festivals this summer, and later in the year I have two exciting tours I am a part of, which will see me playing in cities I've never even been to before.
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Where can we see you next?
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My next set is in Bournemouth for Block Party. I played there last year and it was amazing. Thousands of people, among lots of different venues, so I'm looking forward to returning there on May 6th.
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Are there any studio collaborations we can look forward to?
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I get spoken to a lot about collaborations, but I think it's really important that I work with people that are aspiring to similar things to me, which I haven't really come across so far. There are people I have in mind I would to perhaps approach at some stage, but for now I'm quite happy focussing on my own thing.
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What's your favourite thing about your job?
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Not waking up at 7am! Although going to bed at that time can take its toll.
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What's the best party you've played at?
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My favourite gig is always Foreverland. It's such a strong brand, and the people come along to really engage with you and what you're doing. It's a real pleasure to play.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
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I'm really hoping to get signed as an artist. I would like to be able to have guidance from experienced people on how best to develop as an individual, and also have an agent who can book gigs for me. I love all my residencies, but guest sets are what I live for. The more of them I can get, the more time it allows to focus on progressing my music and myself. My real dream is to be able to live off 100% guest sets, and allow myself more free time to focus on making music.
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Who is your current favourite artist?
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Currently I'm obsessed with Sampha. Again, it's not an artist I could play in my sets, or I would ever want to try and remix in any way, but for me he is a real artist who bares his soul in his music. This is what I look for when indulging in music outside of a club environment - an artist who captivates you, and engages you in everything they are trying to say and the story they are telling. For me, Sampha is doing this right now.
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Who would your dream b2b set be with?
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DJ EZ has been my hero since I was 12. I couldn't imagine being b2b with him and coming anywhere close to the standard he produces, but there's no other person I would wish to be alongside, if I had the choice.
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To get tickets to Bournemouth's Block Party and see BASSIC in action follow this link...
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BASSIC Soundcloud:
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We caught up with local Garage, Bass and House DJ, BASSIC, on his inspirations and future goals. Recently reaching plays on BBC Radio 1Extra for his remixes and original work, this is definitely someone to keep your eye on!
RENE WISE
Our friends at IC9 Records hooked us up with the need-to-know details about Techno DJ Rene Wise, their headline act at their label launch event at Orange Rooms on May 11th. All the links you need are at the bottom!
Where did it all begin?
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Well I have been making music for about 5 years now, playing around in different styles and genres but I became really serious about Techno since 2015. Around that time was when I first saw Ben Klock play at the nightclub Fabric. This was my first real experience of a techno set in an amazing location and I just fell in love with it after that experience.
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What inspires you when making music?
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I always find my inspiration comes in different moments. I am always inspired to write new music after seeing other DJ's play that I like, and usually listening to music always creates new ideas in my head. When I do make music, I always try to think how it will affect the crowd from a live aspect. I try to create a feeling and vibe in my music that would resonate with me if I were to hear the tracks live.
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What have you got planned musically for 2017?
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I will hopefully have a new EP scheduled soon for a release sometime this year. But nothing concrete yet so I can’t say who, when or where...
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Where can we see you next?
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​In May I’ll be playing on the 11th in association with the guys at Ic9 Records in Southampton, England; and on the 21st I’ll be in Rennes, France, in association with MADE Festival.
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Are there any studio collaborations we can look forward to?
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No not at the moment. I am a lone wolf in the studio, for now.
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What's your favourite thing about your job?
I am not lucky enough to call music my full time job yet, however, my small journey so far has led me to meet a lot of amazing like-minded people and has given me some opportunities to travel to different areas and perform. Being able to make music at home and then let other people experience it is what motivates me to keep going.​
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What's the best party you've played at?
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​ I played a B2B set with a good friend at a night in Bristol that was run by the guys at the Lost Four Words label (check ‘em out!) and we were closing out room 2. The whole set was really fun but the last 15 minutes was what made it so memorable. The lights got turned on when we were close to ending and the room was packed out with people who didn’t want the party to end. So we kept playing and even when security came and said shut it down, people in the crowd were shouting at them to go away. The energy of the room was amazing and the night as a whole was special.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
​I guess still releasing music and playing out. I would also like to have my own night up and running and possibly be involved with my own label imprint off the back of that. But all in all, I want to be doing this as my full time 'job'.
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Who is your current favourite artist?
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Would have to be Dystopian boss, Rodhad. He simply just does not disappoint at the moment.
Who would your dream b2b set be with?
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Ahhh so many options... Off the top of my head I would have to say either Rodhad, Ben Klock or Jeff Mills. When I think of the Artists who have had the biggest influence on me, they are who come to mind.
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Have you received support from any other DJ’s?
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I feel happy to say that my music has had support from the likes of Ben Klock, DVS1, Marcel Dettman, Truncate and more. It’s always a great motivation boost when artists you respect support your music!
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Tickets to the IC9 Records Launch event are available here:
https://www.fatsoma.com/ic9-records/2lmdp6dw/launch-event-rene-wise
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Rene Wise Soundcloud IC9 Mix *DOWNLOAD* :
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