MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire #42 - Phaeleh
Continuing our run of MakeItGood x FatKidOnFire features (and slowly making our way to the big 50) we caught up with Bristol’s Phaeleh, who’s been making waves in the dubstep scene since 2006. His unique sound has generated support from all the bigs names such as N-Type, Scuba, Distance and Kyrptic Minds (to name a few). Last year his album “Fallen Light” was released, and since then has been going from strength to strength with more releases on Wheel & Deal and Disfigured Dubz. We are massive fans of Phaeleh’s music, and are really pleased that we were able to do this feature. Let Phaeleh know what you think of his music or this interview by contacting him via Facebook or Soundcloud.
Fallen Light’ Shoot - July 2010 by Karen Roberts and Kimberley Phoenix Storm
1. How long have you been producing music for?
I’ve been messing about with electronic music for about 12 years now on and off, but only really taken it seriously in the last 4 years I’d say.
2. What made you start?
I got fed up of the let downs of bands and having to rely on other people to make music. I liked the fact I could turn all my ideas into songs without the need to get 4 or 5 different people to commit to a meeting or something. I really liked getting home in the early hours after chilling with mates and just firing up the computer and getting lost in the headphones.
3. What software do you use to produce your tracks?
I use Cubase to sequence everything, but do a lot of textural stuff in audiomulch and granulab and record a lot of guitars and synths live.
4. Turntables or CDJ’s?
CDJ’s, decks never seem to work in clubs which is why I stopped using Serato.
5. Best set you’ve played has been…?
Tricky one, but in 2011 the best gigs in the UK have probably been Manchester and Nottingham, and outside of the UK I’d probably say Budapest and Kiev were both pretty amazing!
6. Any new releases we can look forward to?
There’s a new compilation on Urban Scrumping featuring a few of my tracks, as well as a remix of Charli XCX on This Is Music, both out today (16th May). Hopefully can expect an EP of some newer stuff towards autumn, as well as a collaboration with DJ Madd on his forthcoming EP on Black Box.
7. What do you think of the scene at the moment?
I think it’s healthy as a lot of producers are making a diverse range of good music. I don’t really follow the scene very closely, so probably not the best person to ask, but club nights seem to be busy and people are buying the tunes, so guessing it’s all good!
8. What music are you listening to at the moment?
I’m listening to some Philip Glass whilst I write this, and seem to be back on a bit of a minimalist/ambient tip in terms of listening at the moment, lots of Steve Reich and Brian Eno, though that may have a lot to do with a heavy Friday night.
9. Any advice to upcoming dj/producers?
For producers I’d say just keep making tunes and doing what you enjoy. If you get too caught up trying to emulate the latest ‘scene’ it would have moved on by the time you’ve got your stuff together, so just make the music you want to make and make as much of it as possible. Try and get constructive feedback on tracks rather than just your mates going ‘sick bruv’. If the music is strong enough it will get picked up in time.
For DJs I’d say just play the tunes you love and try and develop your own style of set. Keep it varied, and try and adapt to the surroundings you’re playing in. Also good to try and keep an eye on upcoming producers as they’ll be looking for support a lot more so that’s definitely a good way to get hold of some ‘dubs’.
Let us know what you think of our interview with Phaeleh via Twitter or Facebook.
Lara
