Our first featured interview is with GXBW, Producer/ DJ from Canterbury,Kent.
GXBW is an all round producer with a wide range of music production under his belt, ranging from house to dubstep. Starting at a young age Guy has always had a keen interest in djing and producing and wanted some of the action, he’s put many years of knowledge into making some outstanding tracks that are creating a stir around the kent area, with some great tracks coming out on some up and coming labels, we asked him a few questions about what he does and how he puts out these great productions.
How did you first get into producing and dj’ing?
I first got in to DJing when I was about 14 years old and I watched a DVD that came with ‘Weapons of Mass Creation 2’ on Hospital Records. I saw High Contrast mixing and thought ‘I want to do that’. So I saved up and bought myself my first pair of decks, which were Gemini TT02s. It took me ages to learn because at this age I didn’t know any other Djs, so I just had to teach myself. As far as production goes, I got into that about age 16 and would just mess around on Reason with my mates and see what we could make. It was when I got to college that I started to take production more seriously. It was at the time when Dubstep was getting really big (before it got so aggressive that it was unrecognisable), so I decided to make it. But as I grew up, my music taste just changed totally and I decided to start making House and Garage. This was partly down to the scene changing however, I wanted to try and keep certain musical aspects that I was using while making Dubstep and incorporate it into House and Garage, such as the techy stabs I use a lot in my work.
Who are you’re biggest influences in music?
Just when I hear a track that gets my head moving and I’m sat at my computer, I jump on the production straight away, it doesn’t have to be anything in particular for me to be honest. However I have been sitting on some new material since about August, and I was heavily influenced by both Innershades and Applebottom at the time, and that that sound I went with on it, which sound proper weird, but it seems to have worked. I’m hoping to release it soon (having had some interest), but under a new name. But, we’ll see.
For other producers out there what’s the best programme to use?
I have only ever used Reason. Just because it took me ages to get my head around it, I have never used anything else so have been a little apprehensive about using anything else. But I have friends who use Ableton and Logic and their tracks sound wicked. Its just what anyone who wants to produce feels comfortable with really, in my opinion.
With you’re track titled “Back” which is released on Circa Records what made made you go for that bassy dubstep garage vibe?
Like I said earlier I like to come back the Dubstep/Bass sounds as that what I first started making. But ‘Back’ was actually the result of a certain situation going on at the time, and coming in from a night out after a few too many beers and sitting down and putting what I was feeling into music. It sounds cheesy, but I don’t think electronic music should be influenced any differently from any other type of music. People forget that and just set out too make a ‘banger’ or whatever they want to call it, for the sake of getting a bit of recognition. A lot of electronic music (especially some House) is soulless. ‘Back’ actually sat on my desktop for about 3 days before I remembered I came in from a night and made a tune. I then sent it Circa Records, run by my mates Arma and Sheik, and they picked it up and released it.
What’s the house scene like around Canterbury and are there any stand out nights?
Well I run a night called HALFWAY which started about a year and a half ago now. I just decided to do it when I moved to Canterbury before the scene took off down here, with the objective of running a music night that is about the music itself and having some fun. Like I said earlier a lot of the scene is soulless so I really want to push underground music in Canterbury, focusing mainly on UK House, Bassline, Garage and Grime, as do my mate at UKC Beats and Bass. They run events once a fortnight and it always goes off, and they play everything from Jersey Club to House to out-there 170 stuff. Its great to hear such a variety of music from them. Also ‘Get This’ is a big night in Canterbury. They have pulled all sorts of acts down this way, like Foamo, Brookes Brothers, Eddie K, the list goes on and on. They have also very kindly asked me to play their next event on the 6th of March with Devolution. Should be a good night.
Guy (GXBW) has had local support from the radio on his most recent track “Back” you can listen to this clip here on his soundcloud!
This tune is massive! Big Up GXBW!
http://soundcloud.com/gxbw/gxbw-back
FIRST EAR 