It seems like you can never run of out good music from the peeps at Planet Mu; already on a terrific tear with a bevy of footwork and juke releases, they’ve let out a nice little chunk of brilliant bass with Optimum’s debut 12″, Max Power. Highlighting melodic structures and inventive drum patterns, the release is one of many things in the pipeline. With another 12″ out on his collaborative imprint, Hum + Buzz (which he runs with URB favourite Ikonika) as well as putting out other artists on the label such as Brenmar and the dubious J.O.H, he’s going to be kept busy for quite a while. Luckily, we had a bit of time to ask him some questions as well as get a brilliant mix of pretty much exclusive dubs and upcoming floor-crushers. Check out the Q/A and mix (including tracklist and D/L link) after the jump.
URB: What was your introduction into making the tunes you’re making now?
OPTIMUM: I’ve always done some kind of music since I was quite young, from playing the guitar and piano to DJing, but I only properly started producing music a few years ago. I first made some hip-hop tunes on a MPC, then I got into dubstep around 2005 and started messing around more with software on my computer. I gradually came up with a sound I was happy with and began taking it a bit more seriously the last 18 months or so.
URB: The tunes on your Planet Mu release are in its own niche; melodic and definitely off the beaten path. What’s your approach in production in this current bass climate?
O: My approach just depends on my mood at the time; sometimes I’ll concentrate on playing chords and melodies other times I’ll focus more on drums and basslines. Basically, I always try to write memorable and emotive melodies and harmonies with amazing drums. I guess my intention with ‘Max Power’ was to coherently combine some of my favourite elements in the current ‘crossover climate’. So, there’s a soca pattern influenced by UK Funky, a kind of Grime clap pattern, 4/4 kicks, Crunk clicks, deep pitch-bent subs and weird alien sounds. The ‘current bass climate’ feels a bit like the earlier days of dubstep, when each producer each had their individual styles, drawing on many different inspirations/influences and not sticking to a formulaic sound.
URB: Aside from your Planet Mu release, you’ve just put out the first release on your label with Ikonika, Hum + Buzz. How’s that going so far and what can we expect from you in terms of label output?
O: It’s going well so far; we’ve had a good response on our first release. You can expect a few things in the next few months. There should be a 12″ by me (if I can finish it in time) as well as a really exciting double pack by Ikonika in early 2011. You can also expect a vinyl only release by the mysterious J.O.H. We are also lining up a 12″ by Brenmar, hopefully out early next year as well.
URB: Any guilty listening pleasures?
O: I don’t really feel guilty listening to any music! If pushed, I’ve got a soft spot for Paramore, but I don’t really feel guilty. *laughs*
URB: Any pre/post-gig activities/rituals?
O:No rituals I’m afraid!
URB Presents: OPTIMUM – DOWNLOAD HERE
1. The Phantom – Connect the Dots
2. Ikonika & Optimum – Ampersand
3. PhOtOmachine – Technicolour (Optimum’s Reduction Remix)
4. Jam City – Arp Jam
5. Ikonika – Kaka
6. The Phantom – Girl
7. Untold – Cool Story Bro
8. BD1982 – Trails (Jam City Remix)
9. Brenmar – Taking It Down
10. Optimum – Max Power
11. C.R.S.T – The Bells (GIRL UNIT remix)
12. T.Williams Ft. Terri Walker – Heartbeat (Mosca Remix)
Special thanks to Marcus and Malcolm.
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