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Catching up with Hospital staple - Logistics
Drum and Bass | Friday 21st October 2016 | Arren
We caught up with Logistics.
Long time member of the Hospital camp, Logistics is one of the most consistent producers in the game. In his time he's produced 7 solo albums and countless singles which have circulated across the scene being picked up by the scenes leading figures and tastemakers.
This year he's been busy as ever. He dropped his latest album Electric Sun and is working on another Nu:Logic with his brother, Nu:Tone. Despite all the work in the studio he had a heavy touring schedule, fitting the bill at many major clubs and festivals. There's still more this year as Logistics plays at this years Rise Festival in December. We managed to have a chat with him just at the beginning of his tour down under.
Hey, how are you? What have you been up to recently?
I'm good thank you. I'm currently on tour in Sydney with a few days off. It's been a really good summer with a bunch of great festival shows.
You're on a tour across Australia & New Zealand, how's that going?
I just got here two days ago but haven't actually played yet. I'm looking forward to the entire tour, I don't really have a particular favourite city on this side of the world, I find them all really solid but quite different so that makes the touring here really enjoyable and varied.
What's different about the scene their compared to here?
I love it, I think the thing that I love most is that you fly for 24hrs, step off the plane and the scene feels really strong, people adore d&b and they really know their music and always have done for as long as I've been coming over here. There are some places far closer to home where that isn't necessarily the case so although it's a long way from home, it still feels very welcoming.
When did you first get involved in the drum & bass scene?
I was just spending every waking hour making music and off the back that and sending out a few demos my music got picked up by a few of my favourite DJs. I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing certain people play my tracks. I still try and retain that passion I had when I was younger and treat this job as much like a hobby as I possibly can. Over the years there are certain DJs that I'll always consider the absolute top of their game and to get the support of those people is extremely humbling and flattering.
What were the first drum & bass tunes that you really got into?
I've been into all sorts of music over the years from hip hop to soul & disco to rock stuff, but it was listening to the Music Box album by Roni Size, DJ Krust, DJ Die and Bill Reilly that sparked my interest in d&b. Ever since hearing that album I've been totally hooked. I think the thing I love about it is that's essentially a tempo, you can incorporate so many influences in one track and that diversity is what keeps it so exciting and fresh for me.
You signed to Hospital in 2004, how did that come about?
I sent them some demos initially but nothing grabbed their attention enough for them to sign any music. We were all down at swerve which was Fabio's weekly night at The End club in London. He played a track of mine called 'Replay' which got a really good response from the crowd there. The next day I had an email from them asking to sign the track. From there we decided to work on an album project and I've been with them ever since.
Hospital is a label that has a strong legacy, why do you think the label is so well regarded internationally?
I think it's because they've always decided to do their own thing. They found a unique voice in the scene that has gone on to be a huge part of d&b. They've always been forward thinking with the way they promote and market the label, artists and hospitality nights and I think that has really helped to establish the brand world wide.
You dropped a new album this year, Electric Sun, how has that gone down?
I've been really happy with how it's been received. It's the happiest I've ever been with an album so it's reassuring to feel that way about my music after so many years of working on production. I had a lot of fun writing this album too, the inclusion of more vocalists was something quite new for me and that really brought a new dimension to my creative process. I'm proud of the whole album but particular favourites are 'Sentimentality' and 'Fight 4 U'.
One of the tracks, 'Icarus' was with one of Hospital's newer members, Hugh Hardie. How did that come together?
We've been friends for quite a few years now, we spend a lot of time just hanging out as friends aside from working on music and whenever we can, we get in the studio. I really like working with him as firstly we're good friends, it's always fun making music together. We also share quite particular influences and are more focused on making something with good vibes rather than demonstrating production techniques.
You closed of the Soul In Motion stage at Hospitality In The Park with your brother Nu:Tone, how was the festival?
It was incredible, probably my favourite show this year. I didn't arrive until later in the day but saw the London Elektricity big band which in my opinion was even better than the original line up. The power of the horn section was giving me goosebumps. We also saw Calibre play which always delivers. It was crazy to see hospitality doing their own festival. When I first played for them the biggest party they did was about 200 people at Herbal in London.
You also played together at the ABC open air festival in an airport hanger - how did that differ from a club?
It was great, it was a really unique atmosphere and felt very old school compared to playing in a club setting. I love being lucky enough and being able to play a variety of venues.
Let's talk Nu:Logic - how did your project with Nu:Tone first come around?
We've always made music together but only a handful of it had been released up until a few years back. My first release was actually with Dan (Nu:Tone) so it felt like a natural move to work on an album project. We definitely have different work processes which is why I think it works so well. Out of all the people I've collaborated with, I find it most natural and easy to work with Dan. We've grown up on the same music and have gone on to have very similar tastes and views on music so it's effortless to make music together.
If you could play a gig anywhere in the world - where would you like to play?
Tokyo has always been a favourite but I'm really keen to play in Hawaii at some point. Having said that, I don't think anywhere beats the London crowds.
What are you most in love with right now?
DJing, production, my friends and family, my girlfriend, good food, travelling. Nothing that unusual really.
What would you fill a swimming pool with if it could be anything?
Sardinian sea water.
What ideas changed your life?
Being encouraged to do what I love rather than to chase money or fame.
If you had to start a new life in a new country, where would you go?
New Zealand, without a doubt.
What would your hero super power be and what would you do with it?
Teleporting, if I could remove the amount of time I spend travelling that'd make my life vastly better.
Who would be in your ultimate band?
Curtis Mayfield, Eddie hazel, Jimi Hendrix, Bernard Purdy, Laura Mvula, Cinematic Orchestra, Four Tet. I could go on for hours with this!
Something you have to do before you die, which you have not yet done?
Skydive. I'm terrified of the idea but I'm still determined to push myself out of my comfort zone and do it at some point.
Logisitcs - Facebook - Twitter - SoundCloud
