Feels like the right way to start of 2012 here on Disco Droppings. This young duo from the UK has a lot of love to give. Their EP is on the way..

DD Your use of vocals is incredibly clear and balanced. Goes straight to the heart. What vocal tracks have emotionally hit you the most?

B For me (George) I actually love the vocals in ‘BTSTU’ by Jai Paul. There’s something intriguing yet beautiful about the contrast between the lyrics and the vocal itself. Lykke li is also someone I’m inspired by. We’re both big John Legend followers, he really shows the extent an acapella can be taken to in tracks like ‘Used To Love U’.

For me (Adam) John Legend’s first two albums are remarkable vocal-wise, ‘Where did my baby go?’ is a perfect vocal and melody combination in my opinion. I’m also a big fan of Alicia Keys, ‘The Diary Of Alicia Keys’ especially, ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ is too good. I think her voice is practically perfect in that song. All of D’Angelo’s ‘Brown Sugar’ has some beautiful vocal performances as well.

DD What would you say about each of your contributions to the sound of Bondax? As a pair, how do you guys bounce off each others style and mindset?

B We work quite separately when it comes to gathering ideas generally. But our sound is definitely a combination of (mainly Adams) compositional ideas and (Georges) production ideas so the end product is a reflection of both our creative preferences. The other thing is, being such close mates we have no problems telling each other what we really think so we always achieve something we both like.

DD If you could interview one of the producers you’re influenced by, what would you want to talk about?

B Well obviously it’d be nice to take some production tips from them firstly. It’d be cool finding out when and where they produce, if they have a sanctuary-esque studio or if they just have a laptop they move around with. It’s also interesting knowing how someone gets themselves in the right vibe for producing. It’d be sick just to hear about a few of their greatest experiences in or out of music too.

DD What have been a few of the most inspiring moments for you guys in 2011?

B Radio 1 play, getting our tracks signed to several labels, getting played on rinse fm. Support from lots of other djs, turning 18 (George)! It’s all been quite mad considering we had only made one original track together this time last year and it was infact ‘Just Smile For Me’.

Warehouse Project was definitely a highlight, and Beatherder festival, always one of the best weekends of the year. It’s sick knowing that we make tunes that sound like we want them to sound and people still enjoy them, there’s a great sense of joy and liberty that comes from that. Although our music is essentially dance music because it’s what we love, everything comes straight from our hearts. I think that love is why our tunes almost have a softness that surrounds all of them. Hopefully we’ll continue to evolve as quickly in 2012 and there will be some exciting times ahead.

DD Last words?

Thanks to all who supported us in 2011, our first EP ‘Reverie’ will be dropping around March keep your eyes peeled and a happy new year to all.

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– Jimi Jaxon

Thanks once again to III Cosby, head of Car Crash Set for sharing this producer with me. Artek has a show on Sub.FM with G. Davies on Monday’s 10am-noon west coast time. Open your eyes..

DD Your songs connect with me very effortlessly. You seem very in tune with your emotions.

ATK I Like to bring emotion into a beat but that’s what a lot of music nowadays is like. It’s just hitting those heart strings ennit.

DD Recently G. Davies stopped by Disco Droppings. We talked a bit about his Sub.FM show with you. Which artists are you especially hyped on sharing with your Sub.FM show?

ATK One artist we’ve been playing beats from all year is Hoodmode. Expecting a lot from him next year. Personally I’ve been excited to play beats by a guy called Fabian, he’s doing that perfect garage sound that is surprisingly hard to come by nowadays. Loads of new upcoming artists have been sending us tunes and it’s really good to hear beats by people you wouldn’t have normally come across. If our plans succeed our regular artists on the show will be coming to a vinyl near you.

DD I really like this low bass that comes in for the last part of “Out Of Touch”. This is forthcoming on B.YRSLF, when does it come out?

ATK It should be out early next year just mixing down the final track. Shouts to the B.YRSLF guys they are the best label I’ve dealt with so far and their roster is amazing. Hopefully ill do more for them next year. Very understanding guys as well!! 

DD Your “Holdin'” single on Car Crash Set is fantastic. I like those synths in the beginning, reminds me of the 80’s. Also like those little vocoded vocals jumpin around. I like the space artwork for this release along with VRTraining. Is this a constant influence for your work?

ATK Yea I’m a big fan of the whole synth wave and italo sound, doesn’t come across in my music much but I hint at it a lot. I like that epic spacey vibe.

DD What’s been the best moment for you as an artist in 2011?

ATK I think it would be getting the sub fm show. Used to listen to the station a lot back in my school days feels good to be a part of it now. 

DD Do you feel different personalities coming out when your in Artek artistic mode, compared to your day to day life? What traits of yours do you enjoy amplifying with your music?

ATK My weirdness comes out. But all my tunes I bring out like that usually stay on my hard drive, don’t think anyones ready for them just yet lol. I’m a pretty normal guy though really.

DD Who would you say are the most fearless and innovative producers right now?

ATK Geiom, but he has kept it real since day one. TWOINCHPUNCH and Beaumont are onto winning sounds. Brey has always been keeping it real but he’s a rare guy nowadays. 

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– Jimi Jaxon