March’85

Lately, I’ve been keeping tabs on Ghostek. What he’s been creating and who he’s been working with. I started with his label, March’85 and their debut compilation, Tracks 4 My Mom. From there I’ve soaked in his productions, with their sharp rhythms and looming atmosphere. I’ve spent a lot of time mixing “My Lady” off his Easy Changes release. So far, this is my favorite Ghostek track, filled with slick movement and shuffled excellence. I enjoy connecting Disco Droppings to my artist work, giving the music I love a platform online, as well as in a live setting. Ghostek and March’85 are featured in my exclusive Bottom Forty Mix, which was recorded at Vermillion in Seattle, this past May.

I’m honored to share this talk I had with Ghostek. I hope this interview inspires, while also giving insight into the mind of this relentless force..

DD Hello Ghostek. Very happy to have you here on Disco Droppings. How are you doing?

GH Hey mate, I’m good. Bit busy as always.

DD This forthcoming collaboration you did with VVV called “Flashing Light” on DPR Recordings is rad. Can you give a clue into the release date? Also, I went over to VVV’s Soundcloud to get feel for his style. I was swept away by the depth and emotion of his productions. What attracted you to him for this collaboration, and what did you guys learn from each other through this process?

GH Shawnin (VVV) is a nice guy and I like his productions as well. Been following his music long before we started working together. And I’m so happy we made it. As for the release date of ‘Flashing Light’, not sure atm, so I won’t lie. What I really like in working with Shawnin is that he’s quick on production. This is really rare thing, I know a few more guys that are as fast as VVV.

One of them is Sorrow

DD The debut release from your new label March’85 is solid. The diversity of sounds that still work cohesively as a whole is very admirable to me. I’m especially fond of Ed Motion’s “Everyday”, Arctic’s “Kings” and Atlus’s “Apophenia”..

GH I’m glad that you like the release, but I have a feeling that it is left a bit underestimated. There’s so much good and versatile music in it. It took long time to collect all those tunes. But it was out when I had some rough times, so I couldn’t spend enough time on promo and stuff. That was a mistake. But apart from it, I think this is one of the best things I took part in. And much love to everyone who supported the compilation! Special thanks to Olga Kalitkina and her mom for the photo and the artwork!

I hope to release more good music with March’85, but I’m too focused on preparing releases for Square Harmony atm. And I’m just trying to get the whole machine working properly. When it is done, I hope the releases will come more often and more regularly.

DD I’m also wondering about the time spent in each area of your artist life. Between your own productions, remixes and label managing does one area dominate the others? Are there times when one side has all your attention, and other areas take a break?

GH It is all simple. It differs from time to time. Everything is about inspiration, you know.

DD One release of yours that I absolutely love is the Leaving For The City of Saints EP. I feel a strong spiritual and expansive pull with this release.

GH Thanks man! I think this is one of my best releases so far. I was full of thoughts and ideas at that time. It was just before I was moving to Saint – Petersburg. Had a great time with my family despite all the problems.

DD What significance has becoming an artist played in your life? What kind of evolution have you noticed in yourself, comparing who you were pre-music making and after?

GH That’s a good question. A lot of things changed since then. Now I see everything through the prism of music. I’ve managed to connect all my life with music. Nearly all of my friends now are musicians or good music lovers. Music was around me since childhood. But it was a difficult decision leave everything behind and become a producer. It was a breaking point for me. But I don’t regret anything. If I had another chance, I’d have chosen the same way.

DD You did an interview with Katipo Audio recently and mentioned that you’re working on a sample pack. Seems like a fun idea.

GH Yeah, that sample pack is finally out. It was a huge work, but I’m pretty happy with it. And I’m glad I was given that chance. Thanks to Samplephonics for that.

Hope that people will find it useful and inspiring!

DD Any last words?

GH Want to say thank you to everyone who supports me and all the good music. It’s you that keeps it alive!

Ghostek – Facebook Twitter Soundcloud Discogs

– Jimi Jaxon

My dude Arctic is on the attack. Some may remember past features here on James Arctic. He’s shortened his artist name, and is showcasing some impressive, dark new sounds. He’s got a fantastic release on Coyote Records called the Shook EP which features two tough grime tracks and a remix by Kid Smpl. Hear from the man himself in this new interview for Disco Droppings..

DD Feels strange to say, but it’s been over a year since I last talked to you on Disco Droppings. Welcome back..

A I know, time has flown. Great to be back, always a pleasure mate.

DD Your Shook EP was on June 3rd. Look at you dude! First I see “Kings” in that Tracks 4 My Mom release, and now this EP. It makes me smile seeing my friends such as yourself pushing out and doing shit. How are you feeling about it all?

A Thanks man. I was stoked to be a part of the Tracks 4 My Mom comp. The “Kings” track was receiving a great response when I first made it (over a year ago now), but nothing much came of it, so when March’85 hit me up I jumped at the chance…It’s a great home and fits really well in the compilation. The Coyote EP is a real proud moment. Having my music pressed on wax has been a goal of mine for a while and seeing it all come together alongside an amazing back catalogue is such a great feeling. Tom @ Coyote has fully supported my music from the get-go and the whole experience has been a pleasure.

DD You are really into Grime, a style of music I’m not too familiar with. How would you describe Grime and how has it influenced your new EP?

A What attracted me to Grime music back in the day was the old school clashes – the rawness & energy behind the productions and the hype between mc’s sending for each other. The sounds were unpolished, the quality didn’t necessary have to sound good, which I feel made it exciting & unpredictable to listen to. I like to think that comes across in my productions also.

DD How’d you connect with Brackles? I see he’s played a remix of yours recently and also brought you on to do a 15 minute production showcase mix for Rinse.fm.

A I initially wanted to run a tour with Brackles in Australia, so we were discussing plans for that originally. During that time I’d send over tunes every few months, which he ran on Rinse and were getting picked up on by a few blogs & dj’s. Not long after signing the Shook EP, Coyote organized a guest mix which Brackles requested a 15min production showcase…I was over the moon to say the least!

DD How have your shows in Australia been going?

A The gigs are going well here, they kinda come along every few months or so. It’s usually my mates organizing stuff, sometimes international supports but mostly local events. I locked down a monthly residency at a bar in the city not too long ago, which I prefer doing the most. It gives me 5 hours to play whatever I like and get extremely pissed in the process…shouts to the E55 crew every time.

DD Any last words? Hope our paths cross again very soon..

A Big thanks for getting us back and shouts to everyone supporting. The Shook EP is available on select digital stores now and will be available everywhere & on 12″ vinyl as of June 24th. More releases to follow, keep an eye out!

Arctic – Facebook Soundcloud Twitter

– Jimi Jaxon

A Rare Conversation With Ghostek

Arctic Interview – Shook EP via Coyote Records

@JIMIJAXON Twitter

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