july's edj interview is something a little different - rather than feature an established name in d&b, its acting as more of a spotlight for a relatively unknown producer that goes by the name of ultracode from ukraine. his 'keep secret' ep was featured on the blog a while back (click here) and i was blown away by the quality of this release which to me sounded like it could have been taken straight from autonomic podcasts (think a heady mix of oak and bop and your on the right lines). with future releases in the pipeline and none other than tony coleman interested in his tracks the future looks bright for this young man - if you want a taste of his styles then grab the folder of free tunes (that cover numerous genres) he has generously given up for free download. remember where you heard it first....
(note: this is without doubt the longest and most arduous interview i have carried out for edj - its been through a chain of about 6 or so people translating it back and forward so i just want to say a massive thankyou to my friend yakov and doa's symert for all their help!)
edj: Introduce yourself for people how may not have heard of you....
Real name – Yuriy Kudryavchev. Born 2nd April 1986 in Kiev, brought up in Chernigov in Ukraine. My childhood went by like the majority of children of that time – kindergarten, school, various extra-curricular activities. In school I learnt to play the piano and the flute. It’s worth noting here that I did not enjoy these things at all. During my adolescent years I became seriously engaged in Breakdancing which I did for about 8 years until I received numerous injuries so serious that I had to abandon it. With the freeing up of my time from such practice I suddenly got a yearning to fill that empty time. Having organized the promo for the band All Zero, I began to promote the electronic music scene in my region. With time I managed to achieve some notable successes. Up until now, there have been many successful nights organized with DJs such as Electrosoul System, Kano, Flame, Komatic and many others taking part.
I also remember how in primary school, walking to class in the morning, I used to tune my radio to a pirate radio station that played Brakbeat – those were some of the best moments of my childhood.
edj: How long have you been producing, and how did you get into d&b?
My first experience of DnB came about at that moment when I got hold of the album by Aphrodite – Kings Of The Beats in 1999 together with a Panasonic CD player given to me for my birthday by my sister. For along time that was the only disc that I had, and I listened to it until I virtually destroyed it. Kings Of The Beats had an everlasting impression on me. I loved striding along the street with my CD player under the beat of Aphrodite! Now, when remembering that time, I am beginning to acknowledge that this was the time when I fell in love with DnB. I also remember how in primary school, walking to class in the morning, I used to tune my radio to a pirate radio station that played Breakbeat – those were some of the best moments of my childhood.
I’ve been seriously making music since 2007. I had tried doing something earlier on but this was playing around rather than anything worthwhile. In essence it meant that I would mix tracks and samples for the breakdancing shows. This was the way that I got my first experience. Finally, it was a very straight forward route to becoming a DnB producer. There wasn’t even a question of choosing it from a number of careers – it was simply a call of my heart and soul.
edj: What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
I very much liked – trip hop, funk, acid jazz, bossanova, funk and old school rap. Now I like listening to neo-classical music (I adore the Korean pianist Yiruma), idm, lo-fi, ambient, dub step, chill out, down tempo. For more information on my current tastes you can listen to this: http://www.lastfm.ru/user/Ultracode
edj: Can you give us a run down on your studio set up?
In order to create music I mainly use my head – this is the most important instrument in the creation of not only music but many other useful things. I think that many would agree with me in that thoughts reflect what see and hear and even what we feel.
The things that help me out include:
FL Studio Sequencer, Adobe Audition, Sound Forge
Real Time specrum-analyser - Penguin
Audio Card - Terratec Aureon Fire Wire 7.1
Headphones - Ultrasone PROline 750 (I don't have a monitor as of yet)
midi - keyboard CME UF-60
edj: The tracks on your keep secret ep have a very eerie, space like atmospheric feel to them - where do you draw your inspiration from?
I derive my inspiration from life itself! I get all of this from life! My surroundings, fantasies, dreams, anxieties, friends, girlfriends, parents, people, feelings which I nurture and filter through myself, everything that affects me and everything that stimulates my mind.
edj: How did you hook up with absys records for this release?
I got a message on virb from the founder of Absys Rec about the search for tracks to put on the first release – ‘Behind The Corner’, and I decided to sed a couple of tracks for their consideration. I received a positive response and this was the beginning of our collaboration.
edj: Do you have any plans to work with them again? What other releases do you have planned/lined up?
Of course! Absys Rec. is a young progressive label that is going places. I think that I have the opportunity to release all my work on it. At the same time I am always searching for new labels that will release my work. In the near future a new EP is being released on the Australian Silk Records. Likewise, some other labels along with the founder of Hospital Records – Tony Coleman - are interested in me.
edj: What is it about the minimal d&b style that excites you? Did you always plan on producing this kind of music, or did it just happen naturally?
I always strived to create that which is different from other people, I’m really glad now that I have found my calling. I have found the type of music that reflects me. My music is directed more towards listeners rather than the dance floor. I always dreamt of contributing something nebulous and at the same time sophisticated in down tempo DnB. I think that I have succeeded in this.
edj: Do you dabble in any other styles? A lot of this minimal d&b has quite alot in common with some of the more atmospheric dubstep....
Of course – YES! I am always in the process of finding new things and experimenting with sound, trying to avoid pigeon-holing myself, stereotypes and patterns. I have a few down tempo tracks.
As for the similarity with dub step I can say the following - There is simply no doubt! There is certain similarity, Dnb intertwines with many other types of electronic music including dubstep - these styles have much in common. You only have to recall – Synkro, Kontext or Distance. Although similar examples can be found all around.
edj: There has been quite a surge in Russian and easter european d&b recently, lead by artists like ElectroSoul System, Bop, Oak, Abstract Elements and more - why do you think this is?
Indeed in recent years it is evident that there has been a steep increase development in atmospheric and minimalist sound in Eastern Europe. With everyday more and more talented producers appear. Currently, there are already globally-known producers such as: Absract Elements, Dissidnet, Oak, Bop – this is only the tip of the iceberg as you’ll see soon!
It’s simply wonderful that such music is gaining popularity! Significantly, it’s a new development and development gives a chance to look at DnB from a different angle, different vantage point and to reveal new talents.
edj: What is the scene like over there, and how has in developed in recent years?
The Ukrainian scene is showing new developments in recent times. It’s important to mention the debut of Tonika & Derrik on Fokuz and Integral Recordings, and of course Sunchase with its reliable staff that consistently deliver quality. A few excellent producers live in Chernigorov. One of them is already famous to many – Stereotype. Also, dnd Roomoff and B.H.are are also promising talents in techno. I know that in Ukraine there are a number of good regular parties and festivals with excellent guests, but unfortunately I rarely have the chance to attend them.
edj: Shouts/Plugs/Info etc...
I want to thank all of those who believed and still believe in me. I want to thank my parents and our planet! I want to thank Fonik and his friend (who is actually is currently translating this, hello!) for his help in organising this interview.I wish everyone all the best and thank you for your attention. You now know more about me.
DOWNLOAD
LSD
I'm Shaten
Only You
Flashback
Moon
Saturday
Slideshow
Soul
Tea
View
Red October
http://soundcloud.com/ultracode
www.myspace.com/plin2zzzua
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