Taking a break from straight ballin’ in Hackney, Pedestrian took a time out to answer a few questions for us. Currently working on various projects with 2nd Drop and Push and Run, along with a busy summer festival hopping, we talk creative thoughts, influences and what he’s got planned for the future.
- What are your main influences?
So many different things, music-wise stuff like old Hip Hop, Blues, Jazz, Ambient, House, Techno, Speed Garage, Drum & Bass and also things like scenarios, moods and strange photo’s or pictures.
- Who do you make your music for? Where should you be to listen to your music?
I guess I mainly make it for me and my friends, i hope a lot of people get to enjoy it but I never try and make something for the masses, if you do that I think you start to compromise the honesty in your music and it shows. A lot of my music has a bit of a druggy haze to it, so I guess during or after a bit of a session would be a good place to listen to it! Not that I condone drugs or anything…
- Do you ‘pre-think’ a melody/raw form/rhythm or spontaneously create?
I normally have a particular mood or vibe that I’ll try and achieve, so i’ll start by getting a good sound, maybe a sample or a synth and record me messing around with it for a few minutes. Once i’ve got something down I’ll fine tune the bits i think worked the best and progress it from there.
- When DJing, do you structure your set according to crowd/venue/city, or is it based entirely on how you’re feeling?
I can get a good idea of what kind of crowd will be at an event from the rest of the line up. Normally I’ll have several collections of tracks that fit together nicely and merge these different collections together as the set goes on, if that makes sense?
- If you could pick anyone, who would you collaborate with?
BB King, Dilla and Brian Eno in one room.
- Your style of music appears to be evolving from a ‘dance music for home listening’ vibe to something more club orientated at the moment. Why so?
I guess playing in clubs and wanting to have something of my own that would fit that environment has been a factor. Another is moving to London and being exposed to what is going on musically down here on a more regular basis. I like experimenting with different styles and not just staying within one particular bracket, whether its 80/120/170 BPM, home listening or a more clubby dance track, it depends on what mood I’m in really. I have written some music thats a fair bit harder than usual lately but that doesn’t mean I’m completely converted, I’ll always make all sorts.
- You have played twice in Croatia this summer, at Soundwave and Echo Festival…how was that? Could you shed any light on why Croatia has become such a popular festival destination of late?
They were both amazing, considering it was Echo’s first time it was really good, 3 days on a beach full of quality music, everyone had a great time. I’d been to Soundwave as a punter before so it was really nice to be booked for it, the new location really works. My daytime beach set and Hyponik boat party was a highlight of my year. I think Croatia has become so popular for festival goers in recent years for a number reasons; it’s a beautiful country, the weather is amazing, the locals are friendly, welcoming and love a good party, it’s also a fair amount cheaper in general than over here. I love it in Croatia and will definitely be back there at some point next year.
- What have you got planned for the rest of 2012 and 2013?
This year I’ve got a couple of releases lined up, one being a 12″ for 2nd Drop and a few collaborative projects. I’m also doing a 5 date Push & Run UK tour in October and November with Ifan Daffyd, Bodhi and guests. I want to keep releasing into 2013 and start thinking about writing some music that can be performed in more of a live environment, I’ve wanted to do that for a while now.
- You’ve been stuck on a desert island and you’ve now returned to civilisation, what tune do you want to hear?
Soul II Soul – Back To Life
Check out Pedestrian’s soundcloud here