Majora is the Reading local responsible for work on Hot N Heavy, LNUK, 877 and Four40 amongst others. It is the track he released on the LNUK compilation that gets the VIP treatment here; ‘Lost In Diamonds’ is reworked into a bouncy, percussion-driven club cut, full of the energy and dancefloor sharpness that this producer is starting to become associated with. Stream and download below.
- Tell us a bit about yourself first, aside from music. What would you do with your spare time if you weren’t making music?
I’m Dan or Majora, 19 and from Eton in Berkshire but off to study Music Technology at Bath Spa University from the end of September.I Produce and DJ a mix of UK Funky , House & Grime.If I wasn’t making music in my spare time I would probably still play some level of Football. Instead i just watch a lot of Football, mostly South American and at stupid hours of the day haha.
- How do you find the music scene in Reading? Can you namedrop some talented local artists?
The music scene in Reading is a weird one.Were i live there is nothing apart from a ‘Liquid’ so travelling 30 mins to Reading was the only way i could get involved in any scene.I was introudced to it through a D & B night called ‘Bassment’ and then later a Dubstep night called ‘Resonance’.At the time i loved it because i was really into my D&B and Dubstep but as the two scenes progressed i found Reading to be quite a frustrating place.I got involved in a few nights including Resonance and although on several occasions we did try to push more progressive sounds the nights that kept selling out were the Heavy Mainstream Dubstep ones.However a newish night called ‘CUBED’ have emerged and i have had the privilege of playing for them on a number of occasions. They have booked the likes of Zinc, Disclosure, Eats Everything & MJ Cole so for me it looks like a big step in the right direction. Big shout outs to Chris & Pete. As for local talent – Acronym, Siktion, Major Kaos & Counterfactual are all great DJ’s. As for local Producers Corporal F is making some great tunes atm and is one to look out for in the coming months.
- When you’re making music are you try to do something unique or do better what so many young producers are doing too?
When i make tunes i often start with a bit of Inspiration from perhaps another piece of music or just something I’ve seen. Very rarely do i stick to an original idea though.Most of my tunes end up being in a different key or BPM to when i started making it. A tip though to any young producers is not to make whats popular for the sake of it. Make what you enjoy and be creative.
- What are your production and DJing setups at the moment?
Still using Reason 4 atm but will be upgrading to 5 very soon, and i use KRK rokit 8′s for monitoring.. As for DJing i have a simple set up of American Audio Radius 1000′s at home there a poor mans Pioneer but work a treat.
- How has playing on the radio affected you as a DJ? Has it affected your production too?
Playing on Rood.FM is great.Its a great way to stay on your toes as a DJ and make sure your ahead of the game when it comes to getting new Music and learing the best ways to mix certain tracks. Before Rood i could only really DJ Dubstep & Grime. Now my sets will include music from all over the 120-140bpm spectrum and thats only down to the fact i have a guaranteed 2 hour slot in the week to DJ to some kind of Audience and practice.
- What’s to come from you over the rest of this year and the start of 2013?
Next up for me is my first 12″ which will be out in October. Its a joint release with My Nu Leng called ‘Hips N Thighs’ with their tune ‘The Grid’ on the release as well. 877 are releasing it and its fair to say I’m stupidly excited about getting it out there. After that I have my first Solo EP which will be out Digitaly on Mimm‘s new sister label Tumble Audio that will include ‘Shook’ ‘Just Listen’ ‘Boss Key’ and possibly a few remixes. I have also remixed Karizma‘s new single ‘Few More Bars’ and that should be out by the end of the year too. As for 2013 nothing planned just yet but I’ve got a nice batch of tracks waiting to be finished and sent off so I’m hoping to have a few more 12″s sorted. Expect some more grimey stuff and even some Bassline. As far as DJing is concerned catch me playing at nights like Audio Doughnuts, Mimm, Piff & Cubed across Bristol, London, Nottingham & More
- Whose forthcoming releases are you most excited about right now?
Really looking forward to Killjoy‘s (AKA Ashburner) release on Tumble. That guy is nuts, everything he makes is quality. Also very excited to see what Gorgon City release next. I love what their doing atm so many bangers ! On a deeper tip Hackman‘s album should be great and i look forward to hearing more from Affkt (who if you dont know check out !!).
- The track you’ve given us a VIP of your track on LNUK’s compilation. How does the VIP differ to the original?
‘Lost In Diamonds’ was my first proper release under the Majora alias. Its probably the most melodic thing I’ve made so i thought making a VIP would be a good idea. To make it different i layered the harmonies on nice and thick and re-arranged and added more swing to the beat. I hope you all enjoy it.
- Finally, please complete the following sentence: Get Some…
Havana Club Rum in your life !