The time has come again to catch up once more with the prolific producer of the hypnotic techno movement in the light of a special occasion. Deepbass, after a productive break from music and a deep breath, is about to present his newest full-length album called Inward. Since Atmos release in last year’s February, there has been the luxury of time to spend more time on his projects, and it wasn’t long until the inspiration kicked in for him. Furthermore, he initiated during that time music masterclasses and found an unexpected aptitude for sharing and teaching. Through our conversation, we managed to catch glimpses of his production process, how he holds on to some ideas, and his vision and focus on his releases. From there, we noticed the upbringing of emotions and how they find their place in immersive atmospheres and textures, which, in turn, have their part to play. Despite the general surrounding dejection, Deepbass aims to provide an uplifting quality through his music, one that we so delightfully take in. Based on a constantly improving technique and solidified creative paths, we are pleased to make this discussion and take a deeper insight into what we should expect of him next and, of course, his newest work. Additionally, below you can find his latest mix.
Your last album release was the Atmos LP in February 2021 through Informa Records. When did you make the decision to go with the Inward LP and how have you found the journey working on this one?
It wasn’t a conscious decision to make Inward. When covid came along I decided it was time for me to leave Barcelona, where I had lived for the previous five years and move back home to Glasgow. I took some time to step back from the music scene, which had been the main focus of my life for a long time, and immerse myself in some other projects that I wanted to work on. After a hiatus from music, I finally got the urge to get into the studio again. I felt a fresh surge of inspiration and the album just flowed out in a very organic way.
What made you choose the title “Inward”? Is it related to some personal journey through it?
The name Inward came from the way the album was conceived. My approach to music is not to look around for what others are doing, but look “inward” and work based on feeling and emotion. This is the best way to create something unique.
How did you feel making this album and what was the process? From the idea to the final result.
I really enjoyed the process of making this album. It was probably the most effortless one yet. Basically, I choose a small selection of my synths and started jamming whenever I felt the impulse to do so. I usually always record when I’m messing around, making sure to capture the moment when things start to come together. From there, I usually find some loops from the recordings in various lengths, and then I start to put the track together. I find it important for me to get most of an arrangement down in one session. I think that if I don’t seize the essence of the track then and there, the next time I come back to the project I don’t have the same feeling and it can get lost. Each track is like a captured moment in time for me. I love the way you can use the same few synths and, depending on different factors such as your mood or even the weather, it can affect the way you play them. Which in turn creates something totally different. While making the album I replicated this process until I felt the journey was complete.
Would you say it sets any new standards or “adventures” for you and your label?
I would say it certainly re-sparked my creativity which I admit was getting a bit stale for a while. I feel I have a fresh sense of the direction I want to go with my music and also the label moving forward.
We saw you stepping into the classroom this year with your masterclass session for the Subsine Academy. How did you find that experience as a tutor?
I really enjoy doing these sessions and it was surprising to find teaching a class feels quite natural to me. There are a lot of talented people out there who just need a little push to take their music to the next level. I have learned a lot about production over the years and it makes me happy to share some of that if helps someone move forward in their musical exploration. The music scene has been good to me over the years and helping the new generation gives me a feeling of giving something back. There are many things I wish i’d known earlier in my career but if I can use this to benefit others that is an accomplishment for me.
Generally, what’s the vision and focus of your releases? And how do you manage to maintain them through the years?
The vision and focus of my music are to make the listener feel something when they listen to it. If it creates some emotion, then it has served its purpose. Over the years I have created a sound that really feels like me and I have slowly gone deeper into it. In my opinion, repetition is key. I believe you should find what you are good at and become an expert at it. The great thing about music is that you never stop learning and each technique you learn adds a new dynamic to the sound. So, it’s always evolving while staying true to the original concept.
Would you like to tell us more about what forms their sound and aesthetic?
I love to work with hypnotic loops layered over rolling sub-heavy basslines and topped with ethereal atmospheres and textures. This combination can give a very powerful, uplifting, and immersive quality to the music.
Based on your involvement and perspective, what would you say is the most valuable thing shared through your work?
In a techno scene where dark and aggressive music has reached the mainstream, I like to think my music brings a little optimism to the table. I want my music to be light-hearted and enjoyable to listen to, but still with the power to create some emotion.
Finally, what does the future hold for you? Any next steps?
Moving forward. I simply plan to stay active in the studio making the music I love and continuing to craft my sound, while dedicating some of my time to helping others by sharing what I have learned so far along my musical journey.
The full-length album Inward will be available on Informa Records.
LINKS
SC: https://soundcloud.com/deepbass
FB: https://www.facebook.com/DeepbassInforma
YT: https://www.youtube.com/user/InformaRecords