Championed by the likes of Annie Mac and Pete Tong, Russ Chimes’s Kathy Brown-sampling new single ‘Turn Me Out’ looks all set to be part of the soundtrack to the summer. We put him to the test with our quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
It almost wasn’t. It eventually won.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
I’d still be a graphic designer working in London.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Keep it simple, stupid.”
What inspires you?
Those moments in a club that stick with you forever. Long drives.
Best club experience?
Space Ibiza, on too many occasions.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Homebase in Bracknell (enough said).
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When it’s only getting worse the more it’s fucked with. Or ideally when every base is covered with the least amount of fuss.
When did you realise you could give up your day job?
Probably only when the remixes and gigs became steady enough to pay rent.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Be in the right place at the right time, with the right sound, surrounded by the right circle of friends.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
The day after release, all of them. Then we slowly make friends again.
Recommend us a film.
What or who is overrated?
Sambuca.
What are you addicted to?
Apple products.
What do you lust over?
Old sportscars.
What's the worst track I've ever released? The day after release, all of them. Then we slowly make friends again.
What is your greatest regret?
Every period of bone idleness.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Unlimited motivation.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
Those ones where you’d rather be anywhere else.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Both at the same time. There’s no creativity without getting fucked off with something/someone.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Tony D – ‘Come Back To You’.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
ESX24 is the home of everything.
Art or money?
If they can co-exist, thats the dream.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
Bath (in the bath, not the city).
Must-read blogs/forums?
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Me being the main client.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
If you think something you’ve made is good, be confident about it. Chances are your enthusiasm will rub off on others. (Still working on this – see last answer.)
Russ’s latest single ‘Turn Me Out’ is released on June 30th on Deconstruction/Columbia. Find Russ on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.