With his new single out this week on Numbers, the Welsh producer tells us why he wrote ‘Walk On In’ while surrounded by old-age pensioners.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Making or serving food or drinks somehow. It’s my piece on the side.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Turn the screen off.
What inspires you?
Good food, drinks and good living.
What’s the next big thing?
I heard it was deep house?
How do you know when a track’s finished?
When someone who has more Twitter followers than me says it is.
What was your last day job?
I was a white van man. Delivering toilet paper to gay bars. I wish I was joking.
How do I know when a track's finished? When someone who has more Twitter followers than me says it is.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
I think I say that about three or four times a day, but one I can think of right now is ‘Whisper Fate’ by my friend Kuedo. Blows me away every time.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Always have a bag of cocaine readily available.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I’m pretty happy with my back catalogue.
Recommend us a book.
John Jeremiah Sullivan – Pulphead.
What or who is underrated?
Presk. He’s one of my very favourite producers, he should be massive!
What are you addicted to?
Chocolate brazil nuts.
What do you lust over?
My woman.
What is your greatest regret?
Losing my favourite hat.
What one thing would most improve your life?
A million pounds.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
A gentleman never tells.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I’m big on collaboration. I find people whose strengths are my weaknesses. Or even just the fact that it generally brings so much new material and so many ideas. I find also that even if there’s just someone in the room with me, I tend to eliminate bad ideas quicker.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Right now I’m listening to Universal Robot Band – ‘Barely Breaking Even’. To be honest, I’d be happy to go out on that one.
How do you relax?
Drink, eat, read and sleep.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
I’m pretty in the box these days, so my laptop.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
I actually finished my last single, ‘Walk On In’, in this cafe in Swansea called the Kardomah. It’s a really old-school cafe that’s been open forever and used to be the hangout for all the 20s Welsh poets. It’s now mostly frequented by pensioners, but it’s still a vibe. It’s a fond memory, I have to say.
Must-read blogs/forums?
Arseblog, for anything to do with Arsenal FC.
What’s your motto?
Try and only do business with people you can have a beer with.
Only do business with people you can have a beer with.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Turn your screen off and listen. Arrangements are often so much better if you can’t visualise them.
Doc Daneeka’s ‘Treptow’ is out now on Numbers. Find him on Facebook, SoundCloud and Twitter.