We grabbed the drum’n’bass icon at this year’s Take Note music conference and put him to the test with our quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
It was the only thing that gave me something to feel hungry for. Time was non-existent when music was in my life. You know you’re in love with something when 24 hours goes and you have to sleep but you want to keep going.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
I’d love to believe I’d have been good at some kind of sports, but unfortunately I think if I wasn’t doing music I’d have gone down one of those roads which you wouldn’t talk about.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Trust no one but trust everyone. You have to do both. Be a bit selfish but have a lot of kindness as well.
Trust no one but trust everyone. You have to do both. Be a bit selfish but have a lot of kindness as well.
What inspires you?
The people around me. The vision of a better future. Seeing stuff in the making and then seeing it in reality.
Best club experience?
Events where you’re on the bill alongside your favourite artists. Playing with people like Kenny Dope in Bristol.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Car mechanic. I’m not a guy who likes the cold. Waking up every morning and having to mess around with Swarfega and oil? Not me.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
A track’s never finished. It mutates. There’s always something you could change. I just take what I’ve learned from that track on to the next.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
A couple of Chic records, a couple of early Michael Jackson records. Not just the writing, but the sound as well. The first NERD album, when Chad just hit every chord in one fell swoop.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
By cheating. Faking it.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
I wouldn’t like to say there’s a worst, but there’s probably been a few moments. It’s experimental. You’ve got to throw it out there and see what sticks.
Recommend us a film.
I’ll recommend two. Wild Style, about American hip-hop and graffiti culture, and Babylon, about black soundsystem culture. Two films that made me want to be the man I am today.
Recommend us a book.
Lucky Man by Michael J Fox. It’s an incredible book about his career and discovering he had Parkinson’s. He was a G, and he’s still doing his thing.
What or who is underrated?
A good night’s sleep.
What or who is overrated?
Subliminal messages.
What are you addicted to?
I’m addicted to knowledge.
What do you lust over?
I keep that between me, myself and I.
What is your greatest regret?
Taking a break and stepping back from my passion.
What one thing would most improve your life?
I’d love to be in a relationship, but I’m married to the job at the moment.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
There’s been a few of those! Any gig where there’s no back stage area, no rider, where the system’s home made and where the security are bastards!
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I love it. I’m a Scorpio – I’m born to collaborate.
I’d love to be in a relationship, but I’m married to the job at the moment.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Patience and great ears. You have to absorb the elements and understand the dynamics.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Something I’ve done. Maybe ‘New Forms’. It’s a track I really love.
How do you relax?
I’m not a relaxing kind of guy!
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
My laptop. I’m an in the box guy. I need Pro Tools. Everything else can just go.
Art or money?
Bitcoin.
Must-read blogs/forums?
No chance. That’s suicide. People get distracted.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
That it’s getting harder for me to build teams. Having to keep breaking down the team and rebuilding it, that’s really hard.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Reinforced, run by Dego and Mark. The original time-stretched jungle music. Reinforced was it. You didn’t even listen, you just bought it on sight.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
That you have to have a thick skin.
What’s your motto?
Think it but never say it.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Know your numbers and be open to advice. And don’t be afraid to use an analyser!
Find Roni on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.