10 years deep in the game, Dense & Pika have forged a reputation for a smorgasbord of electronic sounds. Their debut album, Colour Burn, was released last month on BMG home to the likes of The Prodigy. We put them to the test on our QnA and readers note you’ll soon be able to enjoy the QnA format over on our YouTube channel.
Why music?
Music is a bit like magic and everyone loves magic. Also am rubbish at everything else.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Probably working in an advertising agency which was what I was doing before music.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Pull out the low mids.
What inspires you?
Everything to be honest. I like music in the broader sense and try to listen to as much of it as possible. I think there’s amazing inspirational music in all genres.
What’s the next big thing?
Vaccines and festivals opening again.
Best club experience?
I always love playing for Jika Jika and Shine.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Working on a building site.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
Thats a really tough one. I always think working on things for to long makes them stale.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
I was working for an advertising agency on Wardour Street in London.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Tear for fears – Shout.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
Write music people can’t ignore.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Not sure.
Recommend us a film.
Nuns on the run.
Recommend us a book.
Educated – Tara Westover.
What or who is underrated?
Salad Cream.
What or who is overrated?
Ketchup.
What are you addicted to?
Coffee.
What do you lust over?
Synths.
What is your greatest regret?
Not being at home much in my 30s.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Not touring all the time.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
Live in some weird castle in the pouring rain.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Can easily be either.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Cutting out the low mids.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Talk talk – I believe in you.
How do you relax?
Red wine.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Ableton.
Art or money?
Art but ideally both.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Not into football.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
Disabled loos of Glasgow airport.
Must-visit record store?
Phonica.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
People who want fame but don’t care about talent.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Erased tapes – Cos its the best label ever ;-).
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Its all good.
What’s your motto?
Always look forward.
Name something timeless
Goldies first album.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Always always always follow your heart, create your own sound and watch out for the low mids.
Complete this sentence: At heart I’m just a frustrated …
Man.
Can music change the world?
100% yes.
What are you listening to right now?
Colleen.
What should you do before you die?
Buy Colour Burn on wax.
Dense & Pika’s debut album, Colour Burn, is out now. Buy, listen and stream on Bandcamp.