“What’s underrated? Burgers. Essential on-tour snacking.” The Minus man takes on the quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
It’s what I love to do.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Cooking.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Find something you love doing and you’ll never work a day in your life.
What inspires you?
Everything around me.
Best club experience?
The Button Factory in Dublin. I played a homecoming there on December 26th and it was wild.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Working on a food packing line in a factory.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
After you’ve tested it out at a show, and it works.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
My last day job was as a chef. I’d given it up about a year before I signed with Minus to fully focus on my production.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Pink Floyd – ‘Money’
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
You gotta work hard!
Recommend us a film.
Adventures in Babysitting – an 80s classic.
Recommend us a book.
James Martin – Desserts. Tasty.
What or who is underrated?
Burgers. Essential on-tour snacking.
What or who is overrated?
Pop-up shops/pop-up restaurants.
What are you addicted to?
My Nespresso machine.
What do you lust over?
A Neve console or a dalmatian puppy.
What is your greatest regret?
I don’t live with regrets.
What one thing would most improve your life?
A gym membership.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
A bit of both really!
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Tuning and balance.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Groove Armada – ‘By The River’.
How do you relax?
Watching movies, TV box sets and eating out.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
My SH-101 – I use it in every track because of its rich, analogue tone.
Art or money?
Both.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
A kitchen!
Must-read blogs/forums?
Wunderground Music – really funny.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Time-wasting debates over which is better, analogue or digital.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Colombia Records – they have released some of the most influential music spanning my entire lifetime.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Hitting a brick wall.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Add elements where they are only really needed and choose your elements wisely.
Matador releases his next EP on Minus in March and will be playing at Sankeys on January 23rd and Fabric on January 24th. Find him on Facebook, SoundCloud and Twitter.