Obskür recently released their single ‘The Dark’ featuring Bklava on FFRR Records. We caught up with the duo for a lighthearted Q&A.
Why music?
We were always surrounded by music growing up as kids, so it’s pretty much second nature to us at this stage. I can’t imagine doing anything else.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Probably be waiting to leave college, getting jobs in marketing or events. We’d still find a way to be in the clubs…just doing a different role haha.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Make music that you like and music for yourself.
What inspires you?
Listening to as much different music as possible and keeping up with any cool artists we like. This really helps for finding inspiration both in music and life in general.
What’s the next big thing?
No clue really. What is the next big thing? We’re curious also…
Best club experience?
The Warehouse Project. It was absolutely unreal!
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
PR staff in a nightclub and selling doughnuts hahaha.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
Tough one this. I suppose if it hits as well as you want it to and it still sounds great after listening 100s of times.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
Our last day jobs were actually our worst jobs too! We were both laid off due to the pandemic and we realised we could give them up after the success of ‘Bayside’. We just never went back really.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Disclosure – White Noise. Absolute BANGER.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
We would love to know the answer to this ourselves. Whoever knows, DM us!
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
All of them.
Jokes aside, there’s one called ‘SÖ’ that we put out as part of our first EP years ago, and it just doesn’t sit well with us in hindsight.
Recommend us a film.
Football Factory because Danny Dyer is hilarious.
Recommend us a book.
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. It’s a really inspiring read.
What or who is underrated?
Ejeca. He’s a living legend and an outrageous producer.
What or who is overrated?
Standing behind DJs and not on the dancefloor.
What are you addicted to?
Coffee and buying the same sneakers (Nike Airforce 1s) just in different colours.
What do you lust over?
That big Pioneer DJM V-10 mixer. NEED IT!
What is your greatest regret?
No regrets ever.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Being fitter, it’s happening though lol.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
One of our first gigs. We were playing in a room with a big dirty fish tank beside it. It was disgusting but funny at the same time.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
Definitely depends on who it’s with. We haven’t collabed with many, but we feel like it’s definitely a rich creative experience when it’s with someone you admire.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Getting yourself in the mood and dancing (badly) as much as possible. This always works a treat.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
Mella Dee ft. Infinite Coles – Love It or Not. There are no words for that tune, we would happily listen to it 24/7.
How do you relax?
Playing PlayStation or eating.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
Our little Roland MC-707. It’s such a beast.
Art or money?
Art all day.
Ronaldo or Messi?
Siuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
In our manager’s kitchen!
Must-visit record store?
The Shall Not Fade record store in Bristol. We haven’t yet been ourselves, but it’s so boss and the lads have smashed it. We’ll definitely have to go when we’re in Bristol.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Bad mouthing people. It shouldn’t be a thing.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Impossible to pick one: FFRR, Shall Not Fade, Hot Creations, Cuttin Headz. All have been huge influences on us both now and growing up. We’re also lucky to have released on some of them already.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Spending hours looking for the right clap or hi-hat. We’re still here looking all these years later. 🤣
Obskür featuring Bklava’s ‘The Dark’ is available to stream and buy now on Beatport.
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