“Don’t be afraid to try… Mistakes are good.” London via Porto producer Trikk takes on the quick-fire Q&A.
Why music?
Because it was the first thing that made me get emotional.
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Never thought about that. I don’t know how to do anything else really.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Always do what you’re feeling.
What inspires you?
Everything.
What’s the next big thing?
Who knows? One month it’s something, the other month it’s something else.
Best club experience?
Small room, no lights, very few people and friends around.
What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?
Retail.
How do you know when a track’s finished?
I just feel it. There’s no limit really.
What was your last day job and when did you realise you could give it up?
My retail job. Fortunately I always had a few gigs to cover the bills.
What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?
I don’t know really – I’ve never been on the easy path.
What’s the worst track you’ve ever released?
Ha, too many! Well, it’s always a learning process and evolution as an artist and person, so it’s normal that you don’t like some of your work at some point.
Recommend us a film.
Recommend us a book.
Everything from Brion Gysin, especially the cut-up technique.
What are you addicted to?
Making music.
What one thing would most improve your life?
Cheaper basic needs, to concentrate more on the music and art.
What’s the worst gig you’ve ever played?
I never had really terrible gigs, and normally the worst is when you get there and don’t play, or you miss the flight – it happened to me once.
Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?
I can work with very few people. Normally i’m just comfortable doing it myself.
What’s the secret to a great mix?
Play what you believe and love.
If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?
That’s a difficult one. Probably one of the tracks would be Nelson Cavaquinho – ‘Juizo Final’.
How do you relax?
Sun. Good music on in the background.
What one piece of software/kit could you not do without? Why?
MS-20, because firstly it has a great sound and it was my first synth.
Art or money?
Art.
Strangest place you ever wrote a track?
Probably Starbucks.
Must-read blogs/forums?
Normally more magazines than online publications like Acne Paper, Apartamento and music-related stuff.
What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?
Right now, it’s the fact that marketing and social skills are more important than the music itself.
What’s your favourite label? Why?
Too many to mention really. Always great work from Studio One, Honest Jon’s Records and Industrial Records.
What’s the worst thing about making music?
Nothing.
What’s your motto?
Research, make and finish.
Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?
Don’t be afraid to try, so you know straight away what works or not. Mistakes are good – it gives the track some kind of personal feeling and connection.
Trikk’s Front EP is out now on Pets Recordings. Find him on Facebook and SoundCloud.