Fractal Architect

Talks About Music, Influences And More

Do you have a particular structure to the way you produce each track?

I always look at music like I look at any other design project, as an iterative process, it is usually driven by a concept in the first instance, a spark or idea that becomes the basis for the track. This might be a killer synth line, drum pattern or melody, or even just a feeling. It’s really a matter of sitting with my instruments and jamming until I find something that fits the mood I’m in.

Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

Ah, there are so many.. I think I’d have to cite many of the early electronic bands of the 80’s as my initial influences. Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Gary Numan, Jean Michael Jarre, Vangelis, Tangerine Dream to name just a few.. I was very into early electro and the whole breakdance scene in the late 80’s with tracks like ‘Al Nayafish’ by Hashim and ‘Boogie Down Bronx’ by Man Parrish big favourites at the time. This developed into a passion for the whole Detroit techno scene with some real classics from Underground Resistance and Ritchie Hawtin. This is when I developed a passion for Dj’ing.

Who/what are some of your biggest influences outside of music?

I’m an architect, so I can reference many influences in the world of spatial design. Antoni Gaudi is a genius, his skill of combining organic forms and engineering is so inspiring. Landscape Architects Luis Barragan and Lawrence Halprin are masters of spatial planning who use form and light to create unique experiential qualities in their designs.I try to incorporate some of the tenets of their design approach into my music through the use of organic sounds, creative sonic palettes and effects spaces that convey a sense of darkness and light.

Do you have a favourite piece of hardware, MIDI, plugin or other instrument?

So hard... Particularly loving my Korg Minilogue XD at the moment. There are some amazing plug ins out there too, U-he are still leading the way with gems like Diva and Repro.

Headphones or Speakers?

Again, difficult.... I reference using Audio Technica ATH M50 headphones in the studio , so I get some serious sound quality, but most of the time I rely on my Adam Audio monitors and some volume so I can really feel the music.

What are your favourite things to do outside of music?

I am a father of four, so there’s nothing I like more than spending time with my wife and kids, just doing anything really.

What is your favourite destination that you’ve travelled to and do your travel destinations have an influence on your music?

My wife and I visited Quintana Roo in Mexico and toured some of the Mayan ruins there. The sense of history there is just incredible. I would love to go back there.Special places definitely have the power to inspire creativity, so if I am ever suffering from a block, I often travel to a place that has some meaning to me and take a sketch pad to draw what I see. I soon feel inspired again.

What are three places that you have always wanted to travel to but have yet to see?

I’d like to go to New Zealand, Canada and Japan

What was the biggest challenge for you in 2020?

Trying to stay sane whilst being a husband, holding down a demanding career, home schooling my kids and still finding time to write music. 

Is there much live music in Britain at the moment? What is the situation like?

Prior to Covid there was a lot of live music here. I have seen hundreds of bands over the years and performed at many club nights. I expect this will come back once the virus is under control but who knows when that will be!

What do you think the future holds for music and musicians/artists etc.. How do you foresee the future of electronic music, clubbing and live music in general from now onwards?

Again, this is largely dependent on how we respond to the pandemic. I think the future of music as an independent artist is going to be challenging, at least in the short term. 

The world of music Is constantly changing. Vinyl, Casettes, CDs, Napster, iTunes, Beatport and now streaming.. do you have any predictions as to what lies ahead in the way we pay for and listen to music?

I think streaming will continue to dominate the market in terms of how people access music. It would be good to see streaming companies support artists a little more with increased revenue share etc.

A secret talent of yours that hardly anyone know about?

I’m a very keen amateur baker, especially artisan Sourdough breads.

Song that makes you cry?

‘I had this thing’ by Royksopp 

Song that makes you smile?

‘I’ll find my way home’ by Jon and Vangelis

Some tips you would give someone who has just started producing!

Try to avoid pigeonholing yourself! Write from the heart and be patient.

Any final words?

Thanks for inviting me to speak to you!