Guava Mix
Guava, aka Bradley Hutchings joins us for #52 on our Tapes series. Guava is a British, Berlin-based producer whose discography includes releases on labels such as Holding Hands, Control Freak, and Rhythm Section.
His latest EP, released last month on Tread Records, represents a musical bridge between his electronic output as Guava, and his other work as a session guitarist and composer of film and TV scores. While most certainly a record for the dance floor, Guitarist EP is another example of Guava’s ability to push boundaries and combine elements of different music to great effect.
Tracklist
Thaw - Dugong (Guava Reverb-Remix)
Falling For U - Guava
Cali - Kasper G
False Awakening 2 - Keplrr
Libelle - Guava
Next Year (Original Mix) - GLOCKTA
Come (Breaks Mix) - Manao, Confidential Recipe
Scope Out - Bakey
BLOW UP - Acidfinky
Lacuna - Leo Abrahams (Guava Remix)
Be As One1 - Dawn Razor
Historical Repeater - Paranoia
Verbosa - Overmono
In Cloud - Guava (ft. Alex Blake)
Quick Start (Original Mix) 214
Router - Pangea
Hey Guava! How are things? Loving your Tapes mix, thanks for the contribution. Introduce yourself :)
Thank you for the invitation. I mainly hide behind my computer (producing). But recently, I have been asked to play more and create mixes, so this is slightly uncharted territory for me. My name is Bradley Hutchings, I am a session guitarist by trade, but by chance, I have produced and released a lot of UK Bass, Experimental and Ambient music.
What are you up to this month? I’ve seen you’re playing at the Rhythm Section night at Corsica on the 25th!
Yes! I will be playing B2B with Breaka for the first time. We've produced a lot of tunes together, but this will be new territory for both of us. So this mix will serve as my rehearsal for the big night.
Are you playing many festivals this Summer?
I haven't got any festivals in my calendar, but I'll wait and see; you never know.
Let’s talk about your latest EP on the brand new label, Tread Records: ‘Guitarist EP’, which features three guitarists; Alex Blake, Leo Abrahams, and yourself amalgamating in a killer remix from the mighty Sputnik One. How long have you played guitar and has it always influenced your productions?
I've been playing the guitar for 16 years. Over the years, I've played every type of gig conceivable, from playing in pubs around the M25 to recording in Abbey Road Studio 2. When I got into production ten years ago, I used it as a springboard for my guitar playing. So, there's always some guitar in my music; but you have to listen carefully to hear it. Last year I realised I had many unreleased tracks written with guitar in mind. I thought it could be interesting to ask two of my favourite guitarists to perform on them. Alex Blake and Leo Abrahams. Alex is a rising talent in the London Jazz scene, playing with the likes of Arlo Parks and Skepta. He's got a beautiful guitar tone that sits in the mix perfectly, and the 'licks' that he came up with for 'In Cloud' elevated the track to a whole new level. So thanks, Alex! I recommend following him on Instagram @alexcosmoblake; it's worth it. Leo's credits are also impressive; Imogen Heap, Jon Hopkins, Brian Eno and Paul Simon, to name a few! He's also got an exciting sound and playing style. Using a DI from his guitar straight into Ableton, he creates patches that react to his playing. I can't say I know exactly how he does it, but it's a fantastic thing to hear for the first time. I've just done a remix for his latest EP (Lacuna - Guava remix is in this mix).
How do you go about the creative process when working with other artists? Is it a bit of back and forth or do you work together in a studio?
I don't have a special knack. I have a rule that trusting the other person is essential from the start. If the person you're working with does something that doesn't sound "right' I would say lean into it and embrace it. The more you do that, the more chance something interesting will come out of the session. And you should avoid spending lots of time on details, such as editing the audio or mixing to make everything sound perfect. As my friend Mike Smaczylo says, 'perfection is the enemy of good'. Collaborating face to face is always best, but Wetransfer also works.
Who’s behind Tread Records?
I went to school with Danny many years ago. Last year he approached me about doing the EP. Through that, I met Harry. I'm excited to see where the label will go and who will be on subsequent releases. They've done a great job so far. Also, shoutouts to Sputnik One for coming through with the remix!
Any other release plans for later on in the year?
Yes - but nothing set in stone... wait and see
What’s your setup like?
Logic Pro X - Elektron Machinedrum - Gibson SG.
Time for the quick-fire! What’s your second favourite fruit after your artist name?
Mango
Funniest club memory?
Bumping into loads of friends from London in Berghain by coincidence.
What would your dream studio look like?
Probably a nice big house in the south of France overlooking the sea. I like the idea of working on location in ‘non-studios’.
Top 3 labels to watch in 2022?
Control Freak, Tread and Holding Hands ;)
Thanks so much for joining us!