OSLCTS.011 Bruce
From releasing on some of dance music's most notable labels to tearing apart festivals across the world pre-covid: Bruce is one of the UK’s most loved and respected artists for very good reason. After half a decade of musical offerings, he has built a name known for his intricate rhythmical releases that notoriously bend and develop the sonics of techno, and push the genre into new experimental realms with playful elegance.
Since arriving on the dance music scene in 2014, Bruce's consistently stunning projects have had output on labels such as Timedance, Hemlock Recordings, Idle Hands. Arguably his most notable release to date is his poignant debut album on Hessle Audio 'Sonder Somatic'.
The treat that is their 2019 Dekmantel set shows the full extent of their rhythmical intuition and charismatic selection. We at Origins are lucky to be hosting Bruce for one of our first parties back this May, and we welcome him with joy to our roster of curators for Origins Selects 2021.
BRUCE SELECTION —-
Senyawa - Pada Siang Hari
Jah Warrior - Strictly Yard Music
ZDBT, Prado, Slim Media Player - MEAN BOY
Loraine James - Simple Stuff
Rocha & Lewinger - Tango
Squid - Paddling
Akiko Haruna - Raw
Princess Look - I Wanna B With You (feat. Cuzzo)
Lankum - The Wild Rover
Dead’s Man Curve ~ It’s Immaterial - Driving Away From Home
Lawfawndah - You, at the End
Hey Bruce how are you?
Yeh, good ta. Got a bit of a fuzzy glow on from a fair bit of drinking this last week since the pubs are back open. Definitely feels like a significant lift to the spirits!
Firstly I would love for you to talk about your choices for Selects, what was your thought process?
Just a selection of stuff I've been listening to recently (that's on Spotify). Not a great deal of DJing opportunities atm so been nice to dig deeper into some sounds.
Describe lockdown 3.0 in 3 words.
Studio. Therapy. Tiktok.
Have you found that your methods of making music have changed in the last year or so?
Yeh, I haven't been this focused on writing music since before my first release. So I've definitely noticed improvements. Also, collaborating with some people has really helped my technical process.
Do you deliberately set out to experiment when making music or is it something you do intuitively?
I wouldn't really say I experiment when making music. The music itself is only experimental to the extent of my intention to play with the familiar: the tried and tested tropes of dance music that everyone knows and loves. Any sound design or creative techniques used, are just a natural intuitive effort in making the music "move". Theoretically, I believe music can be measured by how alive it is; if the music feels like it moves authentically with sonic gestures and textures, then the physical emotional intention is much easier to translate/interpret. Putting that into practice - it's just a case of manipulating a select sound source to fulfill a given physical purpose or intention. When the audio sources are strong and familiar enough, it's easier than it seems!
What's an invaluable piece of music advice you have been told?
“Why are you doing that? Why does it need a compressor/eq? Does it sound like it needs a compressor/eq? No? So why are you compressing/eqing it?”
Apologies for being nosy but your iconic Dekmantel set, what was the story behind your broken arm?
Lol, I very foolishly cycled into the back of a stationary car. It was only my wrist (scaphoid) fortunately and thanks to taking it a little easier since it's all better now 🤟.
What was the first experience of music you make and play today?
A combo of my music tech teacher at school showing me "Stop! l'horizon" by Christian Zanesi and going ham at the front of under 18 UTR nights watching Benga & Skream.
What are you most excited about in 2021?
Bringing new-found confidence and contentment to a post-covid/normal life after experiencing significant progress in emotional therapy.
Describe your perfect post-covid night out…
Start in the afternoon with some friends, a yum homemade lunch and a podcast; move on to some light cocktails; have a mix as more friends come over; roll a couple spliffs; turn up the music a bit; knock together some nibbles for everyone; roll on out to the local for a couple pints; bump into a few more mates; sing some karaoke; take a nibble of a gary; roll on out to the club; the programming is suitably diverse and appropriate for the space with a top end sound system and lighting; crowd are in both part rowdy but respectful (and all on the same level/drugs); the night ends at 6am but feels way too soon; back to a mates' for a subdued afters with no cocaine; fall asleep on the sofa for a decent 8h; get woken by a mate saying there's a day party poppin off down the road; feeling surprisingly fresh, have a quick lunch and gather the rest of the crew; the system isn't amazing but it's a good vibe cos nearly everyone is rolling through; things get a lil weird but well within control; party goes on till about 7pm; grab a takeaway on the way home; bed by 10 👌
Follow Bruce —
Interview by @lcy__________