In Interview with Silverlining

The ninth installment in the Silverlining Dubs series sees London-based Silverlining taking a turn toward his techno side, with three cuts that span more than 20 years.

First up, ‘Groundhog Rave’ is a brand new uptempo stromper with metallic, Detroit-inspired stabs and clicky fx, that combine together to ooze with groove. On the second cut is the highly sought after ‘Stolen Baggage’ that first came out on Eukahouse in 1997. The B1 is a fresh rework of an emotive melodic techno number entitled, ‘Spinach, Mystery and Insult’. As a bonus, a short downtempo workout called ‘Stick Snails’, which features Chris Pascoe on bass and guitar, has been added to round things off.

Like all releases on the label, the tracks have been mastered to tape, and cut onto deliciously chunky 180g vinyl.

We had a chat with Asad Rizvi (aka Silverlining) about his latest release, his 2018 and plans for the future. Check out what he had to say below.

Hi Asad, thanks for having a chat with us. What can you tell us about your latest release ‘Silverlining Dubs (ix)’?

Thank you too! The boring bit is that this release, at least the first 3 tracks, are a nod towards my love of techno which was what got me into electronic music in the first place. The EP features tracks from the past and present, spanning 20 years. I find it quite difficult to describe my music, but all I can say is that one can visualise ‘Groundhog Rave’ as being about waking up in a rave, populated by marmots, every day, for the the rest of your life! ‘Stolen Baggage’ was written as an ode to my favourite holdall that fell victim to larceny. I could try explaining what ‘Spinach, Mystery and Insult’ is all about, but I think that’s best left to the imagination. ‘Sticky Snails’, is about rescuing snails from the pavement after the rain. The latter features some great guitar and bass work by my friend Chris Pascoe, and the whole EP was brilliantly mastered onto tape by Keith Tenniswood (aka Radioactive Man).

How many more ‘Silverlining Dubs’ can we expect to hear?

The series will probably continue for as long as still easy to figure out the roman numerals on EP titles!

Do you prefer releasing on your own label than releasing on other labels?

They are two different experiences. I love to work with other people, and bounce ideas around, and see their vision for things like track selection, artwork and remixes. I’ve been working on lots of new releases for next year with some great labels, and each one has been a uniquely refreshing process. That said, I also enjoy knowing that the finished product is the result of my own hard work, such as designing artwork, curating tracks from different eras. So there’s no preference either way. You learn something new every single time.

Are you more in the digital or analogue corner?

It really is like a boxing ring! Perhaps in the analogue corner, we can place Mohammed Ali, while in the digital corner, is Mr Bean after six months of pumping iron and protein supplements. Both will probably throw some formidable jabs and uppercuts, but you know who’s going to prevail in the end! As for me, I’ll be running between both corners applying ice to both.

What piece of studio equipment would you say is most important to your sound?

If I had to pick one, my Yamada DX11 has been left switched on for almost half of my life and it’s still going.

What’s been your favorite track of the year?

I love many kinds of music but if we’re going to stay relevant to this genre, then I’d have to say Robag Ruhme’s “Wuzzlebud FF”.

What can expect from you in 2019?

I’m really excited to be working on some fresh releases with some amazing people and labels. As well as more Silverlining Dubs 12”s, the next single is on Okain’s Talman Records with remixes by Enzo Siragusa and Sweely, followed by a track on a Berg Audio compilation. There are remixes on Moss Co, Romana, Superfreq, See Double, Romana and Platform 18. As well as these, there will some reissues on Neotropiq (the label just dropped the Two Right Wrongans track). And lastly but definitely not least, a special compilation with Holland’s Ye Ye Records of collaborations I have done with other artists. There are some nice tours and gig offers coming in so I expect to be on the road quite a bit too.

Have you made any New Year’s Resolutions?

To finally organize my record shelves and my neverending bags of cables.

Who has been your stand out artist of 2018?

Off the top of my head, I just used three tracks by Christian Jay on my mix of Technique before I realised they were all by him. I’ve been buying up a lot of stuff by Frits Wentink too.

And who are you tipping to make it big in 2019?

I’m probably the worst person to ask this sort of thing, as I don’t really understand how hype works very well. It’s hard to tell but there are loads of young labels and artists brewing with some amazing music, as well as old timers finally getting props. I hope all talented people get the recognition they deserve. For me, the music is what matters the most.

Silverlining – Silverlining Dubs (ix) is out soon. Buy it here

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