There is no denying that Darren Roberts akaĀ Deepbass has been enjoying constant recognition both with the public and with his peers – as a producer by releasingĀ records on labels the likes ofĀ Edit Select Records, Dynamic Reflection, Ascetic Limited and Soma, and also as owner of Informa Records, a label whose output includes music from names such as Reggy Van Oers, nAX_Acid, Claudio PRC, Takaaki Itoh, Ness, NX1 and Hironori Takahashi.
Whether by lieu of his own productions or the releases on his imprint, Darren continues to be a constant source of quality music for those who crave expansive, deep and rolling soundscapes..
MultiverseĀ is the third outingĀ of the label Kontrafaktum, an EP released on April 28th with two cuts that can be found both in digital formatsĀ and on vinyl. Find it for purchase on Juno, DiscogsĀ andĀ deejay.de.Ā Both tracks are a testament to Darren’s signature sound, filled with emotive, thundering techno.
We caught up with the Scottish born producer who now lives in Barcelona to discuss his recent gig in LA for Ascetic Limited, the EP and his connection to his home country.
Hi Darren, it was a pleasure meeting you in Los Angeles when you played for Ascetic Limited. How was that night for you?
It was a great party in LA, I feel a really nice underground vibe going on there and the crowd were very open minded.
What did you enjoy about LA?
I think LA is a fascinating place, it was my first time there and had only previously seen it on TV but it really has the personality you would expect. I hope to be back again soon.
How did your collaboration/involvement with Ascetic Limited begin?
It all began like most do, first as a chat with Matt and Carlos (founders of Ascetic Limited) online which led to the track for the V/A on Ascetic which led to myself and Reggy Van Oers coming over to play for them.
You have an EP coming up, Multiverse! Tell us a little about it. Where did you produce it?
At Kontrafaktum they have a strong musical concept which I tried to embrace without altering my own sound too much. I wanted to make something more stripped back, long and evolving than I usually do, I am happy how it came out in the end.
When we met in LA we talked about Scotland’s techno scene. You now live in Barcelona but Glasgow’s grit is still visible in your tracks and sets. Do you miss home?
Not particularly no, I lived my whole life Glasgow and needed a change in my life, coming to Barcelona has been the best decision I have made. Of course I miss my family and friends but I try to get back to visit when I can. But in terms of music and inspiration it is no longer the place for me.
If any of our readers are looking forward to a trip to Glasgow in the near future where do you suggest they go to find quality techno?
For quality techno in Glasgow you must visit the legendary Sub Club, It played a big part in my musical upbringing and is still on top in the city, except from that I recommend La Cheetah, it is a super small space underneath a bar in the centre but there are always great vibes there.
What other Scottish techno talent should we be listening to?
My number 1 recommendation for Scottish techno is the new upcoming artist Repart, if you like my music then I think you will be into his also, with releases already on Planet Rhythm & Wunderblock Records the future looks bright for him.
Any other exciting plans for 2017?
I have many new releases coming out on various labels and am putting more focus on my own label Informa Records, I hope to get another couple of release out there before the end of the year. Also I have been working on a new live act and LP which I hope to showcase before the year is out.
MultiverseĀ available for purchase on Juno, DiscogsĀ andĀ deejay.de
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