English star Tazer is undoubtedly one of the freshest new DJ and production talents to have emerged in recent times. He is well known for his super fresh smash hit ‘Wet Dollars’ but his self schooled skills are sure to take him even higher in the coming months. That first breakout track came about after Tazer was messing around on production software, producing the track known as Wet Dollars. He later hooked up with fast rising new school R&B star Tink who provided a great top line to finish it off in style.
Raised on a diet of Motown and classic hip-hop in his town of Oxford, playing other people’s tracks only kick started the buzz. Tazer soon emerged making his own music and is now very much part of the modern underground scene. The sounds he began cooking up in his bedroom melt his early hip hop influences with a love of house (and acts like Jamie Jones) and so he was soon snapped up by the legendary Black Butter Records, which also works with stars like Rudimental and Clean Bandit.
As well as original material, he has remixed the likes of DJ Fresh and Rihanna to great effect, and his unique work has already been championed by BBC Radio 1, Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Zane Lowe and Mistajam. Tazer has plenty more to come in the form of collabs, new music and remixes and so is only likely to continue on his route to the top.
We hooked up with Tazer and had a chat about to his music, his inspiration and his future. Have a look at what he had to say:
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
I would pretty much describe my sound as a blend of Bass and Tech House. I always struggle to answer this question because I feel like I have a different style on each track I make. But, people are always telling me they can tell a “Tazer” track when they hear it so I guess my style is just that.
What are the 5 albums that have influenced you the most?
Oh this is a tough one but in no particular order I would say
Live – Erykah Badu
Bad – Michael Jackson
Settle – Disclosure
The Documentary – The Game
Come Home With Me – Cam’ron
As you can tell these are all pretty different to the style of music I create, however I would like to think that my stye is a product of all of these albums.
Live – Erykah Badu
Bad – Michael Jackson
Settle – Disclosure
The Documentary – The Game
Come Home With Me – Cam’ron
As you can tell these are all pretty different to the style of music I create, however I would like to think that my stye is a product of all of these albums.
Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?
I’m really getting into everything Green Velvet is putting out at the moment. All of it is really solid work.
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?
Yamaha Studio Monitors! I reckon they are the best when it comes to writing music. The sound is so pure and natural.
What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?
The longevity of songs in electronic music world has seemed to dramatically reduce. Songs now feel as if they have a lifespan of about a month before it’s “old news”. this isn’t very motivating and it can definitely put you off if you don’t churn out tracks every few weeks.
Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?
When I perform I try to get there early to listen to music that is being played by other DJ’s. This really tends to get my creative flow going and I always find myself inspired afterwards.
Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting your music together?
Hmmm, I normally sit down and try to come up with a concept for the song as opposed to just writing. From there I will record a basic drum pattern and a rough idea of a bassline/melody. Then, anything goes. haha
What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?
Bournemouth O2 Academy on Halloween. I had just finished a set in Birmingham and I had to fly down to Bournemouth. When I got there I was so tired but the set I played was definitely the best I have ever played. I remember doing so many different tricks and the crowd went crazy. I will never forget.
And the worst?
Haha, I had a set at a University once and I believe someone got stabbed the night before so everyone thought it was cancelled so no one showed up. ha!
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
Definitely in something that would involve cars!
Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?
I really want to play out in Dubai in the coming months. I love it there and I have set my sights on it.
If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Jamie Jones!
Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
I have a release coming soon on Get Twisted entitled “Rave Slave” Look out for it! Also I am playing festival in Helsinki next month called “Kult Festival” so I am really looking forward to that!
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