"Hello, Ossie!"
Ossie has today released his ‘Set The Tone’ EP on Hyperdub. Following on from the brilliant Tarantula earlier this year on Lightworks, it’s a record that offers a similarly playful take on house, with its jazzy rhythms, rolling clipped percussion and treated vocals seeping in and out. We interviewed him a little while back on how he records, how he got involved with Hyperdub, and how Benji B got hold of his music.
What’s your name?
Ossie.
How old are you?
22.
What’s your current location?
East Ham, East London.
How would you describe your sound?
I don’t think I have a particular sound, I like to think that there’s something for everyone. As long as what I’m making makes people dance then I’m happy. I listen to loads of genres and that has a big influence on my production.
How do you record?
A beat will just come to my head wherever I am and then when I have the chance I will try to recreate it straight into Logic. It just flows from there. I add the melody, layer the song and then structure it. I don’t have a set routine all the time, I just make what’s in my head.
What’s your previous experience?
From a very young age I started producing music. I was recording with friends and just
messed about then put the tracks up on YouTube. Since then I’ve gone to uni and I am studying music technology so I am now developing more background knowledge of the field. I’m new in the game so hopefully in another year or so I will have more to say about my music CV.
Who are your heroes?
The Neptunes because they’re living legends, their work is genius. 95% of what they make is
golden. Also Michael Jackson. I think he’s everyone’s hero, just one of a kind.
What’s your next release?
‘Set The Tone’ EP is the next release from me. Comes out on Hyperdub scheduled for June.
Tell me about how Benji B got his hands on Tarantula?
It came out of frustration really. I had one of those boring days and I wanted to do something productive. So I decided I wanted to give Benji B my CD as I had been a listener of his show for a while. I drove to central London and waited until the end of his show, handed him the CD and before I knew it he was playing my track. He called it Track 1 because he didn’t know the name. I had put a sheet with the track listings but he must have lost it lol.
How did the Hyperdub connection come about?
Hyperdub contacted me back in August ’10 after hearing my tracks on Myspace. They asked if I was interested in releasing tunes under their label particularly Set The Tone which I made about three years ago now. After staying in contact with them I agreed and we went from there.
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your time?
I study Music Technology at university of Hertfordshire and work at a coffee shop part time and yet I actually spend quite a lot of time watching videos on YouTube. To be honest if I’m not making music I’m most probably looking for new music.
Who do you want to give a shout out to?
Mum, Dad and fans. I appreciate the support.
Hyperdub will release Ossie’s ‘Set The Tone’ EP on 20th June 2011
