Interview with BTK for Kmag [10.01.2013]

You were very busy in 2012. What have you been working on in the studio recently?

I can definitely say that last year was a very good one for my career. Over the past 12 months, I released 32 tracks on labels such as AEI Media (Drum & Bass Arena), Demand, Dutty Audio, Frequency, Playaz, Renegade Hardware and Shogun Audio, as well as my debut album with Optiv on Virus Recordings. I’m very excited about what’s coming in 2013! In the studio, I stick to my routine: I get up early and spend the day working on new material. At the end of January, or perhaps the beginning of February, my new solo track “Addiction” will be released as part of the Limber EP on Renegade Hardware. We also have a collaborative EP with Optiv entitled “Drop the Funk” ready for Playaz Recordings. In March, my solo 12" single will be released on Renegade Hardware, featuring the track “Megahertz”, which I consider to be one of my best tracks. There will also be several remixes, solo works and collaborations with Optiv for Black Sun Empire, Dom & Roland and Citrus Records, which are due to come out later this year. Besides that, I’ve been trying for a long time to convince Raiden to make a track with me. I’m not sure it will happen, but I’m working on it! In any case, I’ve acquired one of his tracks for my label Dutty Audio, and I hope we’ll have a full 12" single from Raiden coming out soon.

Your previous collaboration with Optiv, entitled “Sabretooth”, was a major success. How would you describe its sound to our readers?

We wanted to make something more minimalist, but it’s still a dancefloor track. We received support from the most influential DJs on the scene, and it was a great track for consolidating Dutty Audio’s success in 2012.

Who and what inspires the style and sound of Dutty Audio?

For me, the goal is always to maintain the right balance of funk and groove in a track, as well as to make sure the elements evoke different moods. However, the track is always aimed at the dancefloor. Dutty Audio is my child, growing slowly but steadily. The label’s releases are based on the music I like to play.

Mefjus recently won the “Best New Producer” category at the DNB Arena Awards, and he also remixed the track “Whatever” (BTK & Optiv), which will appear on “VA Remixes 2” on Dutty Audio. Are there any other new producers you think our readers should check out?

I’ve been keeping an eye on Mefjus for several years. The guy didn’t have any facial hair when I first heard his music! His remix is an absolute masterpiece, and I’m sure it secured him a place in heaven. We won’t be hiding from him in 2013. He’s destined for great things. I’m sure of it. I’ve also put my money on Memtrix.

You travelled a lot this year. Where did you most enjoy being a DJ?

I always love playing in France because of the liberated women; the parties in the UK are also a lot of fun. Last year, I toured Australia and New Zealand for the first time. It was a long trip, but I’m planning to go back there this year.

Original interview: Knowledge Magazine, 10 January 2013. Translated from the Russian translation.