We are pleased to present another seven-question interview from MIB Crew. This time, we spoke with Icicle!
How did your journey into the world of drum and bass begin?
I think I first really got into it when I was 15, and my friends and I went to a local party. It was called “Jungle galaxy.” As soon as we got there, it turned out to be just an insane party, with people dressed in beanbags instead of clothes. I was already into records at the time, and the next day I went to a record shop and said, “I want drum and bass!” That’s roughly how it all began.
Who were your first inspirations?
At the beginning, pretty much everyone, really. I barely remember, but I think Bad Company, Dillinja, and then I got really into Optical. I think those were my key early inspirations.
How would you describe your musical style?
I always try to be fairly diverse, but people think I lean more towards a dark, techy style, though not an overly heavy one. I want there to be a groove; I want the music to be technological and futuristic, but organic at the same time. Like a human heart that wasn’t made by a computer, and so on… (I love Phace.) It’s always strange talking about your own music, because you have to describe it, and in the end you sound like a smartass.
Where have you most enjoyed performing, and where would you like to perform in the future?
Performing everywhere is great, especially in places like Romania—they’re absolutely brilliant. I’ve been there several times over the past few years, and every time it was completely insane. Last year, Electric Castle, and of course Revolution Festival this year. Epic! But the set at Electric Castle—oh man… it was so EDM. In general, everywhere is good. In Europe, Belgium is a fairly special place for me. The sound is moving more towards Central and Eastern Europe now, and that’s wonderful, because it means we can travel a lot. Australia and New Zealand are also great places.
Which artists currently inspire you?
In terms of technicality, I think Noisia have always been at the top, and recently I’ve also really got into Mefjus. On the other hand, there’s plenty of techno that I really like: the raw, dirty and organic kind is something I always enjoy. And that also influences my drum and bass.
What are your future plans? (releases, collaborations)
Actually, I have some pretty big plans. Of course, I can’t tell you about all of them, but my next release is coming out in July: a single with Skittles for a really big festival—guess which one. Besides that, I’ve written new music with Mefjus and made some things with Signal and Ulterior Motive. And there’s a whole bunch of other stuff too—I’m working with different people, we have a joint project with my cousin Proxima, and also something with Black Sun Empire. A little bit of everything.
What do you like most about the current community, and what do you think could be improved?
Drum and bass is in a good place right now. There are a lot of people into it in different places, and that always makes me feel a strong connection. The problem with drum and bass is that some sounds and the overall sound have become too interchangeable, especially in neurofunk, so I think more people should look for greater individuality within the genre. But in reality, that happens in every musical genre. Overall, I think D&B is very strong and in good shape.
