Interview with The Clamps ahead of his parties this weekend in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.
Who were your first influences?
Many rock, metal and punk bands, such as Iron Maiden, Death, Bad Religion, Alice In Chains and many others. In electronic music, they included SP23, OQP, FKY, Sound Conspiracy and Prodigy.
How would you describe your musical style?
Energy with character, slightly raw, but always with positive vibes, even if some of my tracks are dark and heavy.
Where have you most enjoyed performing, and where would you like to perform in the future?
I really love playing in Toulouse, because it is now my city and the atmosphere there is simply incredible. I really enjoyed Bogotá with the Re.Set crew and Signs; it was an amazing week of happiness. Let It Roll was great too. And yes, honestly, I enjoy performing everywhere there is a suitable atmosphere \m/
Which artists currently inspire you?
Many, but I could mention the Italian A team (Merikan, IHR, Akrom), the Toulouse team—Signs, Redpill and Monty, who are making some cool stuff—Lorn, The Upbeats, Signal, Gydra, Mizo and many others. To be honest, everything I enjoy listening to.
What are your future plans (releases, collaborations)?
I am finishing my LP, which will be released soon on Kosenprod, with some great collaborations and varied material (from Beat to UK Bass, drum and bass and Hardcore). It is taking a lot of time and energy and is starting to wear me out. I have several collaborations with Akov, Merikan, Qo and Nuklear mc that are finished or in progress, as well as several remixes, but all of that will be released at the beginning of next year. We recorded a two-track single with my friend Nickbee, which will be released soon on Vandal Records—something a little different from what we usually do. And I plan to make some hardcore material for Karnage Records and Heresy.
What do you like most about the current community, and what do you think could be improved?
Honestly, the drum and bass scene is great, as are most music scenes. One of the things I would like to change is the “pseudo-intelligentsia” that considers itself smart because it listens to drum and bass. There is good and bad in every kind of music. Even within the same music scene, some people are complete idiots.
I remember a few guys who, for example, listened to a lot of neurofunk and then, in one year, became some kind of neuro haters because they discovered deep drum and bass. Or people who mock jump-up because they prefer darkstep, and so on... They forget to tidy up their own house before showing it to others. Music is music—love it, feel it and share your tastes if you want, but let other people do and love what they like too.
What should the audience expect from you this time?
There are several new tracks to play and test, depending on the audience, but I would really like to see how a drum and bass party in Russia can transition into Hardcore.
