The Clamps’ Social Disorder EP has just dropped on Prolix’s Trendkill imprint, and it packs a swift punch. We caught up with the French producer to find out more about the EP…
Thanks for taking the time to chat today Julien! Where in the world are you?
Hello! Thanks for the interview. Today i’m at home, in the South West of France – Toulouse.
For those who might not be properly acquainted, how would you describe your sound and approach to production?
My main motto in music is ‘positive energy’. That feeling that gives your life purpose, a good energy to face any difficulties life may throw your way. There is a lot of my life in my music, but considering music is a personal feeling, the best word that describes my music is “positive” (even though it can be dark or hard).
For the production, I often start from a main idea that had been inspired by my daily life. Often it’s something that happened in the day or music that I listened to which inspires me. I try to work each day (and night) when I feel inspired and even when i’m not, I’m still learning – watching tutorials, reading some theoretical things or doing some other things (like video or photoshop) which are related to music.. Most things of my life and my emotions are related to music. I subscribed to creative cloud but infortunately CC doesn't allow download photoshop free.
Speaking of music – The Social Disorder EP just dropped on Trendkill – HEAVYWEIGHT! What inspired the EP? With a name like social disorder I sense a deeper meaning behind it all?
Well the title track was written after watching “Mr. Robot”. The vocal came from the TV show, and I was in complete agreement with it. I believe that you should not destroy society like a stupid anarcho-punk, but more update the established system in a more human-centric sense, into something less commercial and capitalistic.
“Radiation” is about the latest Fukushima disaster and the fear about radioactivity, a common post-apocalyptic subject that comes back each year but is forgotten soon after.
“Eternal Hunger” has more of a childish touch – it’s probably the young guy I’m trying to stay. Something more naïve and carefree.
I liken “Drump” to someone who tries to stay naïve and carefree but who also sees the world fucked up by disasters, wars and money, and who becomes a bit crazy. “Drump” in the track can be a synonym of drunk – being a bit weird, euphoric, angry, full of love, techno and rock n roll. (I hope that it makes sense!). There is a coherence between each track about hope and despair, innocence and violence, a bit like how life is.
Deep! How did the connection with Trendkill come about?
I sent a track to their demo box a few months ago, and Chris (Prolix) answered me just a few days later, telling me to send him some other tracks. I worked hard to finish some new bits and sent them to him. He suggested I do a full EP and I was very happy and motivated (he has been one of my main references in the D&B scene for years). He helped me a lot, giving feedback and useful advice. He trusted me and I can say I definitely trusted him!!!
It’s great to have that kind of professional relationship no doubt! You’ve given us the premiere of the beast that is Eternal Hunger. So many layers to this track, the way it progresses is epic. You mentioned earlier that this one was meant to symbolise the naïve and carefree – what influenced it?
The main idea was to do something more naïve, simple. I can’t hide that I was influenced a lot by the new jump up generation – some of the recent tracks are wicked. So I tried to combine some dancefloor elements with Neurofunk sounds and processing (Noisia did it so well with Stamp Out for example). Nothing very serious to this one, it’s just a youthful carefree feeling!
What’s your personal favourite from the EP and why?
Probably “Social Disorder” for the commitment, and because it was started in a sad and bad moment in life. It was a good outlet and it has a big part of me inside it.
You’re based in France, what’s the D&B scene like at the moment?
Growing strong! I can only speak about what I see and know, but it’s becoming stronger than ever. A lot of good work from the event promoters, more and more good producers and DJs, an enthusiastic and a well-informed public, and a good sense of community and connection between each other (NeurofunkGrid and DNB France do a very good job with that part).
Any local acts making moves that we might not know about?
Coming from Toulouse, I’d have to of course say Signs. The trio are very impressive and their hard work is very motivating. There is also Black Owlz, who promise to be bigger next year, their latest release more than convinces me of that. Another act for which I’ve a lot of respect is Clozee (Clozinger with Scarfinger). Beautiful music.
My very good friend, Dilemn, for who I’ve also got a lot of respect, his musically background and technique have influenced me a lot. There is so much good music to listen to here at the moment, and in France in general. Some more examples are my bro Redject who has great new things coming up, The Plesk for who I’m waiting impatiently for each of his tracks, McFly DJ who is definitely the DJ technician, and Kantyze who have been around for years.
What’s coming up for you in 2016?
I resumed playing gigs a few months ago after some time away, so expect more events, and more music coming, with some new solo tracks and collabs, remixes, in drum & bass but also in industrial hardcore too.
Final words/ shout outs?
A big thanks to my Kosenprod and Karnage family (Céline, Thanos and Pipou) who help and support me a lot, and showed me a new musical world in the harder side of the electronic music. My crew from Enter The Grid (please go check them out) and all those who support me. All the guys I’ve met in the electronic scene (I wont name them all, I think I’ve already spammed too much, but they will recognise themselves), and of course Prolix!
Social Disorder is available as a Beatport exclusive. Get it here.
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