The 350th episode of our 12 Questions segment features producer Processing Vessel.
1. How old are you, where are you living and how long have you been producing and Djing?
Hello 🙂 I’m 37 years old, living in Sunny San Diego. I would say I been producing and Djing for like around 15 years.
2. Where do your musical roots lie, what are your first memories of electronic music and when did you know you wanted to pursue it seriously? Are there any particular productions or artists from the past that really made you think to yourself ‘this is what I want to do.”
My roots go way back to the early 90s of Prodigy style of Electronic Music. Then around 1995 I came across Members of Mayday – Great, which totally made me go into this music scene. I never thought about pursing this music production seriously, I just enjoy it so much that it lead me to this direction. I still do this for fun, I have another job that really pays, and music is not for the money but to just give out good beats and vibes throughout the world.
3. How difficult was learning to produce for you in the beginning? Did you take any Audio Engineering programs or production courses to help you out or are you pretty much self taught? And did anyone give any advice early on that really helped?
In the beginning it was like random production, like no structure just sounds and beats I liked. Honestly time was my instructor and listening more of other artists and seeing their structure of music gave me ideas and of course some friends giving me tips. Let’s not forget YouTube tutorials 🙂 also.
4. What parts of the production process do you find the most difficult and what comes easiest for you? When you do hit a creative block what helps you through it?
Hmmm the difficult part is to find a good intro, sometimes I feel like all the tracks now days start off same so I get a little frustrated with intros. Easy part is when I find a theme then everything comes together fast.
5. What’s a normal day like for you? Do you have a job outside of electronic music? And what do you like to do when you’re not working on music?
Oh yes I work for Fedex as a Dg Agent, which means I control and audit chemical packages being shipped out. If it’s not music I’m doing then it’s working out, walking, traveling, watching soccer, playing soccer and hanging out with friends.
6. Apart from electronic music what other genres do you listen to and who are your favourite artists outside of electronic? and do these genres or artists have a direct effect on your own productions?
I’m really into electronic music so it’s hard to find me listening something else but I like oldschool hiphop and late 80s pop music. Lets add some dark soundtracks to that as well.
7. What was the first and last physical (CD, Vinyl, Cassette etc) piece of music you bought?
Wow let’s see, first was I think Prodigy – Experience and last one was Steve Lawler-Viva
8. Tell us something about yourself that might surprise people?
Hmm, I tried out for LA Galaxy soccer team 🙂
9. Which producers in your opinion get consistently overlooked?
Many, especially the underground ones like Forteba, D.M.P,Addex and many more, they could easily be in mainstream!
10. Which producers consistently inspire you? And where else does your inspiration come from?
Timewriter and Terry Lee Brown are truly always inspiring me!
11. There are countless producers out there trying to find their way and create their own unique sound, what advice do you have for them?
Patience first of all and just do it for the pleasure not for fame.
12. If the final DJ/live set of your career was next week what would your last track be?
Funny I am on the verge of making a set and it looks like this so far,
Michael Oberling – Miles Cheadle (Original Mix)
Rory Cochrane feat. Sanna Hartfield – Focus (BDTom Remix)
Tony S-Walkaway (Juanma Llopis Remix)
Jeff Swift-Raw Tinnie (Original Mix)
Can’t give them all out or the surprise will be spoiled!
‘Discover The New’ is out now on BQ Recordings, you can purchase the release: here
