Introducing: Gary Beck

Introducing: Gary Beck

11 September, 2010 | 5.58AM

• Written by: Beatport Mike
• Filed under: Music News: gary beck

Anyone into techno music knows that Scotland is a country bursting with talented electronic music producers and DJs, which makes it difficult for any fresh faced producers to join the ranks of the already established forces that be. Fortunately, hard work and persistence continues to pay off for those who keep at it, which is the case for rising mega-star Gary Beck. With humble beginnings releasing dub-house styled dance music for Philly’s Worship Music, to his current status of appearing on the top techno imprints around, Gary Beck has crafted his sound in just a few short years - a sound that brings back the raw edge and dark energy of classic techno music, with a clear understanding of what will move the masses around the globe.

We took a moment to get to know a bit more about the latest heavyweight in underground techno music, and graciously introduce him to you.

To start us off, you could tell us briefly who you are, where you’re from, how long you’ve been making music, and what kind of music you make?

My name is Gary Beck, and I have been a DJ/producer for five or six years. Most of my music falls under the techno genre, but I have been known to branch out into house and tech-house sections.

How did you get started making music? Who were your first influences, and who helped give you your first break?

I started DJing after my first visit to the Arches, in Glasgow. It’s a wonderful dark venue, where great artists like Jeff Mills, Slam, and Laurent Garnier perform. The vibe was fantastic and I decided then my goal was to be a DJ. I guess my initial break came when I released my first record with Worship Recordings from Philadelphia. Promoters around Glasgow became aware of this, so I was then asked to play at some local nights.

Did the Glasgow scene influence you in any way? How would you describe the scene there these days?

The Glasgow scene was a massive influence. Clubs such as the Arches, Sub Club, and Soundhaus were very popular back then, and all of them were dark, sweaty techno pits. I loved it. The scene is still going strong; however, many of the smaller clubs have since changed to R&B music. Full credit goes to the promoters today who keep techno alive.

You’ve done quite a few records for Perc Trax, Edit Select, Soma/Darkroom Dubs… How did you hook up with these labels?

I guess after my first release, I just kept producing, sending demos and working as hard as I could to get people to hear my music. The Silicone Soul guys were great with me at the beginning, as I was just another random wannabe trying to push demos. They always listened and passed on great advice which is something I’ll always remember. Obviously once the music was of a decent standard, it was word of mouth from there on.

To me, your sound is pretty classic techno. How do you feel about the current state of the scene? Is there enough support for the kind of techno you make?

The techno scene doesn’t have enough raw, classic techno productions, in my opinion, but different styles are always coming along, which is keeping the scene strong.

Where do you record, and what kind of setup are you using? Do you currently have a favorite piece of gear/software?

My studio is all hardware. I use a Roland RS70, Mikrokorg, Microkorg XL, Korg Electribe EH-1, bongos (!), microphones. I feel this setup keeps my sound raw, and I enjoy the hands on approach.

When you sit down to make a track, what’s the first thing you typically do? How long does a track typically take you to make?

I usually take anything between three hours to one day to make a track. It just depends how it flows! If it flows quickly and “in the moment”, then it often turns out to be a nice track, however if I dwell on it after a day, it’s usually consigned to the recycle bin. I always start with kick and bassline to get the groove going, then I play chords or synths and start building on top.

Which record do you wish you had made?

‘How’s Your Evening So Far’ – Josh Wink & Lil Louis.

If a tsunami were headed for your house, which *one* record would you rescue before the waves hit?

My first ever vinyl on Worship Recordings. Gary Beck – ‘Stick to The Reggae’. Happy memories.

How do you explain your music to your family members?

My mother is very clued up on the scene and my music. My father really likes it too, however he prefers the downtempo music I create under the Ruskin Franks pseudonym. My sister is a mad raver too! So we all understand what’s going on. They are very supportive.

When you’re not listening to electronic music, what do you listen to?

Scottish traditional music, jazz, reggae… Most things other than dance music! In my spare time I never listen to it.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing with your life?

I would work with animals. I have dogs, cats, goldfish! I love being around them.

Tell us about your upcoming gigs and releases…

I’m playing almost every week now, which is great. I’ve just returned from gigs in South America and Japan. I also recorded the Essential Mix for Radio 1 at the Rockness festival last month. Production-wise, I’m working hard at getting new material out on my label BEK Audio, along with forthcoming releases on Electric Deluxe, Saved, Soma, and Drumcode. Lots of remixes to come, as well as my album, which will consist of more experimental music.

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