Mihalis Safras Exclusive Interview for Beatportal

Mihalis Safras Exclusive Interview for Beatportal

30 January, 2009 | 5.20AM

• Written by: Material Series
• Filed under: Music News :

Material Series label owner Mihalis Safras Exclusive Interview for Beatportal

• What have been up to lately and what can we expect from you over the next couple of months?
Lately I am focused on running my label and trying to see where the whole dance scene is going.On the production side, I strongly believe that 2009 would my year in the scene ! lots of goodies…from my remixes for Dubfire’s Roadkill anthem and the 2 EPs on Great Stuff Recordings to my 1st personal album on Trapez. 12 excellent eccentric tracks on a artistic album I can’t wait to come out in May 2009!
• Who or what has been the biggest influence?
Hard to say cause I don’t have only 1 main artist or 1 main thing that I have been influenced. Its like a combination of stuff. But if I had to mention something I would have to say that I have passed in my 18ies from the DNB era and its still alive in my memory!

• What’s the first record you bought?
The 1st record I think was Thriller album from Michael Jackson.. I got that when I was 8 years old I think.. Billie Jean is still rocking and I am still playing that record. That’s why I did a bootleg remix with that! That all major keys players like Vath and Hawtin digged for months!

• Which one do you enjoy the most, Djing or producing?
Its 2 totally different things.. DJing is you and some hundred people. Producing is you and only you! Basically I think like its Bert & Ernie.. Those 2 go together if you want you call yourself an prolific artist.

• What do you see as your main strengths as a producer?
I was voted by the 2008 DJM poll as the most productive techno producer for 2 straight years so I think being productive is my thing.. I can make a remix in 1 day if I like it and I can finish a track like I cook eggs so it seems I know the recipe well. But overall working with nice labels makes me feel more powerful so I can produce powerful tracks.

• What can people expect from your live show?
Nothing much… Just a guy playing naked.. Joking off course, I actually think that there are so many Djs in the scene that people hardly understand difference between 2 sets by 2 different artists. So having that in mind I always try to magnetise the crowd by doing several tricks on my sets which I wont reveal now. Ha-ha! Join us in the North America Tour so you ll see for yourself.

• When and where was your best gig?
So far was in London at Corsica Studios.. Some weeks ago.. Club fully packed and crown was so warm for proper techno but I enjoyed more that I played with my colleagues at my label Material Series in the place where we decided the birth of our label.

• Who is your all time musical hero?
Musical hero can be only Miles Davis. A true and devoted musician! We are all way behind him!

• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hard to say cause things can change so fast so I cant predict but I would like to believe that I will still be in my studio working for my label, Material Series! Its like my little baby haha!

• Do you sample, use old records, listen to them, or how does your producing process go?
In fact is all I do! Sampling tracks from the 60ies till present. Crabbing the vinyl you shopped form the store and finding loops you can use to your own tracks the best feeling ever.  DJ Shadow showed us the way and we just follow his leads.

• Which dj would you most like to punch and why?
So you I have been offered to punch Mark Broom? Nice !!

• What is the best thing, and the worst thing about the dance music scene?
Usual but sophisticated question so I will answer that one.. Worst thing: Teenagers on drugs! Best thing: Teenagers not on drugs !

• What do you think about this whole minimal craze and do you support that?
Well in one hand I support the minimal scene cause many productions by me are towards that direction (mostly techouse) but on the other hand in my sets I play techno with huge kicks and basslines so nothing to do with that minimal craze! Too keep it sort minimal is nice only is that the philosophy to decorate your apartment.!  But anyway I believe that this minimal thing has already tired everyone one.. even my mom!

• What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
Hmm I think both Riley from Traum Schallplatten and Mark keep saying same thing: ‘’Keep it simple’’. Both right!

• What is your worst habit?
I think I talk too much.. bla bla bla… don’t get me started!

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• Check out Mihalis Safras on Beatport