The 27th exclusive FACT podcast comes courtesy of Bristol producer Komonazmuk. We were kind of aware of Komonazmuk for a while (we thought he might be Russian, then we cottoned on to how you actually pronounce his name), but it wasn’t til the start of last year that we properly started taking notice, with his tunes ‘Bad Apple’ and ‘Cheeky Herbert’. Recently he’s been collaborating with Appleblim, and their remix of Sideshow’s ‘If Alone’ is one of the records of the year so far.
We’ve wanted him to do a FACT podcast for a while, so we’re pretty chuffed it’s here. Interview follows the download link and tracklisting:
Faib – Whisper Of Trees (Dubplate)
Indigo – Golden Proportion (Echo Dub)
Indigo – Matter (Echo Dub)
Sideshow – If Alone (Appleblim & Komonazmuk Remix) (Simple)
Headhunter – OSS (Dubplate)
F – Subterra (Dubplate)
Skream – The Shining (Dubplate)
Noah D feat. Einstein – Killing Time (Dubplate)
Synkro – Hold On (Dubplate)
Monkey – Unknown (Dubplate)
Headhunter & Komonazmuk – Drop The Apple (Mash Up)
Dubtek – Furnace (Dubplate)
Alborosie – Police Polizia (Noah D & Roommate Remix) (Dubplate)
Skream – Pick Up Ya Knees -(Dubplate)
501 – Mind Control (Dubplate)
Crissy Criss – Dirty Harry (Dubplate)
Kutz – Robot 22 (Dubplate)
Bar 9 – Infiltrate The Mind (Dubplate)
Djunya – Contact (Roommate Remix) (Dubplate)
Joker & Ginz – Purple City (Dubplate)
Sharmaji – Break Your Heart (Soul Motive)
Henry & Louis – Rise Up (RSD Remix)
For the benefit of those who aren’t so familiar, tell us a little bit about yourself – who are you and what do you do?
“My name is Komonazmuk, pronounced “Common As Muck” – my mum gave me this name many moons ago. It’s stuck with me ever since. I’m 29, I live in Bristol and have been producing music for roughly thirteen years. My drunken ways usually get tongues wagging and have been given several new names, none of which will go here…”
What’s your musical history – I mean, what did you grow up listening to, when did you start making music/DJing, etc…
“I grew up listening to lots of music, My mum used to work for a jukebox company when she were younger, she had a bit of everything from Beatles to Motown – you name it, she had it. I’ve got most of ‘em now; I borrowed them ages ago, never gave ‘em back.
“I first wanted to DJ around the age of twelve; I didn’t know anything about it just that you needed two decks and a mixer. I went out and got some old direct drive decks and soldered some variable resistors to the motors, got my hands on this piece of crap mixer and BAM I was a mixing.
“Shortly after I got an Atari ST and Sample Replay; this was great, I could make my own tunes however shit they were and I was making music. A few years later I was producing drum & bass under the name Ice Minus on labels such as Moving Shadow, Hard Leaders and Tech Itch. Towards the end of 2005 I was introduced to dubstep, I was hooked instantly and began writing under the name Komonazmuk. Shortly after I was asked to join H.E.N.C.H and have never looked back.”
How would you describe the music you’re making?
“The music I write tends to be very progressive; I like to mix my tracks for some time whilst DJing so I think my arrangements are made to my personal preference. I think it’s important to write a track that has enough energy for the dance floor but also enjoyable on the iPod or home stereo. So many tracks just loop over an’ over and end up boring me. I make loads of “one night” dubs but only a few ever get finished.”
The Bristol dubstep scene has been getting a lot attention over the past two years. Is there any downside to the exposure? Do you feel a sense of community there?
“I love the scene we have here, Its such a good vibe. I really think Bristol has embraced dubstep. The amount of nights on here only go to show how much the public buzz off this music. I’d say nearly 80% of nights in Bristol have a bit of dubstep playing somewhere.”
Tell us about HENCH…
“HENCH is a label, night and crew consisting of Jakes, Wedge, Headhunter, Blazey, Gatekeeper and Myself. The label is on its sixth release and has fastly grown to be one of the leading labels within the scene.”
Any young/new producers you’re particularly excited about?
“There are so many new artists coming thru right now its hard to keep track. For me right now its Orrphan 101, Synkro and Indigo.”
How did you first hook up with Appleblim?
“I first met Appleblim through Headhunter and Wedge. I thought he was an Emo at first. I love working with him though; he has a great musical back ground and is always two steps ahead. Ohh and says “yeah” a lot… That helps. We have a joint project set to kick off early part of April. I’m not gonna give too much away but we have some big plans.”
What’s worse? A Bad Apple or a Cheeky Herbert? Who’s the Baddest Apple you know? Come to think of it, who’s the Cheekiest Herbert you know?
“Hmmmm. The Baddest Apple, well that would be me… Ha, Cheeky Herbert? That’s Wedge, hands down. Come out on a sesh, you’ll see.”
What are your plans for 2009? Any upcoming releases you can tell us about?
“2009 is looking to be very busy with djing and releases. I’m in the middle of sorting new artwork for my label Mode Recordings, and must say it’s looking very slick. I’ll also be doing Komonazmuk presents HENCH Mix CD Vol 1. There are several Appleblim & Komonazmuk remixes about to hit the shops:
If Alone – ‘Sideshow’ – Simple Recs
Black Ghosts – ‘Full Moon’ – Southern Fried
Brendon Moeller – ‘Nuclear Race’”
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