AN INTERVIEW WITH CURRENT VALUE: ‘RESONABLE FORCE/UNTAPPED’ [BRAINRAVE MUSIC]

A trailblazer through the dark, experimental, industrialized, progressive tunes always at the forefront of innovative and experimental bass music with decades of experience, Current Value is consistent in not only pushing the bar when it comes to production but picking it up and using it as a weapon strategically attacking and stacking the scene with his monumental sound design. An absolute machine making moves every which way today we’re pushing the spotlight on the upcoming release on BrainRave Music with this two tune review and in depth interview trying to calculate the method behind the madness that is Current Value. Let’s get in!!

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REASONABLE FORCE

“Reasonable Force” stutters through the build drawing a melody to color the composition as the climax thickens with the beats skipping in, winding up the mix and breaking with a tremendous tension lingering in the air. The bass bursts through crying in despair, the arrangement ripping through time and space with its intense melodic moodiness. The drop delivers a massive explosion into next level neurofunk Current Value consistently cranking the heat up pumping exciting emotive elements targeting a full body experience. It’s no doubt a heavy influence emits from this composition with “Reasonable Force” slapping and stabbing straight to the melodic dark funk; check out the interview for an interesting fact on this one!

UNTAPPED

A powerfully cinematic aura pummels the build trembling through an atmospheric force field as the rhythm rips in, rotating the composition into the face stomping drop. A maximum boost of dark, dirty basslines tear through the phrases dipping into devious territory, surging with electrifying force, the beats pulverizing the blend with every menacing hit. The mysterious melody winds eerily through the backdrop, this one curates energy non-stop. Stabbing and jabbing through the mix “Untapped” carries a relentless vibe, a real force to be reckoned with!

And now for the interview!

What’s your favorite part about making music? Why did you decide put a primary focus into drum and bass?

Certainly the rush when things just roll into place.
I consider DnB one of the – if not the – most challenging genres both listening to and producing. It simply intrigues me.

Talk about your approach to production and the growth of your style. How has that evolved and changed since you first started making tunes?

My journey in music started at the age of six when i began my classical piano education that lasted about 16 years. Back in 1996/97 I started playing out tunes in a radio show called “Radio Massive” on Kiss FM. There was a goal so to speak to actually deliver good and ready to play tunes which drove my production even more. When Don-Q records visited the station to meet me things were set to go for my first releases on Don-Q and Position Chrome.

Take us through a bit of your process, where do you start and how those ideas come together?

Sometimes it is a bassline or bass sound, sometimes a musical theme, sometimes fragments of “to be made” tunes spooking around in my head/ear. I then work into these ideas. Ideally – which is the case mostly – things take shape very quickly.

What are some of your favorite tools in the studio to bring your visions to life?

HEADPHONES ! And a good DAW – Bitwig to be mentions first here.
I also still own a Nord Modular G2 Key that I use from time to time. This was the machine I created my album “Back to the Machine” on.

How do you utilize technology in production? You’ve always been a bit outside of the box so to speak so how do you stay ahead of the constant evolution of current trends to keep your sound fresh?

Creating music for me transcends the use of an exclusive production environment. Most stuff out there is very capable if in the right hands i think. Lastly as said it is that challenge to keep the sound fresh no matter what one uses which ultimately feeds ones’ skills.

How do you maintain your integrity to artistry versus doing what’s trending or popular?

-> Question answered above.

Talk about how your recent releases contrast to past projects due to factors like fresh technology, evolving ideas, experience and time, etc.

New tech brings more refinement and possibilities using less resources. This constantly grows exponentially. I try wrapping my head around new things here and there and it gets never boring…probably the most important thing for an artist. I say: Keep the bar up (and beyond!)!

Walk us through your process of shopping tunes a bit. You have your own imprint and have released on DeVice, Blackout, Eatbrain, Virus, C4C, Souped Up and that’s just recent. You deliver all different styles, all kinds of flavors. What, in your mind, determines a good fit? What brought you to BrainRave Music?

Being a “long time passenger” on the road of electronic music production brought me in touch with a few ppl, promoters, label owners, producers. Back in the old days i sent dat tapes or CDs to label addresses. Then came AOL instant messenger, then the socials etc. etc. The motto is: have your munition ready and that hasn’t changed in all the years. Brainrave contacted me if i wanted to release some music. I saw I was in good company (Audio, Screamarts) and said yes.

Let’s talk about these two tunes on that EP specifically a bit. They’re both very powerful in the mix each creating a thick, cinematic atmosphere utilizing very different elements. “Reasonable Force” is just an absolute powerhouse pulsing with that melodic, emotive sound and “Untapped” brings an all out face stomp with that killer bassline at the drop. Tell us a bit about the goals you had for this EP collectively.

Untapped is the perfect example of that perfect day in the studio, with inspiration, emotional drive, ideas etc.
Reasonable Force came about inspired by a long listening session to a couple of Burr Oak sets (Hi guys!). I think one could hear it 🙂

When you’re cranking out releases what’s the key to staying motivated, sharp and focused?

Do a lot from scratch every time, giving tutorial sessions, constantly being in a cloud of music making, techniques, listening.

Tell us about some of your influences, musical and otherwise. How do you feel these are reflected in the art you make?

I think my approach is more on the abstract side of things. It is probably rather a sound signature, progressions, noises that tickle something in me. A long term company that comes to mind (especially early childhood) was The Pet Shop Boys (really?? – yes!!), Piano stuff – Chopin, Chatschaturian. Lately Composers like Penderecki or other writers of highly “intense” music.

What is your ideal vision for the future of drum and bass? How would you encourage the younger generations to get involved?

There is no such thing for me. There will always be people that have something to say musically. Let’s hope it stays that way. Be part of that.

What are some of your current and long term goals in making music? What’s your legacy?

I try to be as much in the here and now with my production. That’s the only way to keep going forward and stay on top of things.

It’s been a big year for Current Value so far, what else can we expect?

A “big” release. I’ll say no more ;), a couple of shows, let’s see…

Thank you for your time we here at Best Drum and Bass wish you all the best and can’t wait to see what’s next!