Interview: Complex – On the Outskirts LP [Good4Nothing Records]

Complex has been on a rampage making some of the hardest-hitting, unrelenting tracks out there in DNB. The Essex-based artist, finally delivers his second full album ‘On The Outskirts‘ and it’s a non-stop 15 track LP made to smash up the dance.

Since 2009, Good4Nothing Records has brought us the freshest Jump Up Drum and Bass from upcoming and new artists. G4N has provided debut releases to now well known artists such as Guv, Prestige, and Complex himself. With support on this release coming from names like, Macky Gee, Nu Elementz, Filthy Habits, and Serial Killaz, this is an absolute bombshell of an album coming from Complex.

I have been a big fan ever since the Journey EP back in 2018 and this summer, I was lucky enough to have Complex answer a few questions about his album. Check out the interview below.

How did you start making music?

In the beginning, I was just a DJ, but quickly realized I wanted to be playing my own tracks & the creative side appealed to me a lot! So I asked my parents (at 15 years old) for a computer & Propellerhead Reason, then never looked back!

How would you describe the music you make? What influences your sound?

I’ve always preferred the darker, more aggressive side to music, so I’d say most of my stuff fits into that category. A lot of what I make can be influenced by mood as well as friends who produce. Filthy, horrible Jump Up DNB is probably a fair label for my music most of the time 😂.

What inspired your name?

As a 15 year old wannabe DJ, I ended up looking in a dictionary for cool sounding words beginning with c (to match my name Charlie) & came across ‘Complex’ which originally was DJ Complex C until later I dropped both the DJ & C.

Tell me about your musical process. How do your songs usually come together?

I find more so these days when I’m making music it either happens or it don’t, so when it’s flowing I can make a lot of music in a short space of time but when it’s not it’s like banging my head against a brick wall 😅

But when I do get in the flow, in my head I visualize scenes that pair up with the sounds & arrangement. So from start to finish making a track I’ve basically played out a movie in my head at the same time.

When you’re in the studio, do you have any rituals?

First off, I have to be in that mood. Secondly, a nice strong coffee helps 😂 then it’s away to the races we go!

What is most important to you when putting together a tune? (What do you focus on the most?)

Sounding unique while keeping my own sound. Keeping originality I feel is the most important.

Tell me about your latest release.

Well, this is only my second solo album I’ve made ever in 20 years of being involved with music. My last album ‘One Earth’ was in the more traditional format with skits etc., so this time I went for an all-out Jump Up approach with a collection of all rave ready tracks.

What’s the DNB music scene like in your area?

I’m currently in East Sussex (England) so I’m close to London & arguably the birth place of DNB, so it’s very healthy here with a great crop of artists not too far away as well as huge brands.

Any local artists we should keep an eye out for?

There are currently so many artists out there who are so talented. One of the things I tend to try and do is help new artists. My label, Good4Nothing Records, has a lot of fresh new artists we support as much as we can, so no special mentions, but check out the label to see who we’re pushing!

On The Outskirts LP by Complex is out now on all major music outlets.

COMPLEX ONLINE

https://www.facebook.com/DJCOMPLEXDNB/

https://on.soundcloud.com/L1XE

https://www.instagram.com/charliedjcomplex/

GOOD4NOTHING RECORDS ONLINE

https://www.facebook.com/Good4Nothing.Recordings/

https://on.soundcloud.com/7nQm

https://www.instagram.com/good4nothing_records/