Thank you so much for taking the time to have a chat with me about life, music and your new EP Body Check!!!
Introduce yourself and tell us a bit of the history behind Mob Tactics.
My name is, Luke and alongside my long suffering production partner, Mark we make up Mob Tactics!
Mob Tactics came about kind of by accident. Mark was writing some music under the name The Funktion at the time and I was into what he was doing and put out a few of his things on our in-house labels at Chemical Records. We got on really well and he suggested doing a tune together at his studio. The session was a lot of fun, so the next weekend he came down to my studio and we did another tune. Both tracks got decent support and ended up being our first single, so we just decided to keep on writing together. The rest is history as they say!
Where did you get your name from?
We get asked this a lot as it goes. We were searching for a decent name for ages and this one was jt an amalgamation on words we had on a shortlist. We both just really liked the sound if it. It sounded like an act if that makes sense? Anyways, we’re still really happy with the name we chose in the end. You should honestly see some of the other contenders. It could have all been so, so different, haha!
Who is your favorite non-dnb artist?
Tough one… I guess it would have to be a band if I’m honest as opposed to an artist as such. Very much into metal so I’d probably go with Metallica or perhaps Faith No More. Pink Floyd would also be a very close contender.
What was your first experience with Drum and Bass like?
I can’t remember the exact moment I first heard drum and bass as I kind of got into through listening to old skool, etc and it just kind developed over time. But I guess hearing early Shy FX & Congo Natty stuff around 94-95 really pricked my ears up. Was definitely exciting to the music grow into what our scene has now become. Makes you feel proud to be a part of it all.
What was the inspiration behind the new Body Check EP?
Red Bull, blind faith, over-enthusiasm, no sleep and Peri Peri Chicken. Was actually the last batch of tracks we wrote in the old studio… We knew our time was up in the premises so I think it sub-consciously motivated us to write those tracks. Actually, it was probably just the Red Bull to be fair…
What is your biggest break / thing you are most thankful for to date in your music career?
There’s so many, would be impossible to pinpoint one single event. But, a few that stick out:
1. Our track with Elephant Man getting signed to Playaz.
2. Wolf Trap getting picked up for Ram.
3. Chase & Status releasing The Answer EP.
4. And of course, the cherry on top, signing with Viper!
Tell us how you like working with the Mighty Viper Recordings?
It’s amazing. Like, seriously great. And we’re not just saying that cos they’ll read this, haha! The label just feels like home. It’s run by an amazing team who are all very forward thinking individuals who get things DONE! Brendan Futurebound has an ethos that if music is good, regardless of sub-genre/style, he’ll release it. That’s so refreshing to know as an artist; just keeps the creative juices flowing.
Who are your top 5 current Drum and Bass artists?
5 is just nowhere near enough! But okay, in no particular order…
1. Noisia
2. Cyantific
3. Audio
4. The Prototypes
5. Prolix
If you could collab with any artist, of any genre / style, who would it be and why?
Method Man. Cos his voice transcends epic.
Tell us about the strangest / most embarrassing experience you’ve had before, during or after a show.
One of us once fell asleep at the side of the stage after a gig cos they were soooo tired from travelling for days. I can’t say which of us it was, but I’ll give you a clue by telling you their name was Mark. So, you do the math (s)…
How was your experience this year at Let It Roll?
Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Was a dream to play there and the experience lived up to everything we imagined/hoped it would be. Can’t wait to get back there again!
How is Seattle treating you? Any cool things you want to check out while you’re here?
Seattle is fucking awesome! I’m obviously out here a lot more since my wife is a native of the city. I honestly love it. Hoping to check out a ball game with one of the guys at our American agency * cough cough *
Where do you see / hope to see the sound of Drum and Bass evolving too in the next few years.
Not sure where it’s going and I’m good with that. Drum & Bass has constantly surprised me over the years and that’s a good thing. In terms of production I’m genuinely baffled as to how artists like Noisia can push the envelope any further in that department. I mean, they’re already about 3 years ahead of everyone else! But we’ll see…
What is one tip you would like to give to aspiring Drum and Bass artists?
Never wear fresh white kicks to the rave. Trust me.
Shout outs to my homie Mark, my beautiful wife, Joanna Syze and all the Viper family – our time!
Mob Tactics ‘Body Check EP’ OUT NOW!!!! 2016 on Viper Recordings.Buy or Stream: viper.lnk.to/vpr094. More Info: bit.ly/vpr094info.
Label: Viper Recordings
Cat: VPR094
Genre: Drum & Bass
Released: 9th Sept. 2016
‘Body Check’ Beatport Exclusive: 19th Aug. 2016
Buy or Stream: viper.lnk.to/vpr094
More Info: bit.ly/vpr094info
MOB TACTICS ONLINE:
www.facebook.com/MobTacticsMusic
www.twitter.com/Mob_Tactics
@mob-tactics
www.instagram.com/mobtacticsuk
