In a world where most of society is sucked into the Matrix, slaving away in an Office Space-esque scenario that leaves one to question their purpose for life, Centrifical Audio Owner, Neil Recall lives a life that many of us merely dream of – making music for a living off-the-grid in his solar-powered ‘Earth-ship’.
Neil is also the former owner of Wayside Recordings, and one part of the trio, ADDIXXX. And, with an album just released on the dark and macabre Mindocracy Recordings, as well as scouting as A&R for Section 8 and Plush Recordings, there is no sign of slowing down.
In his own words – “Super important for people follow their dreams in life and not let the world burden them with its expectations and projections upon us. This in my opinion one of the core problem with the world today, we don’t really allow people to break the mold and the space to follow their passions and I believe it’s because most of us have to suppress this in ourselves and are becoming resentful and upset about it. Thus don’t fully support others who do. As a society, where would we be without these dreamers though? Something to think about. Manifestation comes in four easy steps – Dream, Vision, Plan then Reality.”
Q: How does your history in heavy metal and orchestra work its way into your sound/life in general around drum & bass?
A: I’ve always been one for the dramatic story telling that deeper compositions hold. Both Metal and Classical have influenced me greatly in that area of depth and dynamics I feel compelled to bring into my music. I see the idea of electronic production as both a band and composer. I try to not get hung up in my ego within the moment of creation for the pursuit of a bigger picture. If something wont fit I wont mess with it for too long trying, I’ve got a symphony of sorts to compose I use metal riffs a lot in my bass work and leads. Classical structures as well.
Q: Tell us about your Hedlok alias and how it differs from the one we know as Recall?
A: Hedlok started as a dubstep group of sorts with one of my best friends — Elliott Laser, who also helped me launch Wayside Recordings. After some time the group was just me.
Q: You’re an eccentric and spiritual being, obviously. How does this work into your music?
A: Well I’ve never done the minimum wage slavery system. So I live in a self built solar-powered earth-ship that is off-the-grid in Southern Colorado. I own 100% of my residence. So being practically bill-free allows me to do music for a living and dedicate full-time to my crafts.
Q: What labels have you had releases on? What is coming up on the production front for you?
A: Too many to list! Some of the more notable ones are Flex, Flight Pattern, Soul Deep, Mindocracy, Full Melt, Wayside, Point Audio, Section 8, Nervosa, Corinthian, and my new label, Centrifical Audio just released my newest nine-track LP this week. I have other tracks as well as side projects coming out on some great labels soon also. Don’t really want to share the info on those just yet. Big things are coming through for Recall and ADDIXXX in 2019!
Q: You’re the man behind A&R for Section 8 and Plush Recordings. How did that come about? What signings are you most proud of? Any producers drum & bass fans should be on the lookout for?
A: I’m really excited about the releases I’ve signed since being on board. Such a great American label. Being that Section 8 has signed some of the biggest names in the scene, this wasn’t a small role for me to fill, and I was eager to take on the task. Bringing my favorite artists in was the mission. They have all really shined since, and I’m proud of them all. Noisia has played Sinecore’s “Bloody Eyes”. My collab with Fringe hit #1 in the DNB top releases on Beatport and #5 in over all genres. The Pareidolia release also burned up to #3 and #17 overall. E-sassin and myself have our Metal DNB project, Phobetor releasing there, as well as his new solo works. All in all, it’s a lot to reflect on and be thrilled about.
Q: And you have a show on DNB Radio, right?
A: Yes. every Wednesday 10-12 noon -7 GMT (Denver Time). 10 years running, on and off. Lots of archives to sift through on DNBRadio for those who want to dive in.
Q: Tell me about your ADDIXXX alias. What is the story behind the trio? What releases are out and coming out in the future? How does ADDIXXX differ from your Recall alias sound-wise?
A: ADDIXXX is a trio of Liminal, Bengal and myself. It’s a lot of really deep and eccentric music dedicated to the aficionados of sound out there. We do a style we call “wax nostalgix” with our tracks. We ride a vibe to the end of the groove line. We go in hard for every tune. Our goal is for people to appreciate our works as much as people did Steely Dan records – timeless records you can listen to years from now. How it differs from Recall is mostly in the vibe and depth – and what collaboration brings to the table. My songs as Recall are more emotional and about my life as an artist. ADDIXXX is about the world’s culture and vibes.
Q: What is the process when creating an ADDIXXX track between the three of you?
A: Usually it was internet collabs. Bengal and Liminal would start a track in Asheville and send it to me in Colorado to finish – or I’d start one and send it to them to add to. Then I’d mix and master the final product. Lately, we’ve been collaborating in person, and its working out so much better. It brings more cohesion to the vibes, sounds and tune overall.
Q: Neil, tell us about the launch of Centrifical Audio. How is this label different from the now defunct Wayside Recordings?
A: In 2011, I sold Wayside Recordings to my old silent partner to build my earth-ship. I was on a different mission in life. At the time, it was the one thing that was the most important to me. I always planned on launching Centrifical, and once my real mission in life was sorted out, I figured it was time to come back to the music.
Q: Tell me a bit about the launch of Wayside Recordings. What was your goal with it?
A: WSR was created to be a label for hard and dark DNB, a platform for not just my projects, but global artists I was connected to. Over time, I got into other genres and started releasing not only DNB but also bassline, electro breaks, and dubstep. It wasn’t exactly a mistake but something I won’t be doing with Centrifical Audio.
Q: What were the biggest releases in your opinion?
For many artists worldwide, Wayside Recs was a stepping stone to cross into the main spotlight. We have a lot of greats on there – Synesthesia, Implant, Solarcube, Ponicz, B4sstee, Angel and Spider, Mystification, Gancher and Ruin… It’s a long list of great talent – many of which I am bringing into Section 8 and Centrifical folds.
Q: What advice would you give to new label owners?
A: Don’t forget – a label is really just a brand. Stay focused on what it means to build and maintain a brand. Don’t stray from the original build too much. Keep the vision of the original dream in sight.
Q: What can we look forward for future releases?
A: A lot of big things cooking. I don’t really like to talk about the future. I feel like it jinxes it.
Q: Anything you’d like to add?
A: I really do appreciate this interview and opportunity to speak with you. I always want to emphasize that it is super important for people follow their dreams in life and not let the world burden them with its expectations and projections upon us. This in my opinion is one of the core problems with the world today. We don’t really allow people to break the mold and give them the space to follow their passions. I believe it’s because most of us have to suppress this in ourselves, and in turn become resentful and upset about it. And thus don’t fully support others who do. As a society, where would we be without these dreamers though? Something to think about.
Manifestation comes in four easy steps –
Dream, Vision, Plan then Reality.
Recall also did a mix for us. Check it out –
Tracklist:
ADDIXXX – HIGH ON BLUE TOMORROWS
ADDIXXX – FRESH LIGHT FINAL
Recall – Feathers FNL
FIREWATCH – Running2
Recall – Night In Lisbon
ADDIXXX – TOO MUCH 2
ADDIXXX – LITMUS v2
ADDIXXX – THE CEILING v4
Recall – Labor Of Love
RECALL – GANGSTA VIBE
RECALL – SLAM HARDER
ADDIXXX – SLAM HARDER FINAL
RECALL & LIMINAL – 2ND 2 NONE
RECALL – LUSTRE
BLADERUNNER – ROLLING FIRE (VIP)
ADDIXXX – RUIN PORN
ADDIXXX – CLUB KILLA
ADDIXXX – JUNGLE DEMON
RECALL – WHEN DESTINY CALLS [CENTRIFICAL]
RECALL & FRINGE – BAIAMI [MINDOCRACY]
RECALL & FRINGE – OBLIVION [VIP] [SECTION 8]
THE MIND – MALBOLGE [SECTION 8]
RECALL – GHOULETTE [MINDOCRACY]
RECALL – FACE OFF [MINDOCRACY]
RECALL – INFINITY GAUNTLET [MINDOCRACY]
ADDIXXX – DEM NO FIYAH (RECALL REMIX)
RECALL – INNERFEAR [MINDOCRACY]
RECALL – SHROUDS OF DARKNESS [MINDOCRACY]
HOLOHEDRON & RECALL – NIGHT OF FIRE [CENTRIFICAL DUB]
RECALL – FALL INTO REALITY [CENTRIFICAL DUB]
RECALL – EXPONENT [CENTRIFICAL DUB] RECALL – CONQUEST [MINDOCRACY]
RECALL – ACENSCION [CENTRIFICAL DUB]
ADDIXXX – LET ME TAKE YOU AWAY
PENDULUM – GRANITE RECALL (RECALL REMIX)
For more on Recall, Please visit the links below:
https://www.beatport.com/label/centrifical-audio-recordings/74376
https://www.beatport.com/release/shrouds-of-darkness/2464675
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