Electronic producer Microburst creates the kind of music best experienced through headphones, in the dead of night. He is the deeply ambitious DJ creating stirring sounds, designed to stimulate body and soul.
Taking inspiration for his moniker from destructive, tornado like winds, Microburst’s melancholic sonic constructs are complex. Forces of nature, seascapes and extreme weather conditions fuel the powerful and bass weighted noise bites this South West English producer creates. Working under ‘Microburst’ for the past three years, the illusive artist releases his first mini LP entitled Hadal Lagoon via Svetlana Industries this month. i-D online caught up with the sound fantasist to find out where he came from and where he’s trying to get to.
What equipment do you work with? I mainly work on a digital setup focused around software and controllers but acoustic instruments are a vital part of my setup. I also have a few analog bits and plenty of kitchen utensils to bash.
How do you feel when you listen to your music? Normally relief and satisfaction. Making music is something that you sink into, it absorbs you and when its finally set free its very satisfying and something to be proud of.
Who has had the greatest impact upon you creatively? I think listening in-depth to good producers/musicians has had the greatest impact, I remember spending hours listening to ‘Empty The Bones Of You‘ by Chris Clark just trying to figure out how he made some of those mind blowing sounds, big inspiration
Are you a competitive person? How do you think ambition affects the creation of good music today? I have never been that competitive but I am ambitious. I think if your too desperate to succeed in music there is the possibility of producing music purely for what ‘you think’ others will like to hear and not achieve the real sound from within yourself, there needs to be a good balance between career ambition and staying true to yourself.
What are your desert island discs? Oh man, depends how many I can take, they would certainly include The Clash, Debussy, Johnny Cash, BOC and something psychedelic to run round to when things turn a bit mental, cause that’s what would happen.
Who is your hero? Ernest Shakleton. What that guy achieved through shear determination and positivity is incredible. I have always been fascinated by explorers.
Top five producers of all time? Chris Clark, Aphex Twin, Optical, Amon Tobin and Surgeon.
Text: Milly McMahon
