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10 Tracks Mr. Bill Thinks You Need To Hear & WRR Exclusive Interview

December 10, 2014 By Zakiya

settling for mediocrity

Melbourne native producer, Mr. Bill is undoubtedly regarded as one of the most innovative, and inventive artists in the electronic music scene, being renowned for his nonconformist original tunes, as well as a plethora of striking remixes. Adeptly pushing the boundaries of the dance music genre, Mr. Bill’s proficiency with production is clearly evident in his distinctive tracks, which fans get to observe firsthand through his livestreams, and production tutorials.

We at WhiteRaverRafting.com were very fortunate to have had the chance to ask the Aussie producer a few questions about his interesting musical background and production processes, to which we received some insightful responses. Furthermore, Mr. Bill has shared a list of ten tracks that he would recommend for our readers’ enjoyment, which can be streamed below.

With his forthcoming album, Settling For Mediocrity set to drop on December 22nd, there is no question that fans should be eager to hear what this electronic music aficionado has in store for us in the very near future. The album can be pre-ordered here, and be sure to check out the teaser below:

1. When did you start listening to electronic music? What prompted you to start producing in the first place?

My mum used to work at a record pressing plant, and she’d always bring home cassette tapes of the things they pressed, and I remember she brought home a tape of this dude once called DJ Sub Zero, and from memory it was the cheesiest, gabba/trance stuff, but I liked it, and I hadn’t really heard anything like that when I was 10. After that I got into metal and other stuff, and neglected electronic music completely until I was about 17 and my friend Frosty took me to a psy-trance party on a beach in NSW and I really enjoyed it, and it really intrigued me. A few years later, the same friend showed me the basics of Ableton Live, and after being in bands for a long time I decided to quit that and just start leaning Ableton full-time instead. With the help of people’s tutorials like Tom Cosm, forums & blogs I eventually figured some things out and kind of shaped my own style based on the knowledge I was gaining and my previous stylistic preferences.

2. Being a versatile producer, what is your current taste in music like?

Does listening to other genres inspire/influence the music you make? I listen to a lot of metal still, I also listen to a lot of cheesy EDM stuff, I wouldn’t say other music inspires me as much as situations I experience throughout my life.

3. You’ve announced through social media that you’re about to reveal a new live show, can you elaborate on your initial vision, and how it’s been materialized?

Basically, I feel like I’m boring to watch, and playing tracks just isn’t good enough, so I’m trying to add a visual aspect to the show as well as a live aspect to try and make it more energetic and interesting to experience.

4. In an age where almost everyone has the tools to become a producer, what do you think it takes for a producer to stand out from the rest? What do you feel delineates a great producer from an average one? What makes a real ‘artist’?

I don’t think I’m in any sort of position to answer any of these questions given that I don’t believe I stand out from the rest, I don’t think I’m any better than an average producer, and what constitutes art anyway? Let alone ‘real art’?

5. Many fans enjoy watching you work through your livestreams, can you explain why you feel it is important to let them be engaged with the process?

I don’t think it’s so much important for fans to be engaged in the writing process so much as I think it’s fun for them to be. I do it for myself ultimately, because it makes me feel good to know that I’m creating something that a few people appreciate. I think production is as much of a communal thing as it is a selfish thing.

6. Do you have any words of advice for aspiring producers who are inspired by your music, and take note of your production tutorials?

Do whatever you want. Don’t listen to people that tell you to do things the way that everyone else is doing them just to get booked for shows and to sell tunes on Beatport. It’s your music, make it for yourself.