Having made quite the impact in the electronic music scene while remaining an independent label, Monstercat has become renowned for their consistent deliverance of fresh, innovative, and nonconformist tunes. Exemplary of this well-earned reputation is their latest compilation album, Monstercat 019 – Endeavour, which has long been anticipated by fans. Comprised of thirty striking tracks and two seamless album mixes, this album showcases some of the best that the label has had to offer in recent months. Representative of a wide range of genres and styles, Endeavour includes tunes such as Rameses B’s “Dream Catcher” (feat. Charlotte Haining), Pegboard Nerds’ “BADBOI”, and Didrick’s remarkable Monstercat live mashup.
Amongst the artists whose noteworthy tracks constitute this release are Mr FijiWiji, whose track “Entropy” (ft. Direct) appears on the track list, and Hellberg, with “Saviours”, as well as with a collaborative tune with Rich Edwards, “Hands of Time” (ft. Jonny Rose). WRR had the chance to ask each artist a handful of questions about their music, and were fortunate to have received some intriguing responses:
Mr FijiWiji
1. Your recent track, “Entropy” with Direct takes on more of a “Future House” style, yet puts a unique spin on the sound that’s becoming increasingly prominent in the electronic music genre as of late. How would you say that current trends in the scene affect your own music?
Music trends primarily affect what I’m exposed to rather than what I’m trying to produce. I just love to experiment and make what I think sounds good. In fact, Joe (Direct) was the one who really exposed me to deep/future house when we met for the first time in the summer of 2013. I instantly fell in love with it. And with limited exposure to that genre, I produced “Out on a Limb” and “Let Me Out.” A few people compared my sound to Tchami and Oliver Heldens, I had no idea who they were because I don’t listen to much new music. I had a listen and was completely hooked. Since it was Joe who had first exposed me to the genre, it was quite fitting that we chose that genre for our next track.
2. At the age of 19, you’ve already accomplished a significant amount, being signed to Monstercat with several successful releases. Can you share some of your short or long-term music goals with us?
Short term goal: I want to play some shows and finish this EP I’ve been working on for over a year.
Long term goals: I just want to keep progressing, experimenting and having fun. I didn’t start producing music with any goal; it was just out of curiosity. That’s the way I’m going to try to keep it. This is something I’ve diverted from a bit in the past year as the financial pressure of paying for school and temptation of opportunity have come my way. But I’ve realized what’s truly important to me is having music be an outlet rather than an income.
3. Your music is undeniably very unique, and distinctive within the dance music scene. Which other artists (electronic or non-electronic) do you look to for inspiration?
I look to a lot of the same artists other artists do (Burial, Skrillex, James Blake, Dusky to name a few), I’m just so bad at replicating other’s sounds that it turns into something completely new. As frustrating as it may be, I kind of like it that way. But for all of those interested, I have a good bit of my influences listed on my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mrfijiwiji
4. As you are attending university, finding time to work on new tracks must get challenging at times, what advice do you have for aspiring producers looking to fit music into their lives?
Music has always been my emotional outlet, a way for me to blow off steam and express myself. Attending university has just given me a lot more steam to blow off. There are fewer production sessions, yes, but producing has become quicker and easier. It’s like the separation from the medium causes a buildup of inspiration, which translates into production sessions with larger yields.
5. Would you rather listen to Animals on repeat for an hour, or Levels?
I honestly wouldn’t want to listen to any song on repeat for an hour. I like both songs, but I’d probably pick Animals, only because I’ve heard it less.
Hellberg
1. Who would your “dream collaboration” be with (electronic or non-electronic artist or vocalist)?
Within the EDM realm it would have to be Zedd. Outside of it Timbaland or Pharrell, and vocalist-wise it would have to be Bruno Mars probably. I’m a sucker for pop music.
2. What got you interested in producing electronic music? When did you first discover the genre? Have you long had aspirations of becoming an artist?
I got into electronic music when I was like 13, electro house became a big thing in Stockholm around that time, at least for us teenagers. It’s funny cause I didn’t listen to Axwell, Ingrosso, or Eric Prydz in the early years like many others, I listened to Spencer&Hill, Benny Bennassi, Klaas and Dave Darell. Good times, haha.
I’ve always liked being on stage and performing, I was pretty interested in acting when I was younger and also held concerts for my family when I was like 4.
3. The progressive-house genre is very broad, and spearheaded by some of the industry’s big-name artists. What do you feel makes your music stand out from the rest?
Good question. Well I really try and focus on emotion and melody in my songs, sound design is great and I do try to challenge myself in that area, but it’s what I want the listener to feel when they hear the track that is important to me. Melody, chords and emotion is key when I make music. I’m also not one to shy away from the fact that I love good pop music, and I am happy to blend the two, especially in my new tracks.
4. Many people claim that the genre has become saturated with “commercial”-sounding tunes, what is your stance on that matter?
Well, as I said previously, I have no issue with it. I love a pop/commercial-track just as much as I love a good underground track, and since the underground will always be there, I don’t see the problem.
Monstercat 019 -Endeavour can be purchased on iTunes here, and can be streamed below:
Connect With Monstercat:
Facebook.com/monstercat
Twitter.com/Monstercat
Soundcloud.com/Monstercat
Connect With Mr FijiWji:
Facebook.com/mrfijiwiji
Twitter.com/MrFijiWiji
Soundcloud.com/mrfijiwiji
Connect With Hellberg:
Facebook.com/HellbergMusic
Twitter.com/HellbergMusic
Soundcloud.com/HellbergMusic
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