New Zealand based electronic duo, Mt. Eden has been producing music since 2008. Composed of Jesse Cooper and Harley Rayner, Mt. Eden got their name from the suburb Jesse lived in, Mount Eden, Auckland, New Zealand. Mt. Eden first gained recognition after releasing their hit track, “Sierra Leone”. Currently signed to Ultra Music, the duo’s “Walking On Air” EP was released in June of 2013. Since then, they’ve also released a “Sierra Leone” remix package featuring artists like AraabMuzik, Ta-ku, and Tommie Sunshine with Live City.
Recently, Mt. Eden debuted their newest single, “Fall With You” Ft. Albi & the Wolves. The bass heavy track feels like a merging of Mt. Eden’s past, present, and future production talents. The indie based vocals provided by Albi & The Wolves fuse perfectly with Mt. Eden’s seemingly dark, melodic bass. If you’re ready to hear the dark-indie side of Mt. Eden’s production capabilities, make sure you give their latest single a listen. The track can be streamed on Spotify by click this link. The new tune is also available on iTunes here. RaverRafting had the opportunity to talk to Mt. Eden about their latest single, future plans, and evolving sound. Be sure to check out our exclusive interview below!
How would you currently describe your sound? How do you think your sound has progressed since you initially started releasing music?
Mt. Eden: We were previously known for producing drum and bass and dubstep. Over the last few years, we’ve produced house music, hip-hop, trap and even progressed into working on a few film scores. All of these experiences have taught us different techniques which have spawned new ideas along the way. For example in our new single, “Fall with You”, we’ve used orchestral and vocal elements before the big, brassy choruses. In the breakdown we’ve incorporated drum and bass elements with a gritty reese bass. Also, there is some great folk instrumentation from our friends Albi & The Wolves, with a banjo riff at the close. The one common thread through all of our songs is that we’ve always tried to create an uplifting aesthetic. Some of our listeners have credited our music with helping them through difficult times and that’s the most we could ever ask for.
Tell us a little bit about your latest single, what was it like to work with Albi and the Wolves?
Mt.Eden: I first met matt (the banjo player) around 15 years ago when we used to go to school together, so it was great to cross paths again to catch up and talk music. Producing the track with Albi and the Wolves was seamless. They are extremely talented musicians and have good taste for music and i loved thier sound – if you have the time i would recommend checking out there original songs.
What was your favorite part about producing “Fall With You”?
Mt. Eden: Adding the brass section in the chorus was our favorite part…it kinda punches you in the face softly without breaking your teeth followed by an internal ear cleansing.
This track seems to be a multi-genre song, do you have any opinion or preference on genres in general?
Mt. Eden: I’m always finding myself drawn to hip-hop, drum and bass and slightly more experimental future-based electronic music. I generally enjoy music that has some level of energy but also has a beautiful edge to it. I’m a sound design geek too so I just find new sounds and concepts interesting and these genres always seem to be pushing the envelope. That being said, there are certain artists and certain songs in every genre which I love. There’s also a process I go through when I’m listening to genres that are unfamiliar to me. I can’t help but mentally break down the different elements and I always learn something new. It’s quite rewarding. Living in New York also plays a big role in my exposure to music that I never would have known about otherwise.
You guys have been producing music for several years now, what do you think the future holds?
Mt. Eden: Sometimes I’ll be listening to music made by kids in their bedrooms and I find myself blown away. These kids are the future and they truly have the freshest ideas, even if they are a little clumsy sometimes. Its as if they can see further into the future than anyone else. As for Mt. Eden, we have one eye on our goals for the future but our primary focus is releasing the music we are sitting on and making sure we leave no stone unturned when it comes to releasing it properly. Making the music is only part of our job, albeit a very important part!
Were than any artists that influenced you initially? Any artists that still influence you?
Mt. Eden: Just to name a few – Pendulum, Chase & Status, Caspa, Rusko, Benga and Skream. What we used to listen to when we started out will always be so influential to us because, as up ‘n comers, we were so impressed by what they had achieved musically and sonically.
Can we expect an album to come sometime in the future?
Mt. Eden: I personally love albums as a release format and I hope we’ll put out an album at some point. Unfortunately it hasn’t really made sense strategically to put one out yet.
You’ve performed at main stages all across the nation, is there anywhere else you really want to perform?
Mt. Eden: Red Rocks in Colorado, Sydney Opera House, Madison Square Garden, Glastonbury. We would also love to do tours in Central and South America and Asia
Being that you’re such seasoned producers, do you have any words for artists just starting out?
Mt. Eden: Draw inspiration from what you love but try to be yourself in every way possible
Anything you want to say to your fans?
Mt. Eden: Thank you. You have no idea how much you mean to us.
You can stream their latest track and purchase it here.
Connect with Mt. Eden:
https://www.facebook.com/MtEdenOfficial
https://twitter.com/MtEdenOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/mtedenofficial
https://soundcloud.com/mtedenofficial
Share On
