Our next interview is from rising artist Clint Stewart, after recently releasing his Shadows On The Wall EP with record label Second State. Already gaining massive support, Stewart see’s german duo Pan-Pot featuring Shadows On The Wall in their BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix.
We spoke about Clint‘s newest project, why he named some of the tracks the way he did, where his favourite place is to perform plus more…
What new music can we expect from you in the next coming months?
After my ‘Shadows On The Wall’ EP on Second State, June 19th I have an EP called ‘Lila’ coming out on Terminal M. I am also working on finishing up an EP for Alex Niggemann’sAeon imprint. I have a couple other records I am wrapping up now and will know where they will be released soon.
Is there a story behind the tracks on your “Shadows On The Wall” EP? Were you ever “Lost on Kauai”?
Yeah, for sure there is a story behind all the tracks even though they were written at different times and never planned to come together on one record, it just happened that way. Each track definitely has a story, but ‘Lost On Kauai’ is, without a doubt, the one that has the most sentimental value for me.
I was never Lost On Kauai but someone very close to me disappeared there for a few months after battling some demons. Long story short, it was a very trying time for me and I think the track really conveys that. It’s sporadic, heavy, and intense which is basically how I felt at the time.
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You are associated with a strong techno labels like Second State and soon Terminal M in June. Has your sound developed or changed since you first started producing?
Of course. It’s definitely got bigger and heavier but I’ve always tried to maintain a melodic and emotional approach when writing. I don’t think that is something I can ever stop doing.
Where has been your favourite city to perform in and why?
Berlin. I know that is super cliché and I can easily pick Detroit, SF, Paris, London, but Berlin has become my home now and I have always had an incredible connection with the people there. Everywhere has something special but you really can’t compare the club culture and the party people in Berlin to another city. Also the water floor at Watergate is like my second living room so it’s a place I feel most comfortable and free.
When producing music, do you think of the track ideas on the spot or are they planned? How long does it take you to complete a track?
Both, but way more of the time it’s spontaneous. It can take me anywhere from 2 hours to 3 years to finish a track. ‘Lost On Kauai’ and ‘GhostTree’ were 2 tracks I had started late 2013 early 2014 and then I just left them when I felt stuck. Years later I opened them up and they were fresh again so they were easier to finish. It can take a long time to finish things but I try to never work too long on one thing otherwise it gets stale and loses its spark.
Growing up in the US, you decided to move to Berlin a couple of years ago. Do you feel this is necessary to really make it in the underground electronic dance world? How has the move helped your career?
The move has helped my career and it was the right decision for myself with the opportunities and connections I had but in no way is moving to Europe or Berlin a necessity. Actually it’s quite the opposite in my opinion. Coming to Berlin to DJ is like bringing sand to the beach so it has to be for the right reasons. Tas and Thomas and friends of mine were trying to get me to move to Berlin for a few years before I actually did and I always felt like the time and situation had to be right. After a while, it was so I made the move. But as a standard, no, absolutely not a necessity.
Gaining support from Pan-Pot all over the world couldn’t be ant bigger, how’s this make you feel that your music is rocking thousands of people?
It’s amazing to see how Pan-Pot is getting bigger and bigger. I couldn’t be happier for the boys. I’ve known them since the first time they toured the US so to see the rise is incredible and those two deserve it. Thankfully their exposure helps me and the rest of the Second State crew to gain more exposure ourselves and the guys are really selfless when it comes to sharing the spotlight and wanting to see everyone succeed which is very rare in this industry. Because of that my music is reaching more and more people so I couldn’t be happier. It’s like a drug.
Once piece of advice you can give aspiring producers, on how to get their music out there and signed to a successful label?
Don’t overthink it. Be real. Be authentic. Write as much as you can. Go out and see DJ’s and artists you want to connect with and give them your music. Put it in their hand and make eye contact. It’s definitely not working 100% of the time. Probably not even 10% or 5% of the time, but you keep pushing and you make it happen. Luck is when hard work meets opportunity.
How would you describe your sound of your productions to a new listener?
Stories you can dance to
