A CHAT W/ NATIVE

Q - Introduce yourself, where you're from

A - My name is Ewan, fka Native. I am a DJ, producer, and label owner from Belfast.
Where I'm from, it's been techno or nothing for as long as I can remember. So, as someone who hears swung hi hats while trying to sleep... this is less than ideal. Recently though, there have been quite a few promoters looking to push the good stuff (garage/jungle etc), which is definitely a welcome change.
Big up Crilli, Hi-Kru, Divergence & Clipped. Doing god's work!

 

Q - Tell us about your track on Wired Vol. 2 (Influences, Sound, Goal)

A - Two Six was created off the back of my first listen to Bakey & Capo Lee's 'AM TO PM' EP. I am still trying to wrap my head around the low end in these tracks, particularly in 'Too Much Sauce'. I was also listening to a lot of Sam Binga, DJ Zinc, and Ghost/El-b at the time. I feel the influence from these guys is clear.
In short, combine the breakstep riddims from DJ Zinc and El-b, with the bass-bin rattling capabilities of a Bakey track, and you have my blueprint for Two Six.

 

Q - What makes you want to continue releasing with Transistor?

A - Transistor is a proper big-batty label, one that you can be sure will drop nothing but the finest of heat. This is thanks to their incredible team, but namely, big poppa Emmex. This guy makes every release with TRN totally effortless and idiot proof! He is an extremely skilled mastering engineer, and an all-round good spud. Lol
For a label to succeed, it needs commitment, good communication with its artists, and above all, good taste.
Transistor comes correct.

 

Q - Where do you see yourself in the future as an artist, what are your goals for the next few years?

A - As an artist, I will always be further exploring my sound. I see myself with a large catalogue of music, both released and unreleased. I see increasingly exciting opportunities with gigs and shows, and I also see a Native AVA Boiler Room! (Whether they do or not is another thing.. trust the process.)
In the next few years, I will hopefully have solidified myself as a go-to member of the garage community, banging out top shelf releases over at Native Television, still releasing on Transistor & Sakura, and eventually on Shall Not Fade!
Above all else though, I hope to always be as fulfilled as I am today from making and playing my own music. No better feeling!

 

Q - What would you say to other emerging artists who are considering being part of projects like Wired?

A - Send those demos!!
What's the worst that can happen?
One man's trash is another man's treasure. If Dr Dubplate doesn't like it, that doesn't mean anything other than that Dr Dubplate doesn't like it. Send it around!
Also, running a label ain't light work. If you don't get a reply, never ever take it personally!

 

Q - What is your favourite track from another artist on Wired Vol. 2 & why?

A - Tough one. All bangers..
But it has to be ALL KREW by Thornz. A 2-step beauty, simply drowning in that prime-time radio show greaze.
Big up Thornz for blessing us with this masterpiece.