In a short space of time, North West UK-based Bontan has notched up an impressive set of achievements that’d leave most old school acts green with envy. With headline supporters including Pete Tong, Annie Mac and Carl Cox his music is talking loud and helping him develop a reputation that’ll be the foundation for many years to come.
In our latest interview, we had the chance to talk to him ahead of his 2017 schedule and some other musical topics…
Electronic Groove: Hi Bontan, thanks for the time to chat with us. Congrats on the release of your new track ‘What you Want’ on Suara. What process went into creating this EP?
Bontan: Thanks guys, I had the vocal sample for a while and I was trying to figure out what direction I wanted to go down with the record. Then found some old sounding drums and felt it sat perfectly together. The bassline rolls under the drums nicely and adds to the energy of the record.
Electronic Groove: You have a few remixes coming soon. Can you tell us more about them?
Bontan: I have a remix out now for Sabb & Serge Devant on Circus Recordings. I also have another remix out soon of the band Teachers. Had a lot of fun working on a full vocal from those guys.
“I like to be completely open when I hit the studio”
Electronic Groove: No question you are really a house enthusiast, but how do you keep things adaptable to present your own style?
Bontan: You’re right. House music is my passion. I don’t like to put any restrictions on my productions though. I like to be completely open when I hit the studio and don’t try to restrict myself with sub genres.
Electronic Groove: You have been travelling a lot recently. What’s your frequent inspiration source while you are away?
Bontan: I like to experience the culture of every city that I go to around the world. I spend my day walking around and meeting new people and eating their local foods. Inspiration is everywhere. You just have to look hard enough!
Electronic Groove: You come from the UK. How this has impacted you in the music you’re producing now?
Bontan: The UK has a really strong music scene. Ever since I was old enough I was at local clubs and events listening to house music. In every major city there is at least 3 or 4 cool events to choose from. We’re really lucky with the options we have in the UK.
Electronic Groove: Can you name some artists that have influenced you during your career?
Bontan: My first love was the U.S sound of house music. so people like Masters at Work, Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer & DJ Spen were my early influencers of house music.
“The UK has a really strong music scene”
Electronic Groove: What’s on the pipeline for Bontan?
Bontan: I have my own run of parties throughout the UK called ‘Bontans Basement’. We just had one at Sankeys (Manchester) on the 23rd of December with Wade & Latmun as my guests.
Electronic Groove: What can we expect from you next year?
Bontan: I have a new release coming out on Circus Recordings in January and also me and Josh Butler have a new record coming out in February. I’m really excited about those two!
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