Rotterdam’s tech-house, melodic techno & IDM producer Space Native has been making the most out of this current situation by getting signed on labels like MTZ, Capital Heaven & Oxidia in the past few months. Recently, he launched his own digital record label, Lunar Outpost Records, where he releases productions by himself & friends which don’t seem to fit under the pre-conceived notions of other electronic labels out there, generating a unique melting pot of ideas and sound.
After his recent ‘Specific Impulse’ release via Blessed Cross Records, we sat down with Space Native to discuss his current work and future plans.
Electronic Groove: Hi Glen, thanks for the time. How have you been? Where are you located right now?
Space Native: Hey guys! I’m doing fine. I am currently located in Rotterdam, in The Netherlands, but I will be moving to the countryside of the Overijssel region this summer. So for the last few months, I have been quite busy buying our new house and currently doing all the re-decoration of the property with my wife Simone.
Electronic Groove: Nice! Great news then… Nightlife-wise, are things going back to normal? How is it evolving since the pandemic first hit?
Space Native: I wouldn’t say that the nightlife situation is back normal with necessary Covid-19 testing in place before you can go, but I’m happy to see clubs & festivals are able to open up shop again. I’m thrilled that people can go dance and party after all this time and it’s good to see DJs & performers do their thing. I’m hoping after this phase things will really go back to normal pretty soon.
Electronic Groove: You released a great amount of music in the last year, and 2021 isn’t looking any different with your ‘Specific Impulse’ EP out on Blessed Cross Records. What can you tell us about the inspiration and production behind this track?
Space Native: The inspiration for this track just came around the corner one night right before the weekend. I was going through some low-end samples when I found an interesting sound. From that point on I just kept on building the track and things just kept falling into place. So I think the raw sketch of this track came down in just a weekend. It was kinda like a “being in the zone” type of session. The right timing for a studio session with the right creative juices flowing I guess.
Electronic Groove: This is your second released with the label. How did you connect with them?
Space Native: After I did some two-track releases for Capital Heaven from the UK I thought it would be nice to be on the roster of a melodic house type of label with a single-track release. When doing some desk research on labelbase.net I stumbled across Blessed Cross Records and I really liked their releases and sound. After being in touch about my ‘Deep Diving’ debut release, things started rolling and I’m really happy with their support of my music so far. They are a great collective of people and artists!
“I think they try to bring their own melodic sound to the table, not trying to copy popular trendy stuff”
Electronic Groove: Aside from your tracks, do you have any favorites from their catalog? Which track would you recommend if you wanted to get someone hooked on Blessed Cross Records?
Space Native: I would have to say the tracks by the amazing Foby! I love his latest track ‘Timeless Dreamer’, but earlier works like ‘Clouds’ and ‘Rusty Pipes’ are great too.
Electronic Groove: What makes Blessed Cross Records special? What does it have different from other labels out there?
Space Native: I think they try to bring their own melodic sound to the table, not trying to copy popular trendy stuff. They are doing a really proper job in that department. For me as an artist, it’s great to be represented by people who love your productions for what they are.
Electronic Groove: Now that summer is here, do you have any gigs lined up or any more music ready to come out?
Space Native: I’m not an active DJ really, just a home DJ & producer who loves to make music in his spare time. I have been working on new stuff, but as I mentioned earlier, I’m in the middle of moving so I’m at a halt right now. The good news is that there will be a new dedicated work/studio room built in the new house! So you can expect that there will be new music coming up very soon.
Electronic Groove: It looks like ADE is really happening. What are your thoughts on this? Are you in favor of opening everything or should we still be alert and keep our masks and other precautions?
Space Native: I’m really hoping by the time the Amsterdam Dance Event will kick into gear that things are back to normal.
“Can they read the crowd? Can they keep the moment alive and pick the right record at the right moment? That takes a special kind of gift in my opinion”
Electronic Groove: What would be your dream location to play at? Why?
Space Native: That would have to be at some deserted beach on Ibiza with the sun going down into the ocean. It’s such a magical island! It just lives and breathes dance music and I love its relaxed atmosphere.
Electronic Groove: Digging into your collection of records. What are 3 tracks you can’t live without?
Space Native: Ooooh, that is a really tough question. There are so many great releases to choose from! If I would have to pick three classics from my own record collection, it would be these three tracks:
Electronic Groove: Of your releases, do you have a special one that you are looking to see the crowd’s reactions?
Space Native: I would love to see the reactions of my debut release ‘Finding White Space’; a release which I still cherish as you can imagine!
Electronic Groove: What do you think makes for a good DJ? Is it the skills? The selection?
Space Native: For me personally it would have to be the track selection. Can the DJ take you on a journey? Is he or she able to tell a real story during their set? Can they read the crowd? Can they keep the moment alive and pick the right record at the right moment? That takes a special kind of gift in my opinion.
Electronic Groove: Do you have any artist friends or colleagues that we should keep an eye out for?
Space Native: You can keep an eye on my own label Lunar Outpost. Here’s where I release music that does not fit the labels I currently work with. I also release work on my label from or with my friend RITSAERT who is more into producing music with modular gear. And maybe I will take on some new artists for the label in 2022, who knows…
Electronic Groove: If we’re visiting your hometown, what places do you recommend for food? For drinks? For dancing? And where should we go to buy records?
Space Native: Clone Records is a great store for buying techno & electro records, if you like second-hand records Demon Fuzz is the place to be. Restaurant-wise, the ones I would recommend would be Zinc, Heroine, Jack, Osteria Liz & Ter Marsch & Co. For drinks, I would suggest Poing Arcade, Tiki’s Bar, Yolo, Sijf or NRC. For dancing, you can go to clubs like Toffler, Perron, Now & Wow, Maassilo, Reverse & RTM.
Electronic Groove: Nice recommendations! Thanks again and we wish you the best going forward.
Space Native: The pleasure was all mine, and I hope to see you on the dancefloor very soon!
Follow Space Native: Facebook | Soundcloud | Instagram | Spotify
