Monte Interview

BBM spoke to drummer and composer/arranger, Monte, this month, who found his path at an early age by building his own drums using pots and pans. Along with finding time to fill in as a professional drummer, Monte can make any sound you could think of in seconds on his array of devices. The tune “True” took top spot in the Beatport Deep House Charts and built his worldwide recognition fast. Monte is one to watch for 2013.

Hi Kai, where in the world are you right now?
Hi BBM, thanks for having me. I just came back from Shanghai, had a really great time there playing. Now I´m back home in Hamburg in the studio and uploaded my new ‘80s Interlude’ track and continue to work on new material.

What initially sparked your interested in Soul and Funk music? Would you say your family’s taste in music was a big influence?
100% My Father was a Guitar player and a DJ, my mum a singer. He brought all those great 70s/80s tracks back home and I grew up with them. Later on when I was studying music I played mostly Fusion and Funk music. That special music never left me since.

Do you think living in Hamburg has played a factor in the type of music you create? What was the music scene like when you were growing up?
Very different. When I was in school Techno was the new thing so that came on top of my Funk Soul influences. Also being part of a small Demoscene Group had an impact on my taste of music. Hamburg, specially it´s club scene brought me back to my roots and helped me to get out of the shadows, [it] got me into the spotlight yet providing me with a strong background in production, arrangement, sound design and mixing. It´s kinda difficult for me now, you know ? As a drummer you´re usually behind the artist in a “safe” spot. That comfort zone is clearly gone.

I’ve heard the Jeudi Events at Hamburg’s BAALSAAL club has played a big influence in your music. Tell me more about this club. What was it that appealed so much to you?
It was 2008 when I first entered this place. Back then the played a lot of hard stuff, New Rave, Bloody Beetroots, Justice, Boys Noize, that sorta music.

Always fresh and hands on the zeitgeist, actually the only club who provided that feel for me. Davidé (Jeudi Rec admin) managed to bring fantastic artists and live performers to the table, from Azari & III to Busy P, all of ‘em were there. You went to the club, partying hard till the morning light and got inspired instantly. I knew the residence acts there who played occasionally my first tracks. Dru was a fellow drummer colleague of mine and after a couple of meetings we decided to do a track together which led me to Jeudi Records and later to my first #1 hit record ‘True’.

You’re also a professional drummer. Which bands have you played drums for?
Funk, Soul, Pop, Latin, Jazz bands. I played for [and] with acts like Oceana (support for Lionel Richie last year), Dante Thomas, Clueso, Eruption, Nils Lundgren, Trilok Gortu, Claude Chalhoub, James Kakande, Teddy Richards and many more… I also had the opportunity to play for Tony Sheridan who passed away this year known for being a musical teacher to the Beatles. It´s like “Yes, now I can say: I can play Rock “! Ha.

You’re performing at Noisily Festival in May, what are you most looking forward to about this festival? Are there any acts you’re hoping to see?
It´s my first big festival in the UK so I´m looking forward to see and enjoy as much as I can. My buddies Mat.Joe gonna perform there as well and I´m sure we gonna have lot´s of fun!

Which city is your favourite to perform in?
I think it really depends more on the club/event rather than the city. I´m a big fan of the UK in general so I hope to explore the club scene there a bit more.

Who’s been your favourite artist to produce/mix?
There are so many. I guess my buddy Dr. Dru! It clicked instantly when we worked together, must be a drummer thing.

What’s next for you music wise? Any plans for an album?
I´m finishing a remix for Electroniqe UK right now. The final ‘80´s Interlude’ Part II has to be written yet and I plan to get my EP/Album done mid-to-end Summer 2013.

What else do you have planned for 2013?
A Collaboration with Dr. Dru and first live gigs as a musician/performer.

Which up and coming artists do you think we should check out?
Mat.Joe! These guys got that Soul thang you know ? Also Ennio, a new guy from Hamburg, Resident at Jeudi Hamburg.
Massive…

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