INTERVIEW: Ikonika

Welcome to the first of Electrodrone's interview series, where we catch up with producers, DJs, and anyone who is relevant to the world of electronic music. For our first installment, we have London-based producer Ikonika, who has made quite a name for herself in the world of dubstep; getting signed to Hyperdub and releasing two stellar 12"s and a fantastic remix for DJ Mujava's "Township Funk" from Warp Records, this is only the beginning as she's got a release from Planet Mu and a full-length album in the pipeline. Here we explore the roots of her sound, the process of production and how she came to be on the now-prolific Hyperdub label.

E: When you were younger you were into an entirely different realm of music, going from post-hardcore to hip-hop and now dubstep. What drew you to dubstep and why did you stick to it?

I: When I first got into production I was using FL4 , making weird instrumental Hip-Hop. I was listening to a lot of dubstep at the same time, it turns out most of those beats were made on FL as well…so I randomly thought I’d start making dubstep.

E: What do you expect out of listeners/fans/critics to get out of your releases, sound-wise/emotion-wise?

I: I don’t really know. I like making tunes for me and Kode9, I appreciate that a lot of people will think that I will keep making tunes like ‘Please’, which to me seems like a very normal Dubstep tune and I think that’s why it worked so well but it’s not really where Ikonika is at the moment. I’m still trying to experiment with every tune I make. I’m like an adolescent teenager trying to find my identity, although secretly I hope I’ll never find it.

E: The Hyperdub roster is known for finding diamonds in the rough; how did you get in contact with Steve Goodman (Kode9) and how has your time on Hyperdub changed your viewpoint on being a producer?

I: I just sent him some tunes on dubstepforum, that’s all. I wasn’t really expecting for him to sign me but it happened rather randomly, I think he thought fuck it lets try it. It is really overwhelming being on a label like Hyperdub, there’s also a lot of pressure but Steve knows this and I think that’s why he has such an informal and cool approach.

E: What do you use software/hardware-wise? Is there any secret or trick to how you use your tools?

I: All my released tunes so far were made in FL6 on a PC laptop with no audio interface and some cracked soft synths and plug-ins. I usually used presets, free drums samples from computer music and future music cds and one bleep sample. I stopped using FL end of last year, now I’m using Logic 8 on an iMac, with Yamaha HS50M monitors, Motu Ultralite MK3, Alesis Micron and Moog Little Phatty II. I don’t really have many tricks up my sleeve. I just try and exhaust what I’ve got, I think that’s the best way you can begin to crop your own style.

E: Your sound cannot be classified into one sub-genre or even five. Is that the way you want your sound to be considered; in a world of its own?

I: Definitely. When I was growing up I’d try and make an effort to listen to and play as many genres I could. It was just my way of gaining musical knowledge. I am a genre raider and I love mashing things up. My real personality comes from that, my music is very personal but I love inviting people to come see what it’s about.

E: What/who are some of your biggest influences in music?

I: Daryl Palumbo, J Dilla, Madonna, Rich Harrison and Pretty Girls Make Graves.

E: With your full-length coming up soon, what can listeners expect out of the release that's different from previous ones that you've put out?

I: I think the album is something that people could play out in the clubs but still find it deep on headphones. It’s a story of how and why Ikonika has chosen to grow a certain way in that last year or so but it will also have an open ending.

E: The synth sounds you use have this balance of warmth and playfulness, the rhythms you use aren't typical dubstep...like dropping claps on upbeats and such. Do you feel in the current world of dubstep, where the sub-bass is so prevalent...that it needs more of the little things instead of dubstep bangers?

I: I love how the 130-140 bpm range allows you to experiment with different rhythms, it allows me to make usual sequences, and sometimes I feel really guilty because all I wanna do is make straight beat music…But my fingertips just don’t allow it. My music is sub-conscious, I can never really remember making my beats, and I get into a trance. It’s like my mind translates the perfect dance for me and I think it’s just luck that they don’t sound like your typical bangers. My synth sounds sound the way they do because I’m always thinking about pop sensibility, I’m thinking about all those Pop and R&B tunes I’d listen to when I was younger and remembering how happy those sounds made me when dancing.

E: Which artists/producers would you like to collaborate with and why?

I: I’d work with anyone, but I hardly have the time because of the album. I was supposed to make tunes separately with Joker, Guido and Zomby but we are all busy. It may happen and if it does it will be through AIM. There will hopefully be a big guest on my album but we will have to see if it works out.

E: What do you expect out of yourself further in your career?

I: I wanna work with vocalists, I wanna be the producer and work on a project with someone gifted. I want to do as many DJ shows as possible and see the world, and the world to see my music.

Once again, a huge thanks to Ikonika for being part of the first interview for Electrodrone.