Lenzman Joins the Team!
:: Our third announcement of the new season…. Lenzman!
As we take the project on a more diverse route over the next year, we have the best of the best covering each style, it comes with huge excitement to reveal Teije will be part of it.
An artist in the truest sense, his work is dripping in soul and organic flavours, one of the best examples of just how musical Drum & Bass can be without doing anything too obvious. A real legend in the scene both on the production and performance circuits’. And on that topic – we think he is one of the best DJ’s in the genre, always bringing a progressive and varied set, mixed with precision, always keeping you guessing.
Approaching music from a ‘vibes’ angle, his productions are infectious, warm and really stand the test of time, ageing like fine wines. It’s no wonder Goldie was quick to sign him to Metalheadz and he quickly became one of the Jewels’ in the crown of that special label. He has since gone on to establish his own imprint ‘The North Quarter‘ where all new material from him and other collaborators is being unleashed. He knows what Sample Genie is about and so expect nothing but the best in production samples, highest grade breaks, bass and musical elements awaiting your creative touch. Reason users will be pleased to know this is Lenzman’s DAW of choice, so get ready for some awesome tutorials on workflow, creative ideas and what makes a musical track tick. Big news and big year ahead!
We asked him a few questions ahead of next season…
How long have you been involved with D&B?
I’ve been buying records since 1996. Got into production not long after, but back then you needed to spend a lot of money on equipment to even get started, so I just picked up what I could working with other people. It went that way for about 5 or 6 years before I got my own set up. I think I still have some tapes of my horrible early attempts.
How did you move into production, were friends around you learning or was it something you did by yourself?
I was into Hip Hop more back then. I used to rap believe it or not. I learned things watching our producer make the beats. I had a few friends that were into Drum & Bass with equipment. But it was very, very basic. A synth with 8 track and an Atari ST. Another one had an Atari and a EMU. It just was about being creative with the limited tools you have at your disposal. I still work by that ethos to this day.
What was your first production set up and how is it different from what you have now?
My first one was just a PC and headphones. These days it’s not that much different to be perfectly honest. I have invested in a quality pair of headphones, good monitors, did some room treatment stuff. I also have a synth, a decent audio interface. Loads of samples, refills, presets etc. That’s about it. I like working with limited tools. It just makes me crack on with things.
How much time do you spend each day / week on making music?
That really depends on the week. I go through patches of being heavily inspired to patches of feeling utterly drained creatively. When I’m on, I’m on all day every day. When I’m not, I focus on other, less creative stuff. But a week like that I might only be working on music production one or two days a week.
Can you give a rough outline of your creative process?
I’m a vibes guy. These days I enjoy getting an idea down quickly, and moving on to the next thing. Once I have 10-15 ideas, I will revisit them and pick the ones I like most to finish. It makes the writing process a lot more care free.
What are three of your favourite older dnb tracks?
Krust – Soul In Motion (Full Cycle)
Dillinja – Light Years (Prototype)
Marcus Intalex & S.T. Files – How You Make Me Feel (31 Records)
Have you learned much from online tutorials? Or have other people helped you too?
I’ve picked up a lot along the way. It was really Icicle and Switch that taught me a lot in the first half of the 2000s when I hadn’t had my own set up long. Showed me the basics. I’ve taught myself a lot through trial and error. Developed my musicality a lot. I also watch tutorials now and then (when I’m feeling less creative for instance) and I’ve definitely helped me too.
Do you use Sample Packs, do you think they are helpful if so?
I do use sample packs. And yes of course they are helpful. Not everyone is a gifted at sound design, or has a knack for musicality. To me it should always be an aid and not the main focus though. If I use a sample pack, I will make the samples my own. Not just bang them in a track as they are.
What area of expertise do you think you can bring to sample genie to help its members with samples and tutorials?
Perhaps it’s more my musicality, my feeling for what gives music emotion and my approach to writing music that I’ve adapted to over time that bring something to the table. I’m also a living, breathing example that you don’t have to be super technical, or interested in that side of things, to write good music or be successful as a producer
SO YOU HEARD IT FIRST! SAMPLE GENIE SEASON #5 KICKS OF FROM 2 -7-17
More BIG announcements for the new team coming in the next few weeks…
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