How was 2017 for you?
Russian Linesman: It has been fantastic, thank you. I released my four-part Eysenck Suite series on my label, Loki Recordings. I’d been working on these seven-track EPs for over three years, so it was great to finally get them out there. It was an ambitious concept exploring the psychology of Hans Eysenck’s four temperamental categories and the emotions they encompass — and as a thank you for reading this, I’m offering a 50 percent discount on the series to Big Shot Magazine readers at Bandcamp, just enter promo code “bigshot.”
Highlights?
The reaction to the Eysenck Suite [series] has been really humbling. My music has appeared in some really interesting places — the British Psychological Society endorsed the project in their magazine. This was followed by lots of positive reviews and large features for DMCWorld Magazine, Magazine Sixty and the Ransom Note,and it would appear that I can talk quite extensively about my music! The feedback from my peers has really provoked me to push my music for my next venture. Support as come from Mercury Prize nominated Maps, Simon Mills from Bent, Max Cooper, Steve Miller, Nick Warren, Bedrock’s C-Jay, and Samy Birnbach (a.k.a. DJ Morpheus) amongst others.
All the radio plays have been really fulfilling, too. Nemone’s support for the project on BBC 6Music has been a real pivotal moment. I was so thrilled when she invited me to do her An Evening With… slot, an honor previously inhabited by the likes of Jon Hopkins, Jean-Michel Jarre, Future Sound of London, Darren Emerson, Leftfield, Fatboy Slim, Ellen Allien and DJ Shadow.
I also started a monthly residency with Bloop London Radio (UK) with my Russian Linesman Story show. It’s a lot of fun as I get to play my favorite music from the past, present and future.
Lowlights?
Musically, none. I am very grateful for all the positive experiences this project has brought me and it’s always nice to meet people and make new friends. My laptop is becoming a lowlight. My projects are getting very complicated and it is constantly complaining about being too hot! I have my studio and software exactly how I want them going forward. I am very reluctant to make a change but it is becoming inevitable.
Song of the year?
Swarms have a new album out. I haven’t heard it yet but I’m confident that will be a frontrunner for many people’s lists.
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
January 2018 sees my new series commence, featuring remix interpretations of some of the Eysenck Suites I-IV finest moments. Artists already commissioned for this new project are Maps, Simon Mills, Jesse Somfay, 7oi, Magic Panda, Fractal Architect, Roman Fahls, Lanny May, Aiden, Matthys, Anders, Betamax Warriors, Mig Dfoe, Xspance, Audioglider and my.head — plus a few other surprises to come. I’m sitting on some of the finished remixes already and am desperate to release them!
Image by Craig McKibbin