How was 2017 for you?
Milkplant: 2017 was a year of change and preparation for me. I spent nearly the entire year deep in studio mode finishing up a handful of demos that I am in the process of getting ready to send out to labels. I saw my 12″ The Distance EP come out via a new San Francisco-based imprint, Excise. The guys that run the label are so professional and supportive. It was refreshing to work with them. We have our next 12″ release on my label From 0-1 about to hit shelves in a few weeks, kicking off a series of releases coming in the next year that in my opinion are our best to date. All this preparation as an artist has led to changes in perception of how I relate to my own studio workflow, as I hone in becoming more and more efficient and succinct in my creative process.
Highlights?
One track (“Dust Cloud”) on my EP with Excise was originally produced back in 2008 in the wake of a tragedy I experienced at that time. Producing it was pure catharsis for me. I did a recent edit/remix of it to bring up to snuff with the modern techno sound so seeing it come out on a record gave me a personal sense of release (no pun intended). But all in all, the highlights for me this year were more personal, not so much public. I really went inward and challenged myself in the studio this year. As a result I was able to produce a solid body of work. I’m looking forward to seeing some of it out for public consumption. I am also working on getting my live PA in order, it’s been almost a decade since I’ve played live, so it’s exciting to begin planning again.
Lowlights?
Lack of time. I don’t have enough time to actualize all my ideas. I guess that’s a pervasive problem most producers face as they juggle a day-time profession. That, and the vagaries of social media. Social media is vastly changing the landscape, so to speak. I see it’s benefit, but I also see how it can fray the fabric of the techno movement and why we even decided to dedicate our lives to this music to begin with. My mantra: Facebook is not real life.
Song of the year?
It should be no surprise this extremely difficult to answer. But I’ll revert to a modern interpretation of a timeless classic that had such an impact on me when I was young: Percy X’s “Maintain” (Mark Henning’s 90’s Mix)
What’s your New Year’s resolution?
I don’t usually make one, but since you’re asking … actualization. I intend to focus a lot of effort on actualizing my vision of how I see myself as an artist and digging deep to see my ideal become more real.