If I had to talk about what style HLz brings? I would plainly say "Real Drum and Bass". The Italian born producer brings back vibes of what to me is proper Drum and Bass. His production has gone from creepy styles to liquid, minimal and even touches of jump up! But one thing all his tunes have in common is they're "BASS" driven. And this is why HLz fits right at home within the British scene.
Throughout the interview we talk about his newest signings to some massive labels and also talked about sweaty Italian tits... but I didn’t add this *sorry*
Example - Right firstly how was 2009 for you?
HLz - Well 2009 was a great year for me, Because after years in the studio things finally started to move properly. With releases on labels like Liquid V and DSM with Mosus and my solo release on Chronic recs. Its very nice when you get great feedback about what you are doing, but I hope things will be even better for 2010.
Example - Yeah I can imagine. As you stated, you've been working with some seriously big labels. Are you set to work with any other big labels this year? Also I hear rumours that Vapours picked you up and signed you to his infamous label 36hertz?
HLz - Yeah true, I've got my first track on 36 hertz label lp "Back to the bass". The track "Clampdown" received massive support from people like Randall, Storm, Goldie, Bailey, so I am very proud about that. And I've another track signed for 36 hertz, may come out in spring time. Really involved into 36 hertz stuff. You know its all about massive basses! A year ago I started to collaborate with Mosus and we ended up naming our project "Need for mirrors" . As need for mirrors we have a lot of release for 2010 already. Our first 12 will be "low tide/narrative" on Nu directions, then a 12" on shogun, a 12" on Footprints (zero t label) an EP on 31 records and a 12" on warm communications. So 2010 I'll be very busy! As need for mirrors we’re going to work even not only on DnB vibes, the need for mirrors we felt the need to draw from everything that we loved about drum & bass and electronic music and reflect it, but to give it a true picture of what we are about.
Example - I was just about to comment on 'Need for mirrors'. Can you name some of the influence's you've had drum and bass and Electronic wise? P.S. it’s ALL ABOUT THE BASS!
HLz - Bass is all! lol!! well about DnB I really like Metalheadz and Valve ,Some of my favourite artists are Goldie, Ed rush and Optical, Keaton, Cause 4 Concern and in last years Commix, Spectrasoul, Vapour, Serum and Bladerunner, Icicle and Nymfo, Zero t, Mosus, Instramental, Kiat……well its a very long list! You know is all about the vibe, And DnB is quite impressive right now, because every day you have a new great producer that comes out. And non DnB influence's I really listen to lots of different stuff, from hard core punk to experimental electronic music. Bands artists that changed my life? Cure, Massive attack, Chemical brothers, Portishead, Sick of it all, Cypress hill and Wu Tang. I do listen to movie composers like Morricone, Erica Serra and Danny Elfman
Example - You seem to have a wide range of musical love. What was the main inspiration to get into production?
HLz - Well ,everything started for fun really,then after couple of months I was already a night creature ,spending lot of time learning and trying to get something good. Its just nice make music, you get into your own world and let fly your emotions (and bass of course!)
Example - Sounds like the same situation for a lot of budding talent out there. Too all the people wanting to know your tricks and tips. What's in HLz's studio?
HLz - Production I use Cubase and some hardware synths. I’m not a plug-in eater, I mean I prefer to focus on a set of plug-ins instead of trying a new one everyday. I really work a lot looking for samples and re-sampling drums and bass. My best advice about production is, when possible, to not stay focused always on same drum kit bass sounds, not only cause the vibe could get boring, but even because you just learn different things.
Example - If you only had to play 5 tunes what would they be? And what’s the meaning behind playing them?
HLz – eheh. wow that’s the hardest one.
Example - yeah does get people, usually ask that or what’s you favourite cheese? Lol
HLz – ahahah. well lets try to answer, about DnB right?
Example - the cheese or 5 tunes? Lol
HLz: ahahah right : Inner city life by Goldie, Compound and Kerb Crawler by Ed rush and Optical, Luca by C4C, Bring it on by Keaton and Hive. When I can I still play these tunes in my set, I think they reflect exactly my influence about DnB. But yeah I can say that these tunes gave me great emotions, especially when in clubs!
Example - sweet choices man! Right lastly anything you want to add? Any links to mixes so people of Manchester can catch what HLz brings?
HLz - Yeah! First thanks for the interview, one thing that still surprises me is the passion and love for music that u find in England, just awesome and, when is time, I hope one day to play in Manchester. You can check my music and get in touch with me through:
www.myspace.com/hlzdnb
Need For Mirrors on Facebook
Need For Mirrors on Soundcloud
http:// www.twitter.com/hlz22
From Russia With Love...