Hiya Ullrson, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
I’m from Norwich, England. I have always loved music for as long as I can remember. My dad is a keen guitarist and has a wide taste in music. The first album cover I can remember is Queen’s News of the World. The first album I bought was Michael Jackson’s Bad. My brother was also a great influence, playing the guitar and drums. In the 90s, I got massively into the Manchester scene more than anything and loved bands like The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays. They were a great influence on me developing a love for dance music as well as rock. Prodigy was also a massive influence. I grew up near Bournemouth, and my first memories of raving were at The Academy/Opera House. I remember seeing Carl Cox there.
What’s the live music scene like in Norwich right now?
I’m from Norwich but live in Medellín, Colombia. When I lived in Norwich, we put on events and it was quite a good scene for a small city. I’m not sure if the underground scene is as prevalent now. In Medellín, I have also been involved in many events and there is a superb techno scene, probably one of the best in South America.
Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
DVARA, who I have just done the remix for, strike me as a band that is truly unique. They are reconstructing the dead Scythian language, using traditional instruments while implementing throat singing and beautiful lead vocals. Their music has been among my favourites over the last few years.
Do you think it’s easy to become a victim of our surrounds sometimes?
It definitely can be. The grass is always greener on the other side. One can be in the city and want to be in the countryside and vice versa. Likewise, one can be in one country and pine for another, or be around people and want to be alone, or alone and want to be around people. I guess the answer is to always make the most of the present moment and the current circumstances.
What are your ambitions for you and your label?
I want to continue making a lot of Viking techno, both original mixes and remixes. I am currently working on a mini album of remixes for another Viking music artist, and more details about that will be coming soon.
What’s your favourite social media platform to use and why?
Facebook has been the most useful for me. I understand the likes of Instagram and TikTok are more popular these days, but I built quite a decent following on Facebook and it’s still the most useful platform for me.
We believe it’s essential to have a presence on Facebook, Instagram and X to introduce yourself to all the different types of audiences out there, what’s your thoughts on that?
That seems to be the way it is these days, although I don’t think that many artists or fans use X a huge amount to find music, and it seems you have to pay for a blue tick for a decent number of people to actually see your posts.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
A bit of a slog! I don’t think it’s a great time for musicians or labels. Musicians put their heart and soul into their music but are constantly up against it, with big tech and platforms looking to screw musicians over any which way but loose.
What’s your thoughts on AI generated music?
I’m not a fan, but the wheels are in motion and Ragnarok is calling.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned recently as you progress with your music?
Just how much streaming has taken over. I guess I am quite old school and like to have physical music and downloads, but the majority of people only stream nowadays.
What’s currently in your ears and on rotation at the moment?
I mostly listen to Viking/Pagan music. I created a Spotify playlist called Viking: Heathen and Pagan Playlist, which I love to listen to when lifting weights. It has many of my favourite artists, including DVARA, Derek Jasnoch, Danheim, Heilung, Wardruna, Eihwar, Ashenfell, Folket Bortafor Nordavinden and many others!
What was your worst experience on stage? Any funny stories to share?
The most concerning was when somebody was shot in front of me in Cali, Colombia. Many years ago, I was DJing at a private party and it turned out the party was full of narcos. Two women started catfighting, attacking each other with their nails. Then the guys got involved. One of them pistol-whipped a guy from what I presume was a rival gang and then, if memory serves, it was that guy who was shot in the neck from pretty much point-blank range. This was all around five metres in front of me because it was a small private party.
I ducked down behind the DJ decks and the narcos all sped off in their cars and jeeps with blacked-out windows. Shortly after, the cleaner, seemingly unfazed, nonchalantly mopped the floor clean of blood. A similar incident happened to Carl Cox many years ago in Venezuela, but I think around five people were shot dead on the dance floor.
I guess it could be classed as funny or tragic when talking about requests you get as a DJ. DJing at an underground techno club and being interrupted by someone spitting in your ear asking if you can play Justin Bieber could probably be construed as tragically funny.
Got any stories from life on the road?
This one sticks in the memory and is a reminder to keep your head about you after the high of a great night and DJ set. After a night DJing at Crucifix Lane in London, we all rushed to get cabs back to my friend’s flat. It was so rushed that I left my DJ bag on the street. I only realised when I got back to my friend’s place. I think I tried to call the club or someone to try and recover it, but no such luck. Someone in London got my whole DJ music selection and equipment. It took me a while to get over that!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
It is a techno remix of DVARA’s Hafta As. It is built around the vocal in the ancient Scythian language: “Hafta as koruk raz” — “Seven gods guide us by the star!”
What was the recording process like?
It was a very lengthy process for this track. It took me a long time compared to a lot of tracks. There were so many elements from the original that I loved that it was difficult to decide what not to include, but I got there in the end.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I don’t think so, I’m very happy with the result.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
I’d like to thank my fans for the support, and I’ll have more news soon about the other remix project I’ve been working on.
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