Schubert, a burgeoning young producer and DJ out of Barcelona, has managed to capture the eyes and ears of the electronic underground in what seems like a tremendously short period of time. Crafting some of the finest and most captivating tech-house of the moment while simultaneously managing, producing, DJing, and performing live prove the young musician to be not only a fine talent, but one with exceptional time management skills. With recent releases on Minus12 and his own Black Swan Recordings, Schubert’s latest efforts seem only to suggest that the artist’s vision is fixed firmly upon the future; and what this future holds appear to be big things.

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When thinking of Pittsburgh, Techno destination does not immediately spring to mind for most, but Pittsburgh’s Humanaut crew has been throwing down quality events with headliners that make it a must for some.

This Saturday (April 27) they will be bringing their unique sound to U St Music Hall for a special BLISS Humanaut Pittsburgh Techno Takeover. Tickets and info here.

We had a chance to catch up with the crew ahead of this week’s party…

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There are a handfull of underground artists today that are taking full advantage of the ever growing, most powerful source on the globe, something that we all admit we can not live without, the Internet. Artists are gaining momentum like never before and are holding outstanding, world breaking numbers that the music industry as ever seen. Ghostwriter, storyteller, and passionate artist Rules has skyrocketed through the interweb, gaining many listeners and fans simply with relatable emotions, portrayed only by music. Right here in our home town, Washington, DC, this UK garage, R&B inspired bass producer, Rules, is an artist that only cares about connecting with an audience emotionally and getting the right feeling at the right time. It’s about those dark nights, where you don’t want to go home, but you want to enjoy music with another soul, connect, and then part ways. Blisspop was lucky enough to connect with Rules and learn more about this organic, talented artist.

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We had the pleasure of chatting with South London Ordnance before he his DC debut this Saturday night at U Street Music Hall, alongside Hotflush boss Scuba and Lxsx Frxnk. In a relatively short amount of time, the law student turned full-time producer has created quite a stir throughout the techno, house and bass music circuits; appearing at Dimensions, Boiler Room and regularly guesting on RinseFM.

1. You recently interviewed Juan Atkins for Fact Magazine – how did this come together, and what was the experience like?

I work part time in a record store in central London called BM Soho. Billy Nasty who also works there on a more regular basis rung me up and asked me if I wanted to support Juan with him at a Bloc. event. Obviously it was a no brainer and when I agreed the Bloc. guys sorted the interview to help promote the event. It was a dope experience – obviously a little daunting, and you can’t please everyone with the questions you ask someone of such fundamental importance to the state of dance music today, but I was pleased with how it came out. Juan is a cool guy.

2. You’ve got a new EP coming out on Hotflush, and the video for “Revolver” debuted this week. What was your inspiration for this video and how does it relate to the song?

I do indeed. It’s just a series of images I shot on my phone wandering around South London where I still live. I guess you could maybe relate the close reverbs and metallic sounds to some of the industrial imagery I included – but I guess it’s more about me as a person and where I live and grew up.

3. You were credited as directing the video – have you directed other videos for yourself or others? Did you study film as well as law?

Ha – I mean I wouldn’t call it directing, I did spend a bit of time tearing my hair out on iMovie stitching it together though… I find that program fantastically counter intuitive.
I did not study film, no – never done any other vids that I can immediately think of to be honest.

4. Since finishing school have you used your law degree in the music industry? Or are you doing music full time now?

Ah… no, actually – still waiting on someone to try and sue me or something exciting. I do music full time, yeah.

5. Tell us a bit more about your new EP coming out on Hotflush – influences, inspirations, the process of creation. Are you still just using Logic or have you expanded?

Yeah – still using Logic. I mean – it’s always quite amusing when people say “just” Logic – it’s a pretty mind blowing piece of kit when you get really stuck into it – but yeah, I know what you mean i.e. I’d love to get all kinds of gear but I don’t have the space at the moment.

In terms of the EP – as is often the way with releasing music on independent labels with a busy schedule, the tracks are about 6/7 months old. With that in mind – I was really just experimenting and fucking around with sounds and ideas at that point. Both tracks are based around prominent samples so I guess that was probably the starting point. From there I developed the structure and the sounds kind of came of their own accord.

6. It’s been pointed out that you don’t particularly like to upload your own songs to your SoundCloud – do you feel as though that takes away some of the mystery? Some would argue against it, saying it stunts the hype…

Ha – yeah I mean I used to up things, then take them down real quick when I started. I tend not to do that now – I have a platform to showcase new music in the gigs that I play, or the mixes that I do so there’s no need to be honest. I’m wary of uploading anything these days – everything gets old so quick, it be a shame to put something unsigned on SoundCloud and watch it rot. You might get 1000 plays or a 1000 comments, but you know probably a 20th of those people would even consider buying the record…

7. What advice would you give to young producers who are looking to create buzz (aside from the typical, “be at the right place at the right time…”)?

Focus on your art – the rest will come.

Genesis is the latest gem from local funky, soulful, house producer Funkdamentalist; a three-track EP that has already cracked Beatport’s top 100 releases. Out now on Something Different Records, Genesis features a remix from fellow McFly, Soul Sway, and has seen support from Luna City Express, Raffa FL, Stu Patrics and Terry Grand.

“Transient Lust,” a feeling that some would say is common in D.C., is the stand-out track in Genesis; a glittering house tune that penetrates the depths of the soul. The title track is accompanied by an official music video showcasing a few of the pinnacle places where house music was first nourished.

Preview Genesis below, and purchase the entire EP over at Beatport.