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After years of sending emails, placing phone calls, and going door-to-door in my apartment complex, I have finally been granted an interview with the world's most elusive producer. In this unprecedented exclusive, you will be taken into the mind of this individual who's talent is so extraordinary that he can't even place his name on the tracks he produces. I sat down with 'Unknown Artist' recently and this is what he had to say:
[mn]: Thank you for speaking with me today. I know that you've never granted an interview before and we're more than honored to be your first.
UA: Well, thank you for being so persistent. The management at [CDR] is often very tough to reach so I don't always get requests forwarded to me in a timely manner.
[mn]: When and how did you get started in production?
UA: It all started when I was in elementary school when I flunked out for consistently refusing to put my name on my homework. I was in band at the time and had an unhealthy obsession with the xylophone. That's when I first discovered the magic of a 4-4 beat.
[mn]: The xylophone huh? Do you still incorporate some of those early sounds in your music today?
UA: Actually, very rarely. I've moved on to a more diverse array of sounds and samples because I find the xylophone to be a very emotionless instrument.
[mn]: What do you use to produce your tracks?
UA: Anything and everything. I mainly stick to Logic and a set of bongo drums.
[mn]: Ah, a Mac fan.
UA: <takes a sip of his Smirnoff Ice>
[mn]: So, you've released a lot of tracks over the years, do you have any that you would consider your favorite?
UA: I have quite a few actually. You may be familiar with 'Untitled' that was released by [CDR] several years ago. By far one of my most thought-provoking tracks that's seen the light of day. I followed that up with 'Untitled' that was also released by [CDR] which John Digweed included in one of his livesets.
[mn]: Wow, this [CDR] label is on fire! Truely a pioneer in the EDM world.
UA: Yeah, we've had a long relationship. They're a very professional outfit and a pleasure to work with.
[mn]: What do you think about programs such as Soulseek and Kazaa?
UA: Fortunately, I don't usually have to worry about my music showing up on their very often. I'm very picky about who I choose to give my music to.
[mn]: And your feelings on the current state of music?
UA: I'm so over this whole electro/tech/whateverthefuck music. What happened to good old prog? What happened to the days when you would look at someone's set and go "There's that Unknown Artist! I love this track 'Untitled'.
[mn]: It sounds as though you're not going to make that crossover.
UA: Hell no! They don't respect an artist such as myself. Check out sets by Michael Mayer, M.A.N.D.Y., Superpitcher, or any number of others. You can actually see who comprises their entire set! Who has ever heard of such a thing?!
[mn]: That is true. Although I still see tracklists by 'prog' artists that are chock full of your productions.
UA: And that's the way it should be! We don't want just anyone to be able to get a hold of our music. It's reserved exclusively for popular people.
[mn]: Any upcoming releases you can tell us about?
UA: Actually I have a couple of pieces in the works. One is called 'Untitled' and the other is 'Untitled' which will actually see a remix by 'Unknown' who is one of my production partners.
[mn]: Well, I know you're a very busy man and I've taken up enough of your time already. But I want to thank you again for sitting down with me. Please keep in touch and we look forward to hearing your work in the future.
UA: Thank you for having me. I read [mn] quite frequently, but usually as a "Guest" or "Hidden". You guys have a kick ass radio station going!
[mn]: Thanks a lot man, we certainly try!
Thanks again to Unknown Artist. Look for all of his upcoming releases, but don't look in the record store, you won't find them!
A pic I snapped as he was leaving:
[mn]: Thank you for speaking with me today. I know that you've never granted an interview before and we're more than honored to be your first.
UA: Well, thank you for being so persistent. The management at [CDR] is often very tough to reach so I don't always get requests forwarded to me in a timely manner.
[mn]: When and how did you get started in production?
UA: It all started when I was in elementary school when I flunked out for consistently refusing to put my name on my homework. I was in band at the time and had an unhealthy obsession with the xylophone. That's when I first discovered the magic of a 4-4 beat.
[mn]: The xylophone huh? Do you still incorporate some of those early sounds in your music today?
UA: Actually, very rarely. I've moved on to a more diverse array of sounds and samples because I find the xylophone to be a very emotionless instrument.
[mn]: What do you use to produce your tracks?
UA: Anything and everything. I mainly stick to Logic and a set of bongo drums.
[mn]: Ah, a Mac fan.
UA: <takes a sip of his Smirnoff Ice>
[mn]: So, you've released a lot of tracks over the years, do you have any that you would consider your favorite?
UA: I have quite a few actually. You may be familiar with 'Untitled' that was released by [CDR] several years ago. By far one of my most thought-provoking tracks that's seen the light of day. I followed that up with 'Untitled' that was also released by [CDR] which John Digweed included in one of his livesets.
[mn]: Wow, this [CDR] label is on fire! Truely a pioneer in the EDM world.
UA: Yeah, we've had a long relationship. They're a very professional outfit and a pleasure to work with.
[mn]: What do you think about programs such as Soulseek and Kazaa?
UA: Fortunately, I don't usually have to worry about my music showing up on their very often. I'm very picky about who I choose to give my music to.
[mn]: And your feelings on the current state of music?
UA: I'm so over this whole electro/tech/whateverthefuck music. What happened to good old prog? What happened to the days when you would look at someone's set and go "There's that Unknown Artist! I love this track 'Untitled'.
[mn]: It sounds as though you're not going to make that crossover.
UA: Hell no! They don't respect an artist such as myself. Check out sets by Michael Mayer, M.A.N.D.Y., Superpitcher, or any number of others. You can actually see who comprises their entire set! Who has ever heard of such a thing?!
[mn]: That is true. Although I still see tracklists by 'prog' artists that are chock full of your productions.
UA: And that's the way it should be! We don't want just anyone to be able to get a hold of our music. It's reserved exclusively for popular people.
[mn]: Any upcoming releases you can tell us about?
UA: Actually I have a couple of pieces in the works. One is called 'Untitled' and the other is 'Untitled' which will actually see a remix by 'Unknown' who is one of my production partners.
[mn]: Well, I know you're a very busy man and I've taken up enough of your time already. But I want to thank you again for sitting down with me. Please keep in touch and we look forward to hearing your work in the future.
UA: Thank you for having me. I read [mn] quite frequently, but usually as a "Guest" or "Hidden". You guys have a kick ass radio station going!
[mn]: Thanks a lot man, we certainly try!
Thanks again to Unknown Artist. Look for all of his upcoming releases, but don't look in the record store, you won't find them!
A pic I snapped as he was leaving:
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