Most musicians have causes close to their hearts, whether it be against animal cruelty, a medical issue or a societal concern. Some publicly act in the interest of these causes while others chose to support them in their own private way. VENTUS has chosen to support mental health with the release of his debut EP, The Pollyanna Principle.
All funds from the EP will be donated to Keep Real; A non-for-profit organisation which helps to combat mental health issues in music. The EP features all the best elements of neuro, jump-up, minimal and jungle D&B and you can get a sneak peek of it in the ‘Misanthrope’ single below. We promise you’ll want to find out more about the musician behind the music as soon as you do so.
The first time I seriously appreciated a piece of music, it was ‘Tatanka’ Etnias Sound Album. Their mix of Electronic music with native American instruments really opened my eyes to the possibility of music and what it was capable of. I used to sit in my living room for hours just grooving along to it on repeat, probably driving my mum crazy in the process. Music production-wise, it all began when I heard ‘Watercolour’ by Pendulum in the charts on my tv. Instantly I was mind blown. I had a friend from school that was already making tunes on his computer so I asked him what music had really fast drums and he just said, “Drum & Bass”. That’s when I decided I wanted to make it myself, I never looked back.
Give us a sense of the music scene where you are based.
The music scene I’m most familiar with is in Huddersfield and surrounding areas. Huddersfield specifically has a super tight-knit group of people pushing their own brands/venues/clubs. But its when you dig a little deeper when you find the deep music culture. Bassment comes to mind instantly, when I first stepped foot inside the main room I was enthralled in culture. Everyone was having the time of their lives and really let themselves go. Not only was freedom my main takeaway, but how friendly and upbeat everyone was. The music really became infectious and since that day, I try everything I can to be at every Bass Music event. Unfortunately, the Huddersfield music scene feels like a losing battle at times. However, there are so many people fighting hard to show what is possible for future generations.
What key pieces of software/gear are you using to define your sound?
I keep a very minimal setup. I stand by my monitors, laptop and keyboard although the defining elements of my music come from is my vsts. I use a lot of stock Ableton Live Plugins. But combining that with Xfer Serum & Massive for sound design, Loopcloud for inspiration and some waves plugins for mixing when needed. The workflow and what I use play a massive part in my creative process and are clearly evident in my sound.
What are some of your key musical influences?
My influences are so broad its hard to put into writing. Anything from Hans Zimmer to DJ Limited. However, musically I spend a lot of time analysing the creative process behind Camo & Krooked, and Noisia’s work. They have opened my eyes to what you can do to create your own sound. I try to blend the two, crisp tight production with room-shaking bass while keeping a melancholy and vibey atmosphere.
What kind of relationship do you have with the internet? How does this inform your artistic expression?
It’s a love/hate relationship. I love being able to learn anything I can find and making new friends. But it also gets too much sometimes and I need a break from the drama and constant news cycle. I try to find the right balance to coincide with my music, seeing enough new music to inspire me but also not too much to get me in a rut of self-doubt.
What would you like to achieve with your music? What does success look like to you?
Success to me is people enjoying my music and being financially stable through that. I’d love to have a positive impact on peoples lives and give future creatives knowledge to do better. Aside from that, it’d be a life long dream to perform alongside Noisia, Camo & Krooked and DJ Limited.
What has been a memorable highlight of your career so far?
Working alongside Infinite Vibrations has honestly been the catalyst in my career while working on my upcoming EP ‘The Pollyanna Principle’. They’ve shown me so much support and given me countless new skills to take forward. Not only that but they’ve been the best friends I could’ve asked for. Working alongside Keep Real UK has also helped a lot as I’ve struggled with my mental health when writing music, self doubt and lack of confidence has really hindered me in the past and I want to share my experiences through my EP to help others.
If you could work with, or perform alongside any artist of your choice, who would it be?
I’d love to spend a day with any of the artists I’ve mentioned previously. Camo & Krooked, Noisia, DJ Limited really summarise my sound and I would learn so much from them. Maybe a back to back with them too. In my dreams.
If you weren’t a musician what would you be?
I have a passion for cars so maybe a mechanic, but my hand eye coordination is rubbish so I’d probably be spinning the sign outside haha. Seriously though, I’d be lost without music.
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
My new EP ‘The Pollyanna Principle’ is released on the 29th of May. Donating all purchases of the EP through Bandcamp to ‘Keep Real UK’. A Not-For-Profit organisation created to support people struggling with their mental health. This will be followed by mixes with Akimbo Audio and releases up and down the UK with various labels. I can’t give too much away right now but it sounds like I’m having a busy year.
Follow VENTUS
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Soundcloud – Spotify
