Helter (soundcloud) has stomped his way onto the scene with little more than a name and a track back in January; however, when strong enough there’s not much else that’s needed. Today we’re highlighting another spellbinder from Helter’s upcoming and self-released debut. “Realtime” finds itself residing in the 5 spot of this release, though don’t let that deter from its stunning quality. “Realtime” makes use of a melodic, hearty bassline, fluttering tonal washes and truly rolling percussion to whisk listeners to a fuzzy headspace full of muted hues. It’s distorted pads and haunting, yet fleeting vocal stabs place this number squarely between the clouds and the dancefloor, perhaps even bringing them together to create a unique atmosphere, both grounded and soaring. Below we ask Helter a bit about himself. Take a listen to the premiere and learn a little about the man of the hour!
[soundcloud url=”https://soundcloud.com/boltingbits/premiere-helter-realtime”/]
INTERVIEW
Where are you right now? What time of day is it? Did you sleep in your own bed last night?
Back of a curry house. 11pm. No, unfortunately.
We’d like to know more about your past. It’s our understanding that this isn’t your first moniker! Tell us about the different genres you’ve produced and how they’ve led you to this point!
Yeah, I’ve dabbled in ambient, noise, a few others. You pick up different techniques from different styles, so I guess what I’ve done in the past has taught me about texture and dynamics and whatnot. Being able to apply that to what I’m doing now can only be good. Helter is informed by way more than house – bands like My Bloody Valentine, Can, Tortoise, etc… That all goes into the pot. I started playing around with distortion and saturation years ago, and at some point realized that it meshed really well with the sorts of beats I’m making now. It wasn’t until later that I discovered other producers were doing the same.
Besides music, what influences have had the biggest impact on your creative process?
When I was a kid, we had this postman who wore a Kraftwerk pin on his shirt. My music is based on his unfulfilled life.
At the beginning of 2017 you released Frontal, your first single. Tell us about the feedback you’ve been receiving and what that’s meant to you.
People seem to dig it. It’s been cool getting messages from producers and labels I’ve been into for a while. People have been pretty complimentary and interested in involving me in all sort of projects. But I’m more excited about what I’ve got in the pipeline.
It’s clear from your artwork that you are a fond of soviet brutalism. How does this imagery relate to the music you make?
Brutalism is rigid, structured, dense, and now the architecture is rather degraded. So in that sense there are a few parallels. It also just looks amazing so it’s pretty difficult to not be in awe of it. I wouldn’t say I set out to reflect it, but it no doubt plays a part.
What does Lo-Fi mean to you?
Hi-Fi
What’s on your agenda for the rest of the year? Any releases planned?
Looks like we have one or two things floating for the end of 2017.
Thanks for your time, can’t wait to see what the future holds! Any thing you’d like to close with?
Shout out to curry houses everywhere providing this kind of interview support.
Interview by Danny
