Introducing: Braiden

Marry Anne Hobbs describes him as a “Next Generation Genius” and we’d have to agree. Everything we’ve heard from him thus far has invoked a stop-whatever-you-are-doing moment. Adrian Mules caught up with Steve Braiden to find out more about the man who’ll sound-tracking your future.

Hi Steve, thanks for your time. Can you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us a little bit about yourself please?

Hello. Well, I DJ as Braiden, have had a radio show on rinse.fm for the past 3 years or so. I play music I love and make music I feel.

When did you first start making music and what inspired you?

I started to produce properly relatively recently. Right at the start of this year. I was particularly inspired by a lot of the music I was bringing together in my DJ sets. I am also inspired by hazy hedonistic nights listening to twisted sounds, and carnal tension. None of this is unusual for a music person.

What was the first piece of music you made?

The first properly finished piece of music is my forthcoming single entitled ‘The Alps’. I guess the strict answer to that question is the piece I had to make for my AS Level Music Technology class when I was 17 but I’m not sure this counts as either “music” or “a piece”. I’d love to find it.

What is your composition process? Do you have a favourite piece of equipment that you use?

I use a lot of samples, and only software. My process is a gradual one which involves listening to parts in a loop trying to figure out what to change until it feels right. I would say about 5% of my time in Ableton is spent actually creating; the rest is listening to what I’ve done intently and feeling it out.

How did you start getting your music heard?

As a DJ already I suppose I am lucky, I already have a platform to play my music. I also gave it to friends of mine who played it out as well, the earliest adopters of this track were probably Mosca, Ikonika and Brackles so a special thanks to them.

Are there any official releases?

The Alp will be coming out on Joy Orbison’s Doldrums label.

How did that come about?

Well Joy Orbison has been playing this track in his sets for a while now, he offered to sign it to the label. I mulled it over for a while but I like their direction, it seemed to fit with my vision well so I gratefully accepted.

We’d like you to make us a mix-tape. Can you pick five tracks to kick it off?

Ok.

Loose Joints – Is It All Over My Face
Azari & III – Hungry For The Power
Egyptian Lover – Freak a holic
Guy Gerber – Hate/Love
No Regular Play – Owe Me

Who would be your dream collaboration and why?

Whoever did the vocals on ‘reckless with your love’; I want them – now that is good house music vocal. Wows.

What posters did you have on your bedroom wall?

One of those optical illusion stairs going up and down things. In a castle. That and a radiohead poster.

Can you name a guilty pleasure from your record collection?

Guilty? No such thing! I just listened to Blonde – ‘Hanging On The Telephone’, should I be guilty about that? It’s great.

You’ve heard a little bit about the man, now listen to the mix of material he produced for the Mary Anne Hobbs show to understand why we are so excited about him.

100% Braiden production mix live on Mary Anne Hobbs show July 2010 by braiden