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Antic's music is not easy to pigeonhole and his main goal is to create music that conveys a depth and variety of human emotions. Music that allows the listener to develop and change their perception over time. I have records of your own voice from him.
Antic's fascination with music began when he was a young child, listening to his parents' music. Both parents had quite different tastes which provided him with a wide spectrum of musical influences ranging from Diana Ross and Led Zeplin to Kraftwork and Debussy. He was introduced to the piano at age 7, beginning with classical and then moving on to jazz. He also sang a lot when he was young. This love of classical music, jazz and soul has always been a fundamental influence, but it was through discovering electronic music in his teens that he was able to find a way to use these influences and create something new. Initially drum and bass artists like Photek and later electronic pioneers like Aphex twin and Boards of Canada provided the inspiration. Then a little later came house and techno. The electronic/indie crossover area has always been a big influence. His favorite music of his is the one that reminds you of something you can't place.
'Antic' has released a number of releases in Anjunadeep and has played some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He now feels that he is writing the music that he really loves and is very excited to release his next EP on 'Clash Lion'.
We have had the pleasure of interviewing him and this has been the result.
What was the first thing that attracted you to the world of electronic music?
I was first attracted to electronic music through Drum and Bass and electronica. Particularly the likes of Photek, Klute, Aphex Twin and Boards of Canada.
Do you remember any album or concert that has changed everything?
Difficult to say really. Radiohead at The O2 in Greenwich was probably the best live performance I have ever seen. Two drummers in tandem the whole performance. Grizzly Bear at Primavera Sound was also incredible.
Since you got into this professionally, what did you miss the most nationally, internationally and on the contrary, what helped you the most to grow, even to believe in yourself?
Well, this is difficult to answer this. Self-confidence is vital in music as self-doubt is the enemy of creativity. Self-belief is an incremental thing. Your self confidence grows as you become better at music production. Hard work is key. You need some initial belief to manage the early stage of learning which is both exciting and very challenging.
How is the music scene living in your city with this murky pandemic situation?
I live in Barcelona. I suppose we are now at a point where life is basically back to normal. During the pandemic, like almost everywhere else, nightlife was closed for nearly two years. It was a difficult but at times beautiful time and I managed to work and learn a lot about production. The first lockdown was very hard in Barcelona but after that, the city avoided the toughest lockdowns with restrictions on hospitality coming and going.
What are your favorite places to hang out in the city?
Barcelona has so many amazing spots. If I was to discuss everything I would be here for hours. For nightlife I love Laut, Switch Bar, Buena Onda and Nitsa. I love both the Poble Sec and Gracia neighborhoods. The mountain of Montjuic is an amazing place to chill and go walking.
Have you had time to focus on making music, spending time with your family, or planning future projects?
When working in music it can be difficult to get the balance right. I don’t have children at this time so life is simpler. The working hours or often anti-social so the balance of life is different. There are advantages and disadvantages to your personal life.
How was your last project born?
The Antic project was born when I moved to Barclena six years ago. I have been producing for over ten years on different projects and genres. I created Antic as a new project within which I could make exactly the music I wanted. The latest EP was produced during the pandemic with my great friend and super talented producer Juan ‘Della’.
What do you want to convey in this mix? What is the concept behind?
This mix has a nice eclectic blend which is something I always try to achieve. A real mixture but with always a thread of melancholy running through it. Have included some tracks by myself and a selection of current favorites.
As for your studio, what is your setup currently made of?
My current setup consites of a PC running Windows and Ableton. In terms of outboard gear I have a Moog Sub 37, a Prophet Rev 2, Culture Vulture, Korg Minilogue, and a selection of guitar fx pedals. I use a mixture of inboard and outboard gear.
What's the one team you'll never get rid of, no matter what?
Korg Minilogue and Electro Harmonix Memory Boy. Both have given me so much joy!
What would you say is the definition of your sound?
I suppose 'emotive house and techno with soul'. The sound is always evolving but I always gravitate towards writing music with emotional depth. Without this I just get bored.
What was the last record store you visited and what did you get out there?
The last record store I visited was this super cool place in Ravel, Barcelona. I can’t sadly remember the name as was down this tiny side-street. It had an amazing selection of random records. Many had accumulated dust. There were some amazing Pakistani records. Really beautiful!
