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Babsy, of Turkish origin, residing in Barcelona. He has edited on labels such as Apparel Wax or recently on Mote Records where his second release is released this August.
We've had the pleasure of talking to him about this and future releases.
What was the first thing that attracted you to the world of electronic music?
I started DJing when I was 17-18 with some controllers and got some gigs in actual bars and clubs. It felt so cool to be able to play music for people, however I didn’t know anything about electronic music really. I remember watching MCDE’s boiler room set in Dekmantel, then I was like okay, this is the real deal.
Do you remember any album or concert that has changed everything?
I went to Sonar in 2018 where I got a chance to see Thom Yorke, LCD Soundsystem and Bicep’s live set. I was absolutely mind blown with how good electronic music sounded live. That was a definite milestone for me where I started thinking I should do this, this is amazing. Then slowly got into producing but never actually learned to use any DAW, it was more like just playing around, recording stuff occasionally but never finishing anything.
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?
I always liked the beach parties and small festivals in Alacati where I always visit every summer. The scene was amazing while I was growing up there, but now it’s really commercialized. I was able to listen to so many great artists live and the most notable one is Nicolas Jaar, he would come every summer to play, sometimes even multiple times. I remember going to the last ever Darkside concert, it was amazing.
Internationally I miss going to a different country and going out partying. I always loved going for a long weekend in Berlin and getting smashed. The pandemic pushed me most to grow both in life and in music, I was able to focus and spend time on getting better on the things I love the most. Making music to be exact. I was sending the tracks I’ve made to my close friends who also produced and got some good feedback. Then I got confident enough to send my tracks to some labels.
How is the music scene living in your city with this murky pandemic situation?
Barcelona has an amazing scene with lots of diversity and alternative clubs. There’s also a great local scene with great labels and DJs. The festivals and events are incredible as well, the city has everything you need to get exposed to great music. But since the pandemic, it all stopped and it’s really breaking my heart. Although during these times, because of the lack of international bookings, it allowed local DJs to get more exposure which I’m really happy about. We got some real talent in Barcelona.
You have just released your latest EP on Mote Records, it is composed of 4 great tracks, what can you tell us about this release?
I was trying to produce enough tracks to make an album, but then the more I produced sounded way different than the others. So I chose the best ones out of the bunch and left the others behind. I’m really happy with the EP since I was able to move out of my comfort zone a little bit.
What are your favorite places to hang out in the city?
-I’ve got so many places, my favourite bar is definitely 33/45. They got my favourite beer from Germany. I was addicted to that beer while I was living in Germany. My favourite place to go out and dance is Marula for sure. The DJs, the music and the vibe is always incredible there. Would love to play there one day.
Have you had time to focus on making music, spending time with your family, or planning future projects?
I haven't done any music for one and a half months, since I was on vacation back in Turkey and I’m itching to start making music again. I was able to play some gigs while I was back there so I really can’t complain.
How was your last project born?
-Just trying new things and learning more about production, reaching out to people for tips and tricks and most importantly feedback. Honest feedback and constructive criticism is the key to getting better while you’re trying new things.
What do you want to convey in this work? What is the concept behind?
It’s about moving forward and trying to evolve my sound. I want my every release to be different, I have no ideals really. I like so many different types of music that genre really doesn’t matter to me. I’m still so new to making music that I want to try new things and see where it takes me.
As for your studio, what is your setup currently made of?
I’m still pretty much in the box, a bunch of VSTs, a midi keyboard, Maschine and a guitar. That’s pretty much it at the moment. But I'll be adding some hardware gear very soon.
What's the one equipment you'll never get rid of, no matter what?
Probably my guitar, I love the sound and feel of my guitar. It’s a 2006 Fender Stratocaster, I might
change the pickups for some noiseless ones though.
What would you say is the definition of your sound?
I’m still figuring it out, hope I can get more self aware about what I can do and what not.
What was the last record store you visited and what did you get out there?
Vamonos record shop in Istanbul, a really close friend of mine Eren just opened up the storewith his mates. It’s located in the heart of the city. We made a small friends only event there andit was a blast. It’s still not fully opened up but they have a great selection already. I wanted tobuy one of their t-shirts but unfortunately it was all sold out.
