In a short space of time, North West UK-based Bontan has notched up an impressive set of achievements that’d leave most old school acts green with envy. With headline supporters including Pete Tong, Annie Mac and Carl Cox his music is talking loud and helping him to develop a reputation that’ll be the foundation for many years to come.
Bontan has worked hard to delivered several killer solo releases such as ‘Activated’ and ‘My Memory’ on Kerri Chandler’s MadTech imprint, ‘Firefly’ on Mark Knight’s Toolroom Records plus stellar remixes of Eagles and Butterflies ‘Love’ (Noir) and the House classic ‘Do You Feel Me’ by NY’s Finest (Toolroom) to score the talented Northerner further support from BBC Radio 1’s Pete Tong.
Outside the studio Bontan’s gigs diary has never been busier, boasting 2015 event highlights such as; playing back2back with House master Roger Sanchez at Pacha Festival (Amsterdam, Holland), performing at the last ever Southport Weekender (Somerset, UK), securing no less than six peak-time Ibiza dates across Amnesia, Sankeys and Privilege (Vista Club) and landing key slots at top festivals such as; Creamfields (Liverpool, UK), Secret Garden Party (Huntington, UK), Lovebox (London, UK), Kendal Calling (Lake District, UK) and Mutiny Festival (Chichester, UK).
With continued support from key industry players, a jam-packed gigs diary including a brand new monthly residency at Sankeys (Manchester, UK) and several performances during ADE, Bontan is on a roll and there’s no sign of him stopping anytime soon.
Tune into his latest release on Suara while reading the interview below.
Hey Bontan, how are things nowadays?
Very good thanks! I’m just in my studio in the north of England working on some new music for 2017 – feeling very inspired!
You recently released “Control” on elrow ADE Sampler, premiered by Pete Tong. Great house infused release with some nice techhouse flavours. Want to tell us something about it?
I wanted to make a record that was quite driving with a rolling bassline. I had the percussion locked down for a month or so but then the bassline just set the track a light. It fell together after I nailed that. I used the Moog sub37 for the bass and programmed the pattern with the Roland TB3.
You played at ADE this year for your first time – how was it?
I’ve actually been going to ADE for 8 years and this was my 5th time playing. It was definitely my favourite one of all times though. I played for Circus with Yousef, Alan Fitzpatrick & Butch. The club was great and the crowd was even better!
Does your music and style reflect you as a person as well?
I’d like to think so! It’s always very energetic. I try and make music depending on what mood I’m in when I’m in the studio and I think you can hear it in certain records.
You’ve been doing nice things on great labels like 20/20 Vision and Under No Illusions … What do you feel is your best work thus far?
I’d probably say my track on ElRow is a great indicator on my musical direction heading into 2017. That always gets great reactions when I play it out.
What do you find inspirational about where you’re living?
I live in the countryside with lots of green around me so I find it super peaceful. It’s totally stress free & noise free. Perfect environment to make music.
What’s the local scene like there?
Manchester and Liverpool are my closest cities and the scenes there are probably 2 of the best in Europe. Manchester has Sankeys & Warehouse Project as the standout clubs, and in Liverpool there is events like Circus & ENRG. Both bringing great house and techno to the city.
Where do you draw your creative influences from?
Anything and everything! There’s definitely inspiration in all aspects of life. Whether it be a phone call, or a film you watch or someone influencing you. You just have to be open to it!
Please tell us what’s next on your agenda?
Up next is a new single on Suara, then a remix on Circus and a new single on Circus in January!
Thank you very much! Aprpeciated.
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