Butane drops an infectious Sketch Factor
He is not the man that measures success in vanity likes. Can we call him versatile? Sure we can. Down-to-earth? Sure we can. Think of Butane as chameleon following his path within the music industry.
For the second installment on his new Extrasketch imprint, Andrew Rasse aka Butane returns to deliver the scintillating four-track ‘Sketch Factor’. Following the launch of Extrasketch this July and the closure of Alphahouse earlier in the year, the last quarter of the year is set to welcome the second EP in a series of Butane-only productions as the San Francisco based producer continues to dive deep into what he describes as his own exploration about what House and Techno should look, feel and sound like.
We sat down and dug a little deeper and had a short sat about his new label and his recent infectious release ‘Sketch Factor’.
Connect with Butane: Soundcloud | Facebook
Hello Andrew, how are you doing these days?
All things considered, I’m doing great. California is on fire. Puerto Rico has a humanitarian crisis. Our Federal government is an unmitigated shit show. But I’m alive, living in a beautiful city, and I get to make music every day, so I can’t complain I guess? nervous laughter
We have been following a number of your releases but never really had a look at your biography. Looking at it, we were very much surprised but on the other hand happy to see people like you don’t give into happy commerce. But money needs to come in, so how do you keep head above water in this competitive industry?
I guess I’m something of a throwback huh? I’m running a big experiment here – to see if it’s still possible to do this thing with integrity and class, or whether you have to swallow your pride and go the full whore route (no gender implied). I’ll let you know when the results are in. This approach is not without its financial stresses at times, I’ll give you that. Some months are better than others … but my conscience is clean.
I’m running a big experiment here – to see if it’s still possible to do this thing with integrity and class, or whether you have to swallow your pride and go the full whore route (no gender implied).
Does running 2 record labels help to cover costs?
That’s complicated. On balance, I’d say record sales for my labels pretty much break even. In my experience, we’re a rare case – I think most artist-owned labels, even if run properly, probably lose money. On the other hand, if I didn’t run the labels I’m not sure I’d have the standing or reputation that I do – so money comes back to me in the form of opportunity. You can’t really separate the two.
Then again, what’s the purpose of running 2 records labels? What is the focus for each of these labels?
Little Helpers is a concept label – tooly b-sides, deeper, tracky stuff (although we’re starting to veer a little clubbier). No big breakdowns. Suitable for warmups, after-hours, etc. Extrasketch is my new vanity label. Only my music.
Can you tell us something more about the new label?
Right, I closed Alphahouse after a 12-year run and decided to launch a new label for only my own work, so Extrasketch was born. I wanted a fresh platform to showcase a new period in my artistic life. It needed to be separated from what came before.
You will release your next EP ‘Sketch Factor’ on it. Four infectious tracks. Share some of your thoughts?
I’m the least qualified person in the world to talk about my own music. I prefer to let the music speak for itself, and allow people to interpret it as they see fit. I will say this, though: “I’ve been in my new studio for almost three years now, and I’m used to the room, so the technical aspects of the music feel right to me.”.
What’s different about this new EP from previous EP releases?
Again, you’ll have to be the judge of that!
Any other releases have you planned for this year and maybe early next year that you can tell us about? When and on which label?
I’m only releasing my original music on my labels right now. Little Helpers 303 is scheduled for November – it’s some afterhours-y acid tools. Then EX03 is coming in January. EX04 in March/April.
For anyone who hasn’t heard your music before, do you recommend a starting point before this release?
Start at the beginning, and go on until you come to the end: then stop. That’s one of my favourite quotes. From Lewis Carroll.
Being a busy bee as you seemingly are, how do you balance your music with other obligations – friends, family, …?
Like it’s my job!
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing with your life?
Probably cooking or making wine.
If ‘Butane’ were an (alcoholic) beverage what kind would you be?
That’s funny. Maybe a bottle of Mezcal.
Slow down and do things the right way. Don’t compromise your core values. There are 10 pimps and hustlers in this business for everyone who is trying to advance the culture for the right reasons.
Lastly, do you have any advice for young producers who are about to experience their first bit of success? What would you tell yourself two years before your first success?
Slow down and do things the right way. Don’t compromise your core values. There are 10 pimps and hustlers in this business for everyone who is trying to advance the culture for the right reasons.
Thank you!
Check out other interviews on Tanzgemeinschaft:
– Oscar L »
– Michael Klein »
– John Norman »