Consequence Interview
12 months ago, the name Consequence wasn't widely known outside of the New Zealand Drum and Bass scene. Then 2009 happened. Having been featured heavily on the enormously popular Club Autonomic podcasts, Consequence (aka Cam McLaren) has capped off a stellar year with the release of his debut album, Live For Never, on dBridge's seminal Exit Records imprint. With the year drawing to an end, he has a chat with Matty Baseline about his album, New Zealand's influence on his music and playing at Phat 10.
Firstly, congratulations on the new album. It must've been quite an honour to have one of your first ever releases be an album on Exit. How did that come about?
I had known dBridge for a few years after meeting him in NZ. Basically just kept sending him tunes and it became clear that we could work together on getting an album out.
Were the tracks written with this album specifically in mind or were there some older tunes that fit with what you were looking to do?
All the tunes on the album were written for it. I didn't want to go back to old files during the process. Everytime I write a tune, I learn something new. So I dont really like going back on older tunes.
What's your studio set up like?
Computer running Logic, Speakers, Keyboards and a guitar.
Collaborating on tunes with dBridge, ASC and Instra:Mental must've been a great experience. With them being on the other side of the world, how did you make that work and do you prefer collaborating with people in the same room?
It worked really well. Especially due to the time difference. I could spend the day on something, pass it off to one of the guys, where they than continue the process. In a way we could work for 24hrs. However it is always nice to work in the same room as people, just a different dynamic I guess.
Do you think that your isolation from the "home" of Drum & Bass has made it easier to stray from the standard template of what makes a tune?
Definately, especially growing up in NZ. There is so much great music coming from all genres over there. A lot of live music influenced my preference in electronic music. The lovely tones of the Pacific.
You're also quite an accomplished musician outside of electronic music; do you have any other projects on the go?
I plan on developing a live show in the future. Something that will come to fruit in 2011 im thinking. I have a few new projects to be revealed next year.
How have you found Melbourne after your years of living in Auckland?
I have always really liked Melbourne, there is a lot to do here. But I do miss Auckland, especially the Drum and Bass scene there. Definately plan on coming back more often.
What music are you listening to, outside of Drum & Bass, at the moment?
Listening to a lot of Techno and 140bpm stuff. People like Mount Kimbie, Alex Smoke, Actress and Jimmy Edgar. Also a lot of classical, especially Beethoven.
What do you look for in tunes to play in your DJ sets?
Anything with impact, whether it's an atmosperhic soundscape with no drums, or a hightech rythmical masterpiece. I just like tunes that create a mood.
You're playing at Phat10 on the afternoon of the 30th, is this your first time at a Phat festival and what can we expect from your set?
I previously played Phat 07 and 08, had a great time. This year expect a set in the Autonomic style and a lot of new original material.
Lastly, can we get a current top 10 from you?
- dBridge - I Know (Exit)
- Instra:mental - End Credits (NonPlus+)
- Consequence - Slant (Exit)
- dBridge, Instra:mental & Skream - Arcacia Avenue (Autonomic)
- ASC- Sunburst (Non Plus+)
- They Live - Blanket Theories (NonPlus+)
- ASC & Consequence- Fade Away (Non Plus+)
- Joe Seven - The Crazzies (N/A)
- Histibe - Inside (??)
- They Live- Holes (??)
Consequence's debut album is available now on 4 x 12" vinyl and CD.
Consequence Interview
