The Primx Lux series welcomes one of the brightest UK talent on our radar this week. Stepping into the spotlight is Oliver Winters, a hugely talented producer turning all the right heads with releases on the likes of Einmusik’s Ein2 and Deadmau5’s Maustrap in recent times. In addition to curating a splendid sixty minute mix, he ran us through his influences, his objectives for the coming Summer and lots more…
WWD: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us Oliver! How are you doing today?
My Pleasure! I’m well, thank you.
WWD: We’re loving the new release on Ein2. is there a story behind its creation?
Thanks! I’m an Einmusik fan, so the Flutter EP release was a personal milestone.
I wrote this EP in the depths of winter and would often go for a walk in the countryside before sitting down in my studio to produce for the day. I find it therapeutic. It was on a particular walk that I had a melody stuck in my head and I rushed home to play it on the piano. That’s how a lot of my music starts.
WWD: What styles of music do you listen to outside of electronic music?
It varies. It can be anything that moves me musically and grabs my attention sonically. One of my favourite songs at the moment is from a band called Alabama Shakes. Check out their track titled ‘Sound and Colour’ – guaranteed goosebumps every time.
WWD: Does that music influence the productions you create?
My influences come from a wide range of sources, I find film music particularly inspiring. You should check out Cristobal Tapia de Veer, he’s churning out some mind-bending scores for shows like Utopia. Film Scores are usually brimming with ambient, intricate sounds and that’s something I can relate to with my music.
WWD: You’re catching all the right eyes and ears right now. Has music always been in your future?
I’d say so. Music’s always been a huge part of my life and for as long as I can remember, a career in music has been my ultimate goal. I’ve been playing and studying music from the age of six, so it’s something I’ve been working at for a while and it feels amazing to finally get my music out there!
WWD: if you could achieve one thing over the next year, what would it be?
Hanging my own vinyl record on my studio wall is something I’ve dreamt of for a while, so that’d be nice. In the meantime I’m just concentrating on my music and reaching my goals step by step.
WWD: Production wise – what else have you got coming up on the horizon?
I’ve just released a track on mau5trap’s ‘We Are Friends 6’ called Stand Your Ground. It’s a bit heavier and more dance floor friendly than my previous releases with mau5trap.
Moving forward, I’d like to keep experimenting with new sounds, styles and production techniques.
Dark, brooding dance music has always excited me but melodies and harmonies have been integral to my music to date, so you can expect a mixture of the two in the future!
Oh and I’ve got another EP lined up but I can’t talk too much about that…
WWD: Off the top of your head, what are the essential components of your current production set-up?
I’ll be incredibly cliche and say my computer is at the top of the list. I’ve recently had a new one custom built for me, so it’s a bit of a beast! Other than that, I’d say my Moog Sub 37 and my trusty Adam A7X monitoring speakers.
WWD: The one thing you look forward to most this Summer?
I live in the north of England so that means I haven’t seen the sun in about five months. I’m looking forward to good weather and upcoming shows!
WWD: Just before we let you go, can you tell us more about the tape you provided us today?
Of course. It’s a collection of some of my favourite tunes and some unreleased music from myself. The mix starts of with melodic, ethereal house and techno and gradually crescendos in energy into full blown, driving techno. I hope you enjoy it and thanks again!
Oliver Winters – Stand Your Ground is out now. Download / stream: bit.ly/OWSYG
Follow: Oliver Winters