Hailing originally from Lithuania but now immersed in the pulsating beats of Edinburgh, Scotland, the dynamic duo known as Swamp People, composed of Sam and Kipras, are making waves in the electronic music scene. What started as a quest to save up for a record studio in their homeland took an unexpected turn as they fell head over heels for Scotland, prompting them to set roots in the vibrant city. When We Dip talk to the guys hot off the back of their latest release ‘Abstract’ on Dealt With Records.
WWD: Hi Swamp People, How’re you? What’s happening in your world at the moment?
Hey! We are doing fantastic. Busy as hell with our new studio build, new music and general shenanigans.
WWD: You’ve just released your EP ‘Abstract’ on Dealt With Records… Tell us about it and your inspiration behind the release?
There wasn’t any real idea behind it just a pure stream of cosmic inspiration (and quite a bit of weed lol). Hence the name ‘Abstract’. The track ‘Aidas’ however means echo in Lithuanian and as you can tell we use a lot of it, we love it it it it it it.
WWD: Are there any standout tracks you’re particularly excited about?
We are super stoked about Ráfla remix of Aidas. He managed to keep the original vibe but bring out his own sound which is brilliant. We can hear this one killing on the dance floor which we love.
WWD: Where was the EP made? Can you expand on some of the notable gear/plugins you used on this?
This EP was made at our old studio “Black Hole”. Sadly, it is closed now. We were forced to move but luckily, we have a new place in the works so there will be new bangers very soon.
A lot of our tracks the bass is one of the key elements and it’s no other than the Moog Minitaur which is an absolute beast. As drums go, we love our Roland TR-8 and MPC Live sampler. On the melody side of things, Korg Minilogue, Korg Microkorg and the Novation A Station – which is quite underrated, in fact we’ve never seen it used by anyone yet and we love the sound of it.
WWD: As a producer, what message do you hope to convey through your music? What themes or ideas do you find yourself returning to again and again in your work?
If the track doesn’t make you move and want to jump out of your chair and dance it’s time to start a new project. We are all about that dance floor groove.
WWD: Can you describe the connection between your music and your Edinburgh roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?
Both of as are not from Edinburgh originally so the roots lie in both home and here. We both come from different musical backgrounds as well. One from drum and bass/jungle other house/techno. There is also a 10-year age gap, so we grew up in different musical eras. Sam grew up at the time when the iron curtain fell during the soviet occupation and it was completely mind blowing with all the new sounds from the west flooding our country. He witnessed the Lithuanian underground scene being built and being a part of that. Kipras grew in the free country with internet and electronic music available at your finger tips. We have both of course lived in Edinburgh for more than a decade, so we got influenced by a UK music sound and you can hear that in our music for sure.
WWD: Which other artists have had a big influence on your sound?
House/Techno and Jungle/Drum and Bass. Just to name a few: Prodigy, Richie Hawtin, Underworld, Kevin Saunderson, Roni Size, Andy C, Congo Natty. This list can go on and on….
WWD: Give us some other Scottish producers we should be listening to right now?
Our friends Ron Headback, Ron Boss, Vince Watson, Other Lands, Linkwood
WWD: Can you tell us about any challenges you have faced in your career and how you overcame them? Have there been any specific obstacles or difficulties you’ve had to navigate as electronic musicians?
This career path is full of challenges. Nowadays, you must be a music producer, designer, content creator, marketing specialist and a comedian all in one. This for most, is as well as working day jobs just to pay the bills. Most free time is spent at the studio which comes with certain sacrifices with relationships, family etc.
WWD: What’s next for you? Can you tell us about any upcoming projects or collaborations you have in the works? Are there any new directions or sounds you’re exploring in your music right now?
As we already mentioned we just moved in to a new studio space which we are painstakingly preparing at the moment. However, for the past few years we’ve been making at least one or two tracks most weeks, so we have a huge catalogue of unreleased music now. We are planning to release a lot of it in 2024 so keep your ears open.
WWD: Finally, Which are the three records that you’ve been putting in your bag without hesitating?
Kolter (ex DJ OKO) – Hooked On You
If you’re not moving to this one there is no soul in there lol
Swamp People – Mad Flavours (Ron Headback Remix)
We were so impressed with this remix, a total banger!
Black Loops – Higher
One of the funkiest basslines we have ever heard.
Swamp People: Facebook // Soundcloud
Buy ‘Abstract’ out on Dealt With Records, here