Since signing to Ram Records, Mind Vortex have exploded onto the drum and bass scene, with their singles ‘Hotbox’ and ‘Now it’s time’ going straight to number one on the BBC 1xtra DnB chart. ‘Hotbox’ remained at number one on Beatport for a further 3 weeks, making it clear that these guys mean business. TNG’s Harry Critchley managed to catch up with them to have a quick chat about what’s been going on…
Hey guys, Harry here, good to be chatting!… How did Mind Vortex first come about? What was the initial push?
Mind Vortex came about when we were about 15. It was really a description of what all types of music did to us, especially drum and bass. We were so inspired by this music that it made us realise that making our own was what we both wanted to do and that was it, we never looked back.
What’s your production ethos – what do you strive to achieve through your music?
We don’t really have any ethos in particular, we just make tracks because that’s what we love doing and want to share what we make with anyone that will listen. We want to write tunes that people can enjoy and get down to on a dancefloor, as well as just listening at home or on iPods etc.
Tell us about some of the people who helped you start out?
There are too many names to mention! So many people have helped us out and we’re grateful to everyone that got behind us and believed in us along the way.
How did you end up getting signed to RAM Records?
We got signed to Ram after sending them a couple of tracks. The feedback we got from them was amazing and the relationship grew from there.
In your eyes, what have been your most important productions so far and why? And which one are you most proud of?
We’re proud of all of our tracks really, some probably slightly more than others, but Hotbox is one that sticks in our mind – we still get people now saying how much they love that tune, and to us that’s really special.
Who were the DJs that you were most excited to hear were supporting your records when things took off?
Obviously we were most excited to hear that the executioner (Andy C) himself was dropping our tunes and, of course, the guys at Radio1 and 1Xtra, such as Zane Lowe and Fearne Cotton. They were way beyond our expectations but, yeah, we were just excited that anyone was playing them!
What would you say has helped you most in terms of promotion?
Promotion wise it has to be Andy C himself playing our tunes all around the globe. His performing schedule is one of the busiest in drum and bass, so thousands of people get to hear our tunes week in, week out.
Tell us about your most amazing gig so far?
Again, just too many to name, but one that we will always remember is Nass Festival. There were thousands of people, literally, moshing on the dancefloor!
Is there any crossover in terms of the way you work in the studio and play live?
Its quite similar really – we really enjoy making tunes so we’re always bouncing around in the studio, and that transfers to our sets. It’s just an extension of what we do and how much we enjoy it.
Did you enjoy remixing ‘Raindance’ for Sonny Wharton and Skint Records? How did that come about?
Yeah that one was fun! The original is a piano rave tune with an old school vibe, so it was great to incorporate that sound, but also turn it on its head and let the track lead into something not so obvious and very different from the original. [Check out MV’s remix of ‘Raindance at the end of this interview…]
Do you have anyone in mind that you would really like to collaborate with?
Basically everyone in the drum and bass scene right now! There are far too many artists to name, but to work with the likes of Noisia would be a childhood fantasy realised. Those guys are kings!
What’s next for Mind Vortex?
Next you can expect lots more music from us. There’s another single coming shortly and we’ve got a busy worldwide DJ schedule. We’ll also be getting started on the album very soon…
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