SOLID BUMP RECORDS

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Around the time we met Laberge in 2008, we also stumbled onto an awesome single called Your Lover by Meroz. Coincidentally when we started discussing doing a EP for Laberge, we were thrilled that he mentioned having Meroz act as remixer for the lead single. As fate would have it this has turned into a long term affair and in 2010 Solid Bump will be releasing at least two EPs from this man of mystery. To get a little insight on who he is, we sat down with Meroz. Check out this interview for a taste of what is to come…

Solid Bump: Age & Location?

Meroz: Old as shit & Midwestern United States.

SB: How did you connect with Solid Bump?

M: Did a Remix For Laberge, heard positive feedback about Solid Bump on the dealings and professionalism, Seems to be pretty rare this to happen between artists and labels these days. I continued contact sent a demo and skiggity skat music & ideas are born!!

SB: Previous Releases/ Projects?

M: As Meroz, With Respect EP, Your Lover single, Your Lover Remixes, as well as various remixes released and yet to be released. As Automatic & Silk, The Gospel According to Chicago (Bumpin City Records), Jackwars EP ( Bumpin City Records).  Hystereo with Automatic & Silk, Gonna Love You (Soma Records). Driver of the Year (Future Appletree) Some Girls Would Say, Statik, Will Destroy You LPs (Indy Rock Goodness)

Full interview after the jump…

SB: Describe your sound. How did you arrive on this sound and what sets it apart?

M: I would have to say I tend to lean more on the side of “early” French Touch meets Todd Edwards with Chi Town Swing….. The sound comes from all my influences I dont just like one area of the dance culture they all have great artists that stand out. What sets me apart would be that I was lucky enough to actually be around for the House music boom in the early to mid 90s. I was part of it and I am trying to bring back the quality and the enjoyment that I still get when I hear a great track.

SB: What was your first experience with electronic music – specifically the Disco House sound?

M: Seeing Paul Johnson tear a warehouse apart on 3 turntables…, The music was pumping so hard I could barely breath, watching women straight ghetto grinding on each other, and how everyone was just jackin to the beat no body had any issues with eachother just dancing. I was hooked from that very moment. The other DJ’s that night were great but that is what I first walked in on.

SB: What are some of your major influences?

M: Honestly a lot of Rock and Hip Hop, Led Zepplin, Roxy Music, Talking Heads, Sonic Youth, Eric B & Rakim, Outkast, Big L, Notorius BIG, A Tribe Called Quest, Paul Johnson, Todd Edwards, Thomas Bangalter (Daft of corse), Sebastien Leger, This list will get out of hand if I continue.

SB: How did this go from this musical discovery to you writing tracks?

M: I have been playing music since a very young age Drums in rock bands and backing up hip hop acts by the age of 14 so it was a natural progression for me, I am pretty sure I will be playing music until I finish my natural descent back to shitting in diapers.

SB: How does the current “Disco House” revival distinguish itself from the style of a decade ago?

M: Its not to much different really … Whats old is new I guess. The stuff from a “decade’ ago that just seems harsh but anyways, would prob be more raw in a sense some of this stuff out now is to polished or they feel the need to make them structured more like a song vs. a track, believe me DJ’s love tracky music so dont be scarred to be minimal with your tunes!

SB: What is the process of a track? Where does it start? When is it done?

M: I have about 90 tracks in “process” I have A.D.D. when it comes to creating music. I guess it depends on the track, usually the beat. If its a sample track it will usually catch my ear then I will try to re-work the sample by cutting it up. If it needs a bass line or anything else that is usually next. Then its getting the levels of the tracks to fit right in the mix. Its usually only done when there is a deadline.

SB: What is your current gear set up?

M: I use a old ass “Dot and Loop” program alot its great it only crashes on me 3 to 5 times a session but I love it. Also Ableton Live, Pro Tools. outboard gear I have a Prophet 600, Moog Little Phatty, CS1X, and some other shit laying around.

SB: Is there a story behind the EP or any of it’s songs?

M: Mainly this first EP I just wanted to make a set of Bangers, Tracky stuff that is fun to play and listen too. The track “Trump” is basically a shout out to take care of the people your supposed to.

SB: Is anyone notable championing your music?

M: Last I knew I was getting support from Erick Morillo, Boris Dlugosch, Dave Aude, Hatiras, Charles Feelgood, Alex Gopher, Angel Alanis, Terry Mullan, Ian Pooley, Mark Farina, Stacey Kidd, Terrence Parker. Also Jaymo on BBC Radio 1 has been rather kind to me as well.

SB: What attracted you to Solid Bump Records?

M: Good sounds great artwork, and word of mouth. After talking with them they are on the up and up and super positive.

SB: Give us a link to a song that you consider “one of the greatest”.

M: Really I cant do one song so heres a few….