There aren't too many labels with as much excitement and buzz surrounding their name as Bromance Records right now. Stuck in a crossroads between techno and hip hop, among other genres, it seems Brodinski and co. have thrown a middle finger up to convention and written their own rules. Their success has largely depended on their ability to be one step ahead of everybody else, and each output from their artists has shown that they will be in the forefront of dance for years to come.
Before we think too much ahead into the future however, 2013 is not quite over yet, and they're not about to call it quits just because it's December. They've got their 13th release coming out today, and we've somehow managed to convince some people at their office to let us premiere the highly anticipated Ateph Elidja's newest track, "Road Junction," as well as learn a little bit more about their newest signee.
Our first taste of the up and comer came from a remix of "Gimme Back the Night," a song released by Brodinski and Theophilus London earlier this year, most notably remembered for its music video and insanely catchy beat. The remix by Elidja was driven by a techno infused, hip hop driven style that can easily take a couple listens to understand, but was filled with a brilliance that quickly caught our attention.
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Still keeping in a similar style, "Road Junction" is the perfect first official release from the producer. Experimental in nature, it certainly holds its own, even in a sea of weird music that comes out on the daily. On the other hand, it still has enough elements of dance that would allow the track to set any underground warehouse party off. It's everything the label stands for- it goes in hard and commands control, gently trapeezing across a line that would please fans of both electronic and hip hop based production. It's tough, in your face, and ready to move your body on the dancefloor. If this track is any indication of what kind of music will come from him in the coming year, 2014 can't come soon enough.
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On top of having a great release today, we also had the wonderful opportunity to ask a couple of questions to the young producer, as we're naturally curious to find out a bit about the man behind the track.
EARMILK: Hey Ateph, thanks for taking the time to talk to us! First of all, how does it feel to be a part of the Bromance team?
Ateph Elidja: Well, it’s an honor for me. I feel finally recognized for my music so it’s pretty awesome.
EM: Your first official release with the label is coming out. Did you have any goals with this track?
AE: I didn’t have goals when I produced the track but now that you ask, I wanted to have a very personal sound, dark and metallic. I wish to reach a maximum of people with my madness.
EM: You gave the description that your music is emotional, furious, and nervous. Could you elaborate on that? The word nervous is a very interesting word to use!
AE: I was waiting for this one (laughs). When I started composing, mainly with beatmaking, I used a lot of vocal samples and acoustic elements that brought a nostalgic, almost sentimental color. I got quickly bored though because I couldn’t play those tracks in my sets.
Then, I tried to play a mix of genres, but it rapidly turned dark. My music is like a diary I started writing for myself that is now getting more and more readers! I used the word "nervous" because I’m a really calm person but my music is the complete opposite. When I’m producing I use a lot of sounds, a lot of experimental elements, and I try combinations until I get worked up ! "Road Junction" reflects that.
EM: Lets talk a little bit about the playlist you gave us. It's hip hop based, but you said in an interview with label-head Brodinski, that you were making electronic based music in high school. When did hip hop become more influential for you?
AE: Hip hop have always been around me, with my brothers and dance (new style)… I’ve been practicing since I was 8 [with] my entourage. My friends and relations came from sensitive suburban neighborhoods, so Hip Hop was a way of life. We didn’t fake it. It’s for life you know!
I like electro. It’s the first thing that came out of my imagination when I got my first machines. But I didn’t know what it was (laughs)! I only listened to rap at that time, so I was trying to recreate Dr Dre, J Dilla, Neptunes… It clicked when my older brother brought me to a festival (Skabazac). There were different genres represented… Dub (High Tone, Ezequiel), hip hop (Wu-Tang), reggae… My ears exploded that night ! By the way, I think my insanity comes from then !
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[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjZRAvsZf1g[/youtube]
EM: Nous Somme 2014 is coming up for you right? How has getting ready been? Do you have any expectations about how it will go? And similarly, what could we expect from your set?
AE: Well, I’m super excited. I’m preparing a semi-live set that should be intense. I really want the audience to remember my performance. I will play a lot of exclusive tracks. I don’t have particular expectations, I only know it’s gonna be wild!
EM: Now that you're officially signed to a label, what do you think will happen to your production?
For a start, I have great support from everyone. Being advised by Brodinski or the guys from Club Cheval can only be beneficial. My production will stay personal and keep on upgrading. I compose everyday like a machine, and I always try new stuff. But don’t forget that I’ve been producing for a while now!
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EM: Finally, what are your music-related plans for the upcoming year?
AE: A first EP, some remixes, and productions for other artists, both electro and hip hop.
Finally, but certainly not the least, Elidja also gave us one more glimpse into his musical taste with a spectacular Hip Hop playlist. Check it!
1. "Shook Ones, pt2" – Mobb Deep.
I was 8 or 9 when I first listened to this song. It was during a Hip Hop class with my older brothers, and I remember the guys dancing to this. For me this sound is the definition of Rap music …
2. "Two Words" – Kanye West (Feat. Mos Def & Freeway)
It's hard to choose one song on the College Dropout album, but this is one of the tracks that helped me understand how to use samples. Kanye proved to me that everything is possible with an MPC if you have enough imagination.
3. "The Red" – Jaylib (Madlib + Jaydee).
Just emotional…
4. "Losing out" – Black Milk.
When I heard this song I realized Black Milk was really one step ahead. He is probably the best.
5. "Grindin" – Clipse
This was during my Neptunes period. Need I say more about this minimalistic production? It changed my life (laughs)!
6. "In Da Hood" – 50 cent.
I probably was in high school when I discovered 50 cent on a JR Ewing mixtape with this song- just EPIC.
7. "Devil In A New Dress" – Kanye West.
Kanye again, but my tribute goes to the producers Bink and Mike Dean. It's one of my main references.
8. "Rebirth Is Necessary" – J Dilla.
I could choose one specific anything from Dilla but this one is absolutely crazy.
9. "People" – Common.
When I moved to Paris, I played this track on repeat and of course, it's one of my favorites.
10. "Show Me What You Got" – Jay Z.
A big slap in the face. This sound was a risk-taking one but it ends up being the perfect mix.
Thanks Ateph! We're very excited to see what the future holds for this signee. Bromance 13, which also features Little Mike's "Mordedura," is out today. Elidja, along with many EARMILK favorites from Marble, Zone, and Bromance Records, are all coming together for a few key shows in France and Montreal as a part of Nous Somme 2014. More information is available on their Facebook.
Finally, if you're still craving for more of the Bromancer (we are!), we've got just the right thing. Check out his Beatport chart, featuring the likes of Danny Brown, TNGHT, and much more.
Ateph Elidja
Road Junction
- Bromance Records
- December 9, 2013
