Shift Happens Preview Disc A:Shift Happens Preview Disc B:
Knowledge Mag -Interview:
German producer Dizplay is releasing his new album Shift Happens on Basswerk Recordings on March 28th. It's an epic too as it comes as a double CD package with CD1 featuring drum & bass while the second disc displays his ability to produce beautiful downbeat electronica with inklings of future garage and dubstep along the way. Dizplay tells us all about it.
Please introduce yourself...
Being 34 now, I've been a musician for quite some time, starting as guitar player, later also a beat programmer in various hardcore bands in my hometown of Cologne. About a decade ago, I completely switched to producing drum & bass. The first years were shaped through neurofunk collaborations (on Basswerk, RH, etc.) and extensive DJing around the world with my brother n.phect, who I then shared a flat with. In the recent years I've worked mainly on my own, with the final result being my new album Shift Happens.
Tell us more about Shift Happens, any concept behind it?
Yes, definitely! Coming from a musician's background, I've rediscovered my roots. The album's aim was to allow for more emotions, aka music, to add to the traditional floor-oriented style of mine.
Actually, the progression of D&B in recent years has been a bit disappointing from my point of view, with the only focus on floor punch. So I decided to release the album with two sides, one D&B and one non-D&B. By this I was able to show a wide spectrum of my musical vision, all within the bounds of some darkish aesthetics.
What's the thought process behind the title?
Change means life and vice-versa. I felt not only as a person have I changed over time, but also the music I produce. Also, the world seems to be currently changing more than ever, just look at North Africa and the Middle East. It just happens. Accept it, instead of fighting it.
What did you set out to achieve with it?
Besides anything else, this album has been a therapy for me. Producing takes so much time and effort and now I feel I've really created something lasting beyond the usual three months a typical single lasts.
Obviously, you have way more space to fill on an album, especially when doing a double-sided one (26 tracks!), so you have more room to experiment. Also, the album should be able to listen to at home and still work in the club.
I also took a different working approach by working on various tracks in parallel, kind of remixing myself for months on each track until it really felt good. Through this, Shift Happens automatically developed a consistent feel, instead of just combining singles to build an album.
Who have you collaborated with on it?
Because of the band background, I really like collaborations. Of course, it only makes sense when you appreciate the other one, because it's a constant struggle on the process, and which elements to keep and which to throw away.
On this album I've worked with Phil [Lost Sequence] from Zurich, which was really nice, because we had a good, easy time working on the two tracks. TGM of Basswerk is a great and very experienced producer and Cologne's godfather of D&B, we've known each other for years now and share a passion for certain electronic sounds. 1EON, the vocalist, is a former band-mate, so working with him was going to the core level in an instant. The same good vibes holds true for the other vocalists and collaborators, especially my brother n.phect who added the awesome The Syndicate remix!
What are you working on at the moment?
The next logical step is going live, so right now I'm cutting everything into tiny bits which allow me to form something new live on stage, featuring vocalists, etc. I'm really eager to be able to perform again, instead of just "mixing records", and technology has gone through such great improvements lately, it's pure joy. I remember thinking of this for years, and now the right sounds and the right tools are available!
Anything else you want to tell us about?
Check my blog www.neurocode.de
