We’re kicking off ‘22 with a beaut mix from Tāmaki Makaurau via Naarm (Melbourne) electronic producer D.Tyrone.
After producing as one half of dj kush boogie for years, Dirk is now producing eclectic breakbeat and garage sounds solo, with a new EP set to release in 2022.
First of all, tell us a little bit about this mix - What’s the energy behind it? Are there any artists or tracks you would like to give a special mention to in particular (and why)?
When I recorded this mix I was trying to capture a little bit of the rolling tech house and 2 step that I’ve been trying to work more into my sets. I think the second tune, Skidoos by Akufen, really encapsulates the mood of the mix; cute and rising synths paired with a fonky bassline and some clicky percussion, such a dank song. In terms of 2 step there are some old and new gems snuck in there too, finishing on the absolute classic, Get Enuff by Wookie.
How has the relocation from Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland to Naarm/Melbourne been? Do you like it thus far? Do you feel it has impacted or evolved your sound?
When I moved to Melbourne in 2019 I was really excited to become more involved in the scene here, and despite the pandemic stunting that process I’ve been overwhelmed by the talent and kindness that runs throughout this city. Coming from such an amazing scene in Auckland, my expectations for Melbourne were super high and I have yet to be disappointed. Seeing so many talented artists here has really pushed me to become a better musician, and try to play music that best represents who I am. I think from previously just making music with no agenda I’ve been trying to make music that best responds to dance floors and club settings, the scene in Melbourne has definitely pushed me to do that.
Can you tell us a little bit about what we can expect from the new EP you’re currently working on, sound or inspiration wise? Does it step in line as a progression of 2020’s Love and Music or is it a new sound altogether?
I’ve been working (maybe over-working) on 5 songs over the past year that are inspired by y2k ukg and 2-step tracks, in particular productions by Mike Millrain and Jeremy Sylvester. In the past, I was really apprehensive to over-utilize production loops and sample packs to try carve out my own sound.
Over the past year, I’ve definitely become more accepting of the fact that some of my favorite songs utilize similar recipes, sounds and samples- and I think it’s really inspiring to see how far producers can push a sample or break to make it their own. Any time I make new music I feel that it should be naturally referential to things I have made in the past, I just hope that other people can feel that too.
What led to the parting of dj kush boogie and will dj kush boogie ever be again?
Well Oli moved to London for a while back in 2017, and at the time I was too computer illiterate to get my head around sharing stems and working on music over the cloud. Also, a lot of our earlier recordings were live hardware jams, which is basically impossible to replicate over cloud-based collaboration. We both have a real sense of love and pride surrounding that time in our lives and the music we made, and I’m still really proud of how many people got to share that with us. Oli and I still live in different cities but never say never, who knows maybe we have some old demos that might pop up one day. ;)
What else can we look forward to hearing/seeing from D.Tyrone in 2022?
Hopefully some more shows when I’m not at my job or working on my masters! I have an EP that’s trucking along and probably a few lil singles that I want to self release this year. Any full releases in 2022 will definitely go out through Love Above records because they are the homies and I love them dearly.
Keep up to date with D.Tyrone here!