We catch up with Naarm producer and selector Reflex Blue in light of the launch of his and DJ Life’s new label, Program Earth.
Obsessed with 000s progressive house, trance and more, he’s been taking dance floors by storm with his live sets and productions.
Can you tell us a little bit about the energy behind this mix and what you would prescribe doing while listening to it?
This mix channels a lot of my inspiration from the 90s era of prog and tech/trance. A bunch of old records I’m digging with elements that influence my production. This mix is good for daydreaming those dancefloor moments where there is lots of energy, lights and haze.
You’ve been busy this year with quite a few releases, as well an EP with R.A.N.D Muzik at the beginning of this year (RM12014 was a cosmic journey of progressive house delight!) What inspires your sound and how do you feel it has evolved in the past year?
My sound is a bit of a mixture of 1. An ode to the 90s era and 2. My modern take on production. I love sampling old records and things like that but I also love putting my own spin on it all- with the use of contemporary sound design.
I think my music is developing as my skills are starting to mature. I still have a lot to learn but I think my songwriting is starting to get better for sure. I have opened up recently to more collaboration and things like that, which has been great.
Word is you’re launching your own label soon with long-time friend and damn good producer, DJ Life. What sort of sound are you hoping to encapsulate through the label and can you give us some clues as to who we can expect on it?
Yes! Our label Program Earth is up and running now and we have many great things coming. Our first release has gone really well and it was cool to set the tone. The aim is to encapsulate Pat and I’s common interests in progressive sounds and provide a platform for our similar friends/community to release music.
“This mix channels a lot of my inspiration from the 90s era of prog and tech/trance. A bunch of old records I’m digging with elements that influence my production. This mix is good for daydreaming those dancefloor moments where there is lots of energy, lights and haze. ”
Who are some people in your opinion we should be keeping an eye on from Naarm at the moment?
Hmm.. to name a few- Zara, Explicit Joy, Mabel, Jon Jones. They are very talented with a fresh approach to production.
Where can we catch you playing live or spinning next?
Very much looking forward to playing my live-set at Daybreak Festival here in Melbourne! Sick lineup and location. Will mostly hop around Oz this year but next year I aim to come over to the EU and US to play some gigs!
Stay up to date with Reflex Blue here!