The SYSTEM linchpin opens up about octopus camouflage, the importance of staying positive and his addiction to Nutella.

Why music?

As far back as I can remember music has played a part in my life. It feels very natural to be part of it so I guess it made sense to push to work within the industry.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Respect those that respect you.

What inspires you?

Life, friends and family. Normally the people you take for granted are always the most important influences around you. I think out of that bunch my grandparents are the real people who inspire me. They brought the family from a small village in Punjab, India, to Africa and then to the UK. Amazing to think of that journey.

Respect those that respect you.

What’s the next big thing?

World War 3.

Best club experience?

SYSTEM.

What’s the worst job you’ve ever had?

While I was at university I worked at a betting shop in Shepherds Bush. It was full of drunks, I used to go home every day smelling like an ashtray, and we got robbed twice!

How do you know when a track’s finished?

I normally work to a point where I can’t add any more sounds or FX. I then tend to edit the track, have a listen, and if my head is still bumping till the end I know it’s pretty much done. I’ve put myself in the situation where I’ve tweaked tracks, cut them on to acetate, tweaked again, cut again, and by the end of it the first version sounds the best. Sometimes you have to just let go of your music and move to the next track

When did you realise you could give up your day job?

I haven’t realised that! I still work and will continue to work. I love being involved in music but I also like the fact that I’m not dependent on it. It turns a love for something into a job.

Which song do you wish you wrote?

‘Natural Mystic’ by Bob Marley. Everything about that track resonates with me.

What’s the easiest way to make it in the music industry?

There is no easy way. Ultimately it’s dependent on what you want to achieve and how far you’re willing to push yourself. From my perspective if you really want to achieve something in music, then you have to leave your stamp, i.e. push your own sound, start your own label. Have something you can call your own. As someone once said to me, build your own legacy!

Recommend us a film.

Babylon.

Recommend us a book.

Kama Sutra.

What or who is underrated?

I’m not going to get all hippy about it, but happiness is something we should all strive for. It’s heavily underrated. One of the best ways to stay positive is to move away from people who you feel are negative or bad for you.

Leave your stamp. Push your own sound, start your own label. Have something you can call your own.

What or who is overrated?

HYPE.

What are you addicted to?

Recently I’ve picked up a massive addiction to Nutella. It’s starting to get ridiculous. I have a very bad sweet tooth, which doesn’t help!

What is your greatest regret?

Too many to mention.

Collaboration: rich creative experience or pain in the ass?

At the moment I’m working on a collab with AMIT. It’s been great as I get to see someone whose music I admire at work in the lab. I’ll let you know if he becomes a pain in the backside…

If you could only listen to one more track, what would it be?

Tracy Chapman – ‘Fast Car’.

What one piece of software/kit could you not do without?

Logic Pro.

Must-read blogs/forums?

TED. Probably the best site on the net. Check out the octopus that can change itself into seaweed.

What’s your single biggest frustration in the music industry?

Nostalgia. Everything was better back in the day, blah blah blah… Time to focus on the here and now.

Favourite label?

Too many too mention.

What’s the worst thing about making music?

Writer’s block.

What’s your motto?

Shit happens… deal with it.

Tweet us a tip. What’s the best production advice you can give in 140 characters or less?

Be original. If you like someone’s sound use that as a stepping stone but adapt it so it becomes your sound.

‘SYSTM003’ is released on November 18th on System Music. Find V.I.V.E.K on Facebook, Twitter and SoundCloud.

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