Influences: Smbd
The consistency with which Apron releases music is astounding at times. Steven Julien's label has amassed a reputation for forward thinking, rough around the edges electronics, often with a weirdo streak.
SMBD aka Simbad released a new EP on the label this weekend past, three tracks of moody synth explorations with a nod towards space and time. He is perhaps an unsung hero of British electronic music, having been present since 2007 and working alongside the likes of Mala, Roots Manuva, Fred P, Kai Alce and many more he has amassed a skill set which few can rival. Versatile, dynamic and forward thing, his latest feature on Apron should come as little of a surprise.
We spoke to him about influences, past and present.
Follow him on Facebook HERE. Buy the release HERE.
Simbad will play at Worldwide Festival in Leysin this month. See HERE.
Travelling the world since i was born (due to my parents being archaeologists & ethnologists) has had a tremendous impact on the music (and the different cultures) i grew up with .
From South America to Africa to Middle East before setting foot in Europe when i was 14, my early memories are flute melodies from the Andes to Muazzins calling for the prayer, classical music at home & random breakdance and acid house cassettes from school friends… Jazz, funk, soul & all the 60-70’s music came in my life much later, as i picked up my first instrument, the saxophone. Hearing John Coltrane & Miles Davis for the first time at 17 got me to skip school & practice my sound like a mad man …
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Miles Davis - So What - The Robert Herridge Theater, New York - April 2, 1959Travelling the world since i was born (due to my parents being archaeologists & ethnologists) has had a tremendous impact on the music (and the different cultures) i grew up with .
From South America to Africa to Middle East before setting foot in Europe when i was 14, my early memories are flute melodies from the Andes to Muazzins calling for the prayer, classical music at home & random breakdance and acid house cassettes from school friends… Jazz, funk, soul & all the 60-70’s music came in my life much later, as i picked up my first instrument, the saxophone. Hearing John Coltrane & Miles Davis for the first time at 17 got me to skip school & practice my sound like a mad man … -
Goldie - Inner City LifeSpending few years in Paris hanging out in jazz clubs & helping run Jungle parties got me to come to London & settle in the city that has shaped my music career onto a whole other level… i started playing out white labels & killer jungle & drum’n bass tunes before cutting my teeth in hip hop, garage, house & funk music.
So how can i not mention the voice of the amazing Diane Charlemagne (that i had the honour to record & work with before she passed away sadly 2 years ago) on the timeless ‘Inner City Life’ by Goldie, this is what i just call soul music. -
Urban Vibes - Teaser Broken BeatAs a musician i got to work with the original broken beat family (Afronaught, Seiji, Mark Force, Daz-I-Kue, Kaidi, Alex Attias, Phil Asher, Alex Phountzi etc… shout to the Goya & Co-op massive) when it all started & i can only be grateful to have shaped my production with a UK movement that has had an influence worldwide, like we’ve been influenced by the previous musical waves of the 20th century. Original times, original music & dancefloors filled with dancers !
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Havana Club Rumba Sessions: La Clave - Episode 1 Of 6Obviously i gotta mention another great inspirational figure that has helped me grow musically too, the mighty Gilles P who brought me to Cuba for the first time in 2009 & with whom i’ve had the pleasure to work with for the past 10 years (shouts to the Worldwide Family & the Brownswood crew). I’ve been digging further into latin & african records ever since.
This documentary is a must see if you want to learn more about Rumba & latin rhythms, musical journeys & cuban influences… -
Why Does The Moon Sound Hollow?I could carry on further with another hundred’s of videos, stories & people that have had an influence in my life, but here’s one for the heads & why i called this EP the ‘Moon Theory’ EP. Shouts to the Apron fam.
And of course i believe we’re not alone in the Universe.
