SONOS CLUB : SIMBO SLICE
INTERVIEW
Can you tell us about your musical journey and how your cultural background has influenced your sound?
SIMBO SLICE: My musical journey starts with my parents, as I’m sure many others does. From my mother‘s love of the greats like Sting, Maxwell and Fugees, to my dad’s love for the underground electronic scene and sound clash culture. I grew up in a house that has a wealth of musical knowledge spanning many cultures, genres and generations.
What are some early memories of music from your upbringing that shaped your taste today?
SIMBO SLICE: Being in the back of my dad’s car and hearing Gabriel by Roy Davies Jr is one of my earliest musical memories. Then meeting him a couple of years ago was a full circle moment.
How do you integrate your heritage or identity into your DJ sets or productions?
SIMBO SLICE: There’s always been a strong affinity for electronic music from within the Panjabi community, from the way our traditional folk music is made with a fast tempo, loops and instruments like the tumbi, to even modern UK garage fusion that came about in the early 2000s from Pioneer artists like Panjabi Hit Squad, Panjabi MC, and RDB.
Are there any specific artists or genres from your background that have been particularly influential to your craft?
SIMBO SLICE: Definitely lots of Panjabi folk music bands like Heera, Alaap, Apna Sangeet have been a major influence to the way I approach melodies and loops. And on the electronic side I would say people like Tuff Jam and their original Underground Frequencies mix CD, which introduced me to the world of Todd Edwards and Roy
Davis Jr and music from so many other garage legends have been extremely key in shaping my taste.
When you’re crafting a DJ set, do you have a particular story or vibe you aim to convey? How do you build it?
SIMBO SLICE: I find soundcloud great for scrolling through new tunes and recommendations - labels like ‘Pretty Weird’ we’re quite into at the moment. Also certain DJ’s and curators- a big fan of Mary Anne Hobbs, where you know you are going to find something weird and interesting. I think having a group of friends that are all into weird and interesting music helps massively.
What’s your process for discovering and selecting new music? Any go-to sources or methods?
SIMBO SLICE: I speak with my friends about music almost constantly so we’re always sharing new producers and DJs. That makes it easy to find new creators but my favourite way is going deep down certain rabbit holes, either following the discography of particular producers or rappers, or record labels. Recently I’ve been going down to record stores to find new artists within genres I already love listening to and playing.
How do you balance between your roots and staying fresh with modern trends in your sets?
SIMBO SLICE: Music is always evolving and that’s not a reason to refrain from looking back. From mixes and samples to modern flips of songs with new tones there’s always been a key focus of roots in my music because there’s always been such a rich well of content. We’re in a really interesting time at the moment where the Panjabi underground community is re-emerging with fresh sounds in electronic spaces and that representation is only going to encourage and inspire more creators from BIPOC backgrounds and I’m very excited to hear what they have to share.
Can you talk about a track or mix you’ve created that holds a special meaning to you? What’s the story behind it?
SIMBO SLICE: I recently started learning music production and some projects I’m working on at the moment push the fusion of electronic use of drums and melodies forward with traditional elements with a very futuristic vision and a little nod to those that have created music beforehand and the music that came first. I can’t really share much about the new projects because they are so fresh but it’s really exciting to work on and I look forward to collaborating with other people from a similar background.
As a DJ from a BIPOC background, what are some challenges you’ve faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
SIMBO SLICE: I view challenges in the industry as something to overcome and this increases my ability to be adaptable.
How important is representation and visibility for you in the electronic music scene?
SIMBO SLICE: Representation and visibility is so, so important. That’s why lots of my work and projects involve other creators from BIPOC backgrounds even if the fusion of their work is not culturally influenced, it’s key to have people from all backgrounds sharing a passion for a common medium.
Have there been moments where you’ve felt your identity helped you stand out or connect with your audience in unexpected ways?
SIMBO SLICE: Of course, when I am out at events or even hosting events myself it gives a place of common ground for me to either connect with other minorities, or gives someone from a non-minority background a talking point which also increases reach and makes a moment more memorable.
What are some emerging trends in electronic or experimental music that excite you right now?
SIMBO SLICE: More live sets. Much like what we’re doing with Sonos Club, I’m seeing much more engagement from recorded sets and the energy that comes across from having a full video setup instead of just hearing a mix that was uploaded to Soundcloud or Mixcloud. Whether that’s that is whilst getting ready to go out, or even at house parties, a recorded set with things going on especially from parties always sets the energy right.
How do you envision your music evolving in the next few years? Are there new sounds or ideas you want to explore?
SIMBO SLICE: I want to go back into music that I’ve missed exploring fully. I always say to a lot of people that I know a lot of music but there is also so much music that I don’t know. I don’t think my taste will evolve at all. I understand how that can sound slightly closed off but I am in love with the music I listen to at the moment and the genres I listen to are so eclectic that I don’t really think it has anywhere to go. But of course, if anyone wants to send any crazy stuff my way to listen to then by all means my ears are open!
If you could curate a dream lineup for an event, which artists would you include and why?
SIMBO SLICE: I really love the idea of having a live band setup for performances for music where people wouldn’t typically expect it. I’ve hosted a live music night which primarily revolved around the live band, and this was a mix of future UK rap, R&B and drill rap. I don’t think many people have heard drill music being performed with a full live band so that definitely adds an edge.
For me to curate a dream lineup it would be difficult because I’ve already seen so many of the artists I love either perform live themselves or at festivals where I’ve seen many different acts on the same stages.
My dream lineup would probably be a bunch of my friends. So many of them have performed at our events before but a mini festival with all of those people there would be amazing.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming DJs and producers from underrepresented communities?
SIMBO SLICE: Come to our events. Every member of this whole music family is so inclusive and helpful that if you’re really trying to break out and push something, there is somebody that can help you make it into fruition. Small ideas, or big ideas, if it’s a cool idea I’m sure we can work on solutions.
I’d also say make sure you come with the right attitude, people really recognize that. Even if it’s not your first time meeting someone, your impressions count. A genuine passion and willingness is such an attractive quality that it starts making people want to work with you that, despite timings and other practical implications, will ensure collaboration happens.
How do you stay motivated and keep your creativity flowing, especially during challenging times?
SIMBO SLICE:By the nature of it, creative arts are a very draining thing to work on. Usually, pouring hours into a project to see it not get very far is often disheartening at best. I would strongly stress the idea of focusing time into a certain project for a set period of time, maybe an hour, and then completely walking away and doing something else. Go for a drive, go for a walk, maybe see some friends and talk about completely different things. If you did the first step correctly, somehow a solution will present itself. You will know where to take it from there and if you don’t yet, just find more time to be idle and don’t stress over the fact that you feel like you’re getting nothing done. A creative brain is always working. That's why it’s even more important to take breaks and get outside.
Also, probably a holiday to somewhere sunny. UK weather is trash.
What’s one message you hope people take away when they listen to your sets or mixes?
SIMBO SLICE: Have fun with it and don’t take things too seriously.
SONOS CLUB is an initiative from Sounds of Craft Records, designed to highlight the eclectic electronic music scene through the perspectives of the BIPOC diaspora and marginalized communities, while being open to all.
