ContirbutorThe Seeza Project marks a new direction for Richard Seeley, Glue Music label head, so we caught up with him to jump deeper into what we can expect from the first offering.
You are set to release your new EP series ’The Seeza Project’, how would you say this sound differs to previous collections?
‘The Seeza Project’ In comparison to my previous works, there will be a wider variety of styles and each project (release) will differ. I’m also working with some vocalists, over the forthcoming releases. I plan to push myself creatively to broaden the spectrum attributed to my production and try also to be consistent in releasing every 12 weeks or so on my label Glue Music recordings and other labels.
Did you approach the creative process any different with these three tracks?
I’m quite haphazard and not all methodical, which is how I carry myself in general. I’m in my studio almost every day and not always working on music directly, so when I feel it, I work on music, I do not stick to a routine, it doesn’t bode well for the creative process to have limitations and to force being creative. I can be writing at 5am, 6pm or even midnight. Sometimes I’ll step back and not visit the studio for a few days and recalibrate. I like the fluidity in the creative process. Before I had much less time than I do now. I’ve worked hard to position myself, where time allows me to be creative on my time at almost anytime.
What is your current studio set up looking like? Was there any specific plugs ins or hardware that are prominent throughout The Seeza Project?
My current studio is very simple and I like it that way for rapid idea generation, I have a 42” computer monitor, 2 x Adam A8X monitors, Mixing desk: Allen and Heath QU16, FX: TC Helicon Voice live touch Analogue synths: Moog SUB 37 & Novation Bass station and a TR8 Drum machine.
I use Ableton as my DAW. It’s so rapid for getting ideas down and you learn quickly is it working or not and that is important for my workflow. I recall being in a studio in Bristol and all I wanted was some bongos down and in logic I was sitting there for what seemed like an age, just to hear something. I like logic in terms of the audio engine but for ‘creative progress and speed’ Ableton wins hands down for electronic music. I love recording live percussion, I have congas, bongos, and an array of shakers, tambourines and claves. I really like field recordings for texture, glue and atmosphere in my tracks also.
For The Seeza Project No 1. The Moog Sub 37 was used a lot and the TC Helicon Voice touch live.
Have you had a chance to test it out on the road? If so, which track would you say is the biggest crowd pleaser?
I haven’t personally, but I’ve had some excellent ratings / feedback on the tracks from Robag Wruhme, Steve Lawler, Joris Voorn, David Scuba, Invoker, Steven Weston, The head of R&S records; Renaat Vandepapeliere & Don Diablo to name a few, a wide spectrum of different style DJ/producers rating the release, that makes me happy to appeal to wide variety.
This is the first EP in the series, what can we expect to hear from the following releases?
Each release will essentially have a different style, a project into-itself that allows me to cover a wide spectrum within dance music. I’m trying new things, hardware, live instruments, experimenting and trying approaches from different angles. We are creatures of habit. (or at least I am when approaching production) So I’ll perhaps start with a melody or vocal instead of a stab or drum, perhaps I’ll do a multi hour jam session and then take a part of that and work on it, also I’m working with different vocalists as previously mentioned which I’m excited about.
Finally, what advice would you give to your younger self if you could?
I’d tell myself to be more focused on sending/finishing music. Being creative means I love to keep creating new ideas, in my case I had to really force my focus to complete tracks, it’s easier now as I have more time but before it was a struggle but that wasn’t really an excuse as I could have used my time wisely. Focus is even harder now given how distracted we are with all the noise from social media but it’s essential to progress isn’t it?
Pick up a copy of The Seeza Project No.1 here