10 Questions with: Fredrik Bekkaasen

A producer and DJ, Bekkaasen's has solidified him as a true cornerstone of Oslo's electronic underground scene for many years. With a big discography that shows Bekkaasen with a multitude of mesmerizing productions. We are glad to have Fredrik back on our label this time with an EP including remixes.

Fredrik Bekkaasen - Some Context EP (Incl. Tommy Lewis & Minus Magnus Remixes)

Tracklist

1. Fredrik Bekkaasen - AA11

2. Fredrik Bekkaasen - BB22

3. Fredrik Bekkaasen - CC33

4. Fredrik Bekkaasen - BB22 (Tommy Lewis Remix) 

5. Fredrik Bekkaasen - ABC123 (Minus Magnus Dub)

6. Fredrik Bekkaasen - ABC123 (Minus Magnus Remix) 

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Listen on Spotify | Buy on bandcamp

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1. "Some Context" has received positive feedback from a lot of people!  What do you think sets this EP apart from your previous releases? 

I think this is my typical sound, but with a modern twist, the tempo is not crazy fast but not slow either. The originals are a bit different in feel but kinda similar in sound

2. Techno is a genre that encompasses a wide range of sounds and styles. How would you describe the overall sound and atmosphere of "Some Context"? Did you have a specific vision or concept in mind while creating it?

I like when there is an atmosphere building with small noticeable elements changing, so you have to be a bit patient. I like that when I DJ, I can mix tracks that are slowly building with more in your face tracks to change up the energy. 

When I start on a new project I never have a plan in advance. I usually have a few tracks that I think can be something and then I will try to make them fit either with some extra layers or just pure mixing wise. I rarely have a plan in advance how the release going to sound, just go with the flow.

3. As an artist, how do you approach the production process when working on an EP? Are there any specific techniques or tools you rely on to achieve your desired sound?

My process is usually a mess. The main sketch is usually done really quickly, but then I need time to structure and mix it to be a complete track. Some days I just record a synth jam and save it for later, other days I play with samples manipulating and trying stuff, often with samples I have used before. That way I can find interesting new ideas I did not find last time. Most of my synths are from hardware, but everything is processed in Ableton mostly with a few free plugins I know well, and stock Ableton plugins.

4. How did your music journey start? What inspired you to start making music

My dad was working at a youth club where he had a band room and a "club" with big PA and DJ equipment, so I was messing around with everything but fell in love with the drums. After a few years me and some friends started a band and did that for many years. As I got older my musical taste expanded and I started to go to parties. My brothers did deliver PA to locals parties almost every weekend at that time so I thought it was a good chance for me to dj at these parties. I knew what dj was all about so it wasn't that hard to get into. The music was so and so but I learned a lot from djing 5-6 hours for a though crowd, mixing every genre I know about, even with request.

When it came to production it just was a natural thing to do. I had DJed at different commercial clubs for a few years but when I discovered techno and began to play that, I wanted to be an artist. Even if it was djing I wanted to do, it only felt natural to produce on the side if you wanted to be an artist.

5. We know that you have been a drummer your whole life, will you say that has influenced your production style?

Yeah probably, i think more when it comes to DJing. But I guess its easy to get a rhythm because I know where different hits should be placed to groove

6. As an artist who has been around the Oslo techno scene for over 10 years, how would you describe the evolution of the scene? 

Before you hade maybe two nights in a month with proper techno and there where always the same people on the dance floor. It was a lot of big names playing, no one went out to se a local dj. The locals were only warmup DJs, but when some locals did play the whole night it was real good. Now you can have 4 parties in one night with only locals, if you are a bit picky like me you know where to go but techno is more welcome in clubs in Oslo these days, and thats good.

7. What is your ideal stage for playing a set? Do you prefer to play in smaller or bigger clubs, outside or at raves? 

Ideally, a smaller venue where the booth is almost on the dance floor. I want to feel the energy in the room, not see it. And it has to be dark and smokey, no fancy light show going on. Bonus points if the sweat drips on the walls - just copy Tresor and u have the perfect club. 

8. Collaborations can often bring new dimensions to an artist's work. Did you collaborate, on the EP "Some Context"? You have two other artist collaboration on remixes, how do you feel their tracks has enhanced the overall EP? 

No collaborations. I have a guy that gives me real feedback, but that is it. They both delivered great remixes, Tommy with a groovy remix and Magnus something in the middle providing a good variety in tracks on the EP that can be used in many occasions.

9. If you had to choose 3 releases/albums to bring with you when stranded on a island, which would you choose and why

Opeth - Blackwater park 

King gizzard and the lizard wizard - Infest the rats nest

Divide - Planetarium WU58D 

10. Looking ahead, what are your plans and do you have ny specific events or happenings that you are looking forward to?

No official plans at the moment. I'm not so ambitious and usually just float along and see what happens. Hopefully we can do some INTNS events this winter.