INSTINCT : See Where it Goes
James Burnham’s new project INSTINCT was born from a need to take his creativity in new directions. Powered by a singular sense of aesthetic, a cohesive vision of minimal dance music, Point of View LP finds the producer exploring new forms freely, without the shackles of specific BPMs or genres. While being dominated by strong new garage vibes, this collection of minimal dance floor bangers incorporates a ton of influences, everything from breakbeat to lo-fi tech, a rebellious blend of sounds that immediately evokes the spirit of a sweaty London club. We had a chat with James to talk about the making of his new album and his philosophy.
Point of View LP sounds very raw, immediate, and cohesive. What inspired you to make this album?
I was going through a folder of ideas I had done and thought that these tracks worked well together as an LP. I think the inspiration was just following the sound of the previous EPs, but still trying to bring something new to the table from what I had released so far.
It’s good to introduce new sounds and flavours into the project to keep it moving forward, so hopefully, that’s been the case anyways, haha.
There are nods to the classic vibes of UKG throughout the album. What role did garage play in your life? What does this genre represent for you?
Garage has always been a feel-good genre to me. It’s fun and a bit less serious at times. I think that’s why I found myself making and playing it more, I have always loved playing it. That’s what the genre represents to me: fun.
Typically, what’s your creative process when you make a new track?
It depends really but a lot of the time it will be drums and working on just getting some groove going. Sometimes I have an idea, but a lot of the time I find if I just go with the flow and have a quiet mind, I see where it goes rather than trying to control it all too much.
I build folders up of tracks, move onto the next idea then down the line with fresh ears I go back and try to work out what to do with it. With a break from the track you sometimes have a clearer idea of what it might need or what to do with it release-wise.
Is there a production tool that has inspired you during the making of the album?
I made this album with all my synths unplugged as they have been in storage at the moment. I think using your imagination is the best tool when making music, and to get things done in the studio. Nowadays, you can make good music on next to nothing as long as you're channeling it all the right way.
Music fans also know you as Burnski. Can you talk a little bit about what inspired you to make music under another alias?
I think maybe I needed to put more fun back into things. You go into autopilot when you have been doing something for so long.
Starting a new alias is another little output for you, so you can explore different sounds that excite you. If you are making lots of music it’s a no-brainer really and it’s loads of fun being able to release music in different genres or directions to what you have done before.
What’s the best advice you’ve received concerning music? Is there any tip you could share with young artists out there?
Just make what you want to make. If you are always doing that then you will start making music that resonates with you sooner than later and it all goes from there.
What have you been listening to lately?
Ah, such a mixed bag really. Everything from ambient soundtrack stuff to drum and bass and literally everything in between.
I’ve been running this week to Goldie’s Essential Mix from 1996. That’s a classic.
What’s next for INSTINCT
There is another album planned for December called happening. It’s very different to Point Of View LP, it’s more of a soundtrack maybe. Check it out on pre-sale now.
INSTINCT’s Point of View LP is available now.
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