Blazing Minds

Ever popular than ever I’m proud to bring you another band interview in my series of “Who’s the Band” and this week I bring you an interview with Jay aka Electromagnetic Impulses, so I’m going to stop rambling on and get on with the interview..

Q: Hi Jay, so how did you come upon the name of your band? Is it the first name you chose?
A: I decided on the name ‘Electromagnetic Impulses’ (hereafter referred to as E.I), for several reasons.  The word Electromagnetic, sounds catchy, it also hints at the style of music I write (Electronic), and Impulses came about from my impulsive nature.  Put the two together and you have a unique if somewhat long winded artist name.  The phrase ‘Electromagnetic’ can be linked to many Scientific subjects from Sound Waves, Time, Lightening, Energy, Space, Gravity, Weapons, and even UFO’s in fact the phrase ‘Electromagnetic Pulse’ is a phrase thrown around on many TV series such as ‘lost’ ‘Star Trek’ and many many documentaries on a range of subjects.

I had originally decided to call myself ‘Somotitee’ this harks back to my Pagan connections, the phrase ‘So Mote It Be’ , but decided to stick with E.I

Here’s a definition of the Phrase ‘Electromagnetic Pulse’

Main Entry: electromagnetic pulse
Function: noun
Date: 1963
: high-intensity electromagnetic radiation generated by a nuclear blast high above the earth’s surface and held to disrupt electronic and electrical systems

Q: Introduce each member and instrument played or role in the band?
A: E.I comprises of one person..ME..(Jason Mallett), at this time the only instrument I play is my midi keyboard, and I wouldn’t really say that I play it, more that I ‘tweak it’, there is another instrument I like to play with, but we’ll save that for the XXX rated interview

I do plan to learn to play the piano, and once I have mastered this, I plan to incorporated some riffs into my more Psy-Trance style tracks…watch this space !!

Q: So what genre of music would you say you are in and who are your major influences?
A: I’m unusual in that I don’t stick to one style of music, rather I cross genres, dependant upon the mood im in, when I first start a track.

This being said ALL of my tracks are EDM (Electronic Dance Music), so I write Ambient, Acid, Breaks, Club, Dance, Drum & Bass, Electro, Electronica, House, Hard House, Gabba, Techno, Trance, you get the idea !!

I was advised by one of my heroes early on in my career to stick to one genre, but I decided against that advice and im glad that I did, I think this is where many artists fail, as they become labeled and get bored, finding it hard to branch out, my fans never know what im going to come up with next, and so I keep them interested in what im doing, this is why I love Dance music, it covers a large spectrum, and the true Dance music lover will enjoy a good Drum N Bass track as much as a minimal Techno track.

My influences keep changing as I get older and discover new music, Main influences if I had to narrow them down are Michael Jackson (RIP), Pink Floyd, Adamski, Groovejet, Dire Straights, Kosheen, Enigma, Faithless, Infected Mushroom, Alien Syndrome, Dj Brisk, David Clarke, Carl Cox, Black Box, Joey Beltram, Aphroditee, BK, Grooverider, Nicky Blackmarket, Orbital.

Q: I know you’re a solo artist, but how long have you known yourself
A: Well I have known myself, all my life ha ha, and I met myself first, when I first looked in the mirror, boy what a shock that was !!!

I have , however met many many great and inspiring artists in my 3 years as E.I some of whom have disappointed me, but the vast vast majority of whom have kept me sane, helped me personally and musically, and offered help and guidance when needed, as well as being good solid friends..you know who you are !!

Q: How long have you been performing/producing music? What inspired to produce your style of music?
A: It been a little over 3 years now since I started out as E..I , my inspiration to write Dance music came from my mums 16 tracks sequencer Yamaha keyboard, I used to write 1-2 minute long riffs, layering over it as I went, and adding percussion, drum loops, I probably spend a good 3 years with that keyboard, practising different riffs, and learning or even making up chords.

I guess you could say that I was primed for the eventual conception of the PC, and specifically music writing software such as FL Studio.(which is my current weapon of choice).

The first time I got a home computer (only 4 years ago), I got to grips with writing my first track, I was instantly hooked and realized what I wanted to do with my life.

I wanted to write Dance music, as the 4/4 beat commonly associated with it is forever in my heart, im pretty sure that even my doctors feet start tapping when he ever has to listen to my heart beat, I deffo have a funky heart, and hence love writing anything that one can dance to.

Q: Are you signed to a record label (Indie or major)?
A: I have just launched my own label www.emlrecordings.net / www.emlrecordings.com

We are an indi label, so yes I am signed.

Before this though I was signed (and still am) to ‘Atom Sounds’, and before I had a falling out with them I was signed to ‘Dpulse’ Recordings (Major label) .

My Advice to anyone wanting to get signed is to do some MAJOR vetting, who are they ?, go listen to their other artists ?, read the contract, and negotiate if needs be.

I say this as I have been used and abused by one label, and was even told one major label that they ‘intend NOT to pay their artists if they can get away with it’, in fact many labels will throw as many barriers as possible up to not pay their artists.

Join a Performing Rights Society before you sign up to ANY label, as they can take care of your royalties for you.

you should typically expect to get at least a 50/50 split or 60/40 in your favor from most labels, unless of course EMI come along and offer you a deal..lol

Q: Where can people find your music? Do you have an official website?
A: There are literally hundreds of places you can listen to my music

my official web site is www.electromag.ning.com

Myspace : www.myspace.com/electromagneticimpulses2

Reverb Nation : http://www.reverbnation.com/electromagneticimpulses

Last Fm: http://www.last.fm/music/Electromagnetic%2520Impulses?ac=Electromagnetic%20Impulses

When I fist started out as an artist, I put my music onto as many sites as I could find, currently there is a new site every day popping up offering this that and the other, the sites above along with my own social network www.electronicamusiclovers.ning.com

are the only sites that I frequently use now and update.

If your starting out, it’s probably a good idea to find as many sites as possible to create some sort of impact, but after about 12 months you’ll get fed up with having to update your bio’s on them, my advice is after your first 12 months stick to just 4 or 5 well used sites, and link everyone back to them.

My music is available to purchase from 100’s of on-line stores, however the best place to get my music is you want it cheap is Mad Bouncy Dogs.com

http://www.madbouncydogs.com/store/index.php?selected_artist=20

Of course for that personal touch you can get some signed copies of some of my Cd’s from Atom Sounds.

http://store.atom-sounds.com/catalog/electro-death.html

And my latest album ‘String Theory’ is available from Lulu.com for a VERY reasonable price.

http://www.lulu.com/content/compact-disc/string-theory/7712149

Q: Have your ever performed live? If so where and to how many?
A: PLUG PLUG PLUG !!

Then in May 2010 im due to play in Hamburg Germany at an outdoor Psy-Trance festival, so im getting as much practice in now as I can before both gigs. !!

Q: Who writes/produces the music and/or lyrics to your tracks?
A: Needless to say (as I’ve already mentioned it), I produce all of my tracks, I do use a few samples here and there, run through a ’slicer’ and changed beyond recognition.

I have remixed various tracks, but vocally I tend to rely on the infamous Pixieguts, as her vocal talent is beyond comparison, and I tend to like Crimson Deaths vocals , so I often get ‘vocal packs’ sent to me from both artists for use in my tracks.

I am, however an accomplished singer (or so I am told), and so it will only be a matter of time before I start using my own lyrics and my own voice on some of my tracks (you have been warned) !!

Q: How would you describe your music-making process?
A: The general process of my music making is as follows

1:) Have a smoke
2:) I’ll start off with a simple kick drum, and I’ll programme say a 30 second loop
3:) I’ll add some high hats, snares
4:) I’ll get some sort of structure going with the percussion, and usually around the 1 minute mark, I’ll introduce a ‘Breakdown’
5:) I’ll then add some synth/arp patterns, and try to find some interesting note changes
6:) Ill add some bass
7:) I’ll then add some sampled drum loops over the top and I’ll edit them to fit the track
8:) I’ll either add some strings or vocals on the breakdown
9:) I’ll build the track back up again
10:) Once I have made the ‘intro’ I’ll set about creating some structure
11:) About 2 1/2- 3 mins in, I’ll try dropping something that you wouldn’t expect into the track, and change its direction
12:) I’ll create another breakdown at about 4 mins
13:) I’ll build it back up and try to incorporated all the elements used previously to create a crescendo ending

This is a basic blue-print, which I try to stick to, but usually I simply write on the fly, some of my best tracks were written in just a few hours !!

The trick is, I think to try and link your tracks so that they dont sound like 2 0r 3 separate tracks mixed into one, I strive to create some fluidity in my tracks, and I let the synths do most of the work, I feel the need to make some funky bass/synth riffs which I’ll use throughout a track.

I’ll add new elements into a track, as if a Dj were mixing a new tune into the track, and that’s how I manage to take it into a different direction, without it being too expected or obvious.

I need to work more on my Drum Patterns though !!

Q: What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
A: The biggest challenge, and one I still face is making the leap from being well known and respected on the internet, to being able to go to my local club and hear my own tracks being played by whoever is Dj’ing.

To achieve this, is pretty much all I want, and there’s many many obstacles in the way. the biggest being the fact that I’m a very poor man.

So money is my biggest obstacle, and big companies that offer the world, but never deliver.

I am over coming this by investing my money into my music, and that of my label, instead of going out every weekend and getting wasted, and I have decided that as best I can I will cut out the middle man, I don’t want to rely on anyone else other than me, for my success or failure as a musician, and this is why I am attempting to infiltrate every sector of the music industry.

My aim is to have a contact each step of the way, in every field of expertise, so that I can basically do achieve whatever I set out to.

Q: What’s your ultimate direction for your band? Are you seeking fame and fortune?
A: My initial aim was to have my music be my main source of income by 2012, I’m not sure if im going to achieve that, but I’m definitely heading in the right direction.

Many artists give up after 12 month of no or little sales, if you really want something, you’ll get it no matter what gets in your way, and I want to be able to be my own boss, I want to make a living out of writing and promoting music, and I will !!

Q: What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
A: My advice to anyone starting up as an artist or a band is to simply follow your heart, as I said above if you REALLY want something, you’ll go and do it, no matter what.

It’s always a good idea to network along the way, some of the contacts I have made on the past 3 years have allowed me to get this far, without many of them I wouldn’t have been able to do many of the things that I have, It’s best to keep in touch with all your fans regularly, it’s all too easy to be forgotten, practice your art as often as you can, and keep broadening your horizons, collaborate with other bands, artists, and get outside and push your music to as many people as you can.

Importantly you need to remember that you are only going to get out of it , what you put into it, so don’t expect to make your fortune by sitting at home doing nothing, you have to work hard, ut the benefits can be HUGE !!

Q: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
A: Potential fans can visit my main web site at www.electromag.ning.com

you can hear loads of my tracks there, and purchase links to buy/download Cd’s Mp3’s etc

Q: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
A: I would like to thank

Karen from Atom Sounds, you continue to inspire me Karen, just make sure you come to Jan 23rd Event !!

Marie Crave (Pixieguts), for being my rock

Jane (My Fiancee) for putting up with me, and loving me.

Crimson Death (Your help, advice, experience has been a major driving force)

Dani (your help with the web site has been invaluable)

Mad Bouncy Dogs Team (i haven’t forgotten you guys either)

Martin (Dpulse)..mmm (I have learnt a lot from your ACTIONS, more than from your words)

Dandelion Radio (your continued support has been invaluable)

Dj UK Red (Thank you !!!)

Dalecast

Ben, Adam, Mark, Rigg-a-Mortis,Mason, Sarah.

The list is endless !!

Q: Any last words?
A: Go visit my label’s web site www.emlrecordings.net www.emlrecordings.com

and DEFFO visit my social network www.electronicamusiclovers.ning.com

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