The 7th part of the HENCH Takeover series brings us to Culprate, one of the hand-picked special guests for the HENCH Takeover at Cable this Friday the 21st September. Established as one of the most exciting producers in underground dubstep, Culprate is fresh from the release of his lastest EP, the phenomenal ‘Nightmares in Reality’, which has received huge acclaim since its release.

We caught up with the man himself for a chat about his varying influences, Nightmares in Reality, and a non zombie Jimi Hendrix…

Culprate, what’s been keeping you busy lately?

General life really.. since the release of ‘Nightmares in Reality’ I have taken a small break from producing.

Don’t worry, I’m back on the case now!

Tell us a bit about your new Nightmares in Reality EP on Inspected…

It came out 20/08/12, I think it’s doing quite well so far. We’ve had some really great feedback from fans and the stores.

It’s the first release since Colours that has had a story behind it. Hall Of Mirrors is a metaphor for being around many people but none are sentient – i.e. maturing as a human being to find none of your friends have done the same. Trying to dispel your shortcomings, being met with cynicism and sarcastic jealously.

Two is an exploration into hypnosis and my pondering actions towards people and how it may affect them. Eventually coming to the conclusion that there’s nothing I can do but expect the situation and overcome it. With that comes an overwhelming sense of wellbeing. Nightmares In Reality is a hint at my battle with addiction. Although all the lyrics where written by Maksim, they came at a poignant time for me and was relevant to my situation.

Tooth Fairy is a metaphor, for getting a gift in exchange for a piece of my old life. I’m a free man. Something all of us take for granted. Diablo represents the enthusiasm I have for the future. Its fast tempo is an attempt at motivation. The name insinuates a negative premise, but in my opinion it’s a lesson in looking at your life with more flowing perspective, rather than the fragmented mindset perpetuated by the media.

Tell us about your musical background, how did you first get into electronic music and dubstep?

I first got into electronic music in the mid 90′s when I was about 10 years old. One of my cousins was well into their Happy Hardcore… From that I discovered Jungle and inevitably, drum and bass.

The production started in college the early 00’s. It wasn’t until many years later that I heard dubstep. To be honest, I hated it… Over a few months, it started to grown on me and, here we are.

In terms of your own musical style who have been your biggest influences?

My Biggest Influence is most certainly Pink Floyd. The more current artists would be Amon Tobin, Noisia, Trentemoller, Squarepusher and Aphex Twin.

 How have your tastes changed over time?

 5 years ago it was simply the noisier the better. Now I look for textures and sonic harmony (If that makes sense…)

I used to love really really heavy metal like Cryptopsy and Decapitated. I now find myself listening to older and older stuff as the years go by… There’s just something about old recordings. Especially from the 70′s and 80′s so crisp and spacious.

And how has your production style evolved?

The same as my tastes I guess…

Have you got a favourite city or club to DJ in?

Not sure about favourite city. But, I love playing in Belgium. Every night I’ve done there has been amazing!

What does the rest of 2012 have in store for Culprate?

Lots of gigs… and what little time I have off, will be spent writing new material.

What 3 tracks sum you up best? 

Pink Floyd – Pillow of Winds (1971)
This Song is clearly where Christopher Nolan got the idea for Inception. 

The Beatles – A Day in the Life (1967)
This track is probably my favourite Beatles song. The lyrics describe the indifference and alienation we all have to sometimes endure.

Squarepusher – Venus no 17 (Acid Mx) (2004)
Just Because!!

Amazing choices, that Squarepusher track is insane!! If you could put on your dream party, where would it be, who would play, and would there be a theme?

My dream party would be Hendrix, Morrison, and Barrett back from the dead (Non Zombie) in a shitty house somewhere getting fucked up!! I bet they knew how to do it…

Who’s the most exciting DJ or producer in the world right now?

Easily KOAN Sound.. I’ve got nothing but respect for those guys!

They are a constant reminder that I shouldn’t take life so seriously.

And finally, what can we expect from your set at Chew The Fat’s HENCH records takeover at Cable in September?

This n That… No Dnb this time though!

Chew The Fat! & Dub All Or Nothing present The HENCH Takeover!

www.thefatclub.com / www.duballornothing.co.uk / www.dstyle.co.uk / www.cable-london.com