Exclusive Interview With Mason

With his latest track being released on his own label, we got the opportunity to speak with Mason. From the label, Animal Language to previous bodies of work and preferred events, our talk was very interesting.

For people who may not know, who is Mason?

A non-conforming producer and DJ from Amsterdam, that also runs a boutique recordcalled Animal Language

Describe your sound with 5 words…

Left-of-centre indie house

Since we got a sneak preview of your latest track, ‘Givin Up’, we’ve had that get up and dance feeling. What was the thought process behind creating this tune?

As a notorious record collector I really loved this old soul track from Philly Groove Records and got in touch with the original right holders. It turned out I was able to get the multitracks of the original recordings, so all the separate strings, trumpets, backing vocals, everything really. That gave me much more ways to be creative than old fashioned sampling. I’m really pleased how ‘Givin’ Up’ turned out.

And this single is to be released on your own label, which is sick by the way. What type of sound can we expect to come from your label, Animal Language?

Thanks ! The cool thing about the label is there is no master plan and it’s just to do whatever I want, whenever I want, without anyone telling me what to do. It’s just a platform I can use to release new talented artists on, and occasionally the odd curveball record from myself. 

Been playing your ‘Frisky Biscuits’ and love the direction this project. How was it like producing this project?

It was fully made in lockdown conditions when the corona crisis started. It was a nice way to tune out and fully focus on my studio and create something that’s positive and fun, as a contrast from the outside world. Also a nice way to turn such a period into something productive, and the collaboration with Toolroom Records for it was really pleasant. A lot of the vocal material I had recorded a bit before lockdown in Paris, London and Amsterdam, so there was a lot of raw material there already to start off with.

Purist question here, Technics or Pioneer? Don’t worry we won’t judge you for your answer.

Pioneer! I’m not over romanticizing the vinyl days. My back is still hurting from those years of carrying it around the world, and that sound quality argument is pure snobby. It’s about the cook, not the kitchen – and the amount of benefits and possibilities from playing digital files is endless. However, I do miss the vinyl shopping from a social point of view. It was nice to hear all the Amsterdam DJ gossips every Thursday when international records would come in. To hear who was playing where the upcoming weekend, and of course who had slept with who!

What’s your five hottest non Mason tracks right now?

Boston Bun – Nobody But You

Ocsav – Uganda Be Kiddin’

Beth Lydi – Jump The Couch (Adrian Hour Remix)

House Gospel Choir – God Is Trying (Kaytronik’s Speak Dub)

The Paradiso – In Love With You (Alan Braxe Remix ft. Romuald)

When we’re allowed to go to shows again, what is the first event you need to get to?

I don’t care, if it has 2 ravers on meth and a smoke machine I’m down.

What’s your favourite festival to play at?

With my label we organise this event twice a year called ‘The Animal Language Kafe Rave’. It’s a sort of guerilla pub crawl. We pick 4 really depressing hole in the wall bars, and go in with a few hundred ravers and a DJ set & PA on wheels. We take over, rave, and after an hour go to the next bar. We’ve done about 80 bars in Amsterdam like this, and is possibly the most fun event in the universe. Here’s some footage to get an idea

What can we expect from you this year?

I just wrote a track for a full 55 person symphonic orchestra that I just recorded. Due to social distance we had to use two separate concert halls for it (one for brass, one for strings and the rest). It was an amazing experience, like flying a huge Boeing. The record, called ‘March Of The Lizard’ is coming your way soon…