We sat down with Clan Brude, the talented and genre-blurring music producer known for his dynamic and ever-evolving sound. Throughout this conversation, Clan Brude shares insights into his musical journey, highlighting the influences that have played an important role in shaping his distinctive approach to music production.
From his early encounters with electronic music, to having played with a punk band, and his recent relocation to Amsterdam, this interview offers an intimate exploration of the musical inspirations that drive Clan Brude’s creativity and sound.
Hi Clan Brude! How are you?
All great thanks. I’ve just made the move from Shanghai to Amsterdam. Shanghai isn’t an easy place to leave as it has a lot of good stuff happening musically, but very excited to be in Amsterdam now.
Can you remember, what was the first Electronic Music song that you heard
that initially sparked your creative curiosity?
Yes! The Prodigy’s “Out of Space” was the first track I bought (CD single I believe) but I also fondly recall earlier tracks such as Voodoo People on Music for the Jilted Generation. I was a bit too young to experience the whole rave scene though (sadly). My musical tastes developed after that and morphed into later 90s drum and bass, particular during my time in Bristol across that period where I spent a fair bit of time in Lakota.
Over the years, how have you found your musical influences – is it from actively searching or has it been more of natural process?
Mixed sources. Nowadays Spotify throws out a lot of leads, as does Beatport, but a really great source is my musically inclined friends who send me all kinds of weird and wonderful oddities, some current and some from the past. I do go to a lot of gigs as well, which helps with learning about both newer and older acts and how they are expressing their music live.
What are your favourite genres outside of Electronic Music?
I love the rebelliousness of Punk and what it stands for (I have played in one or two Punk bands on bass). I always try and catch punk gigs where possible as well as other gigs. I’m happy with a lot of genres in fact providing the energy is there. I have also been to some great Jazz gigs, which have been great for that reason.
When it comes to your productions, do you ever draw inspiration from experiences outside of music, such as films, art, or literature?
Great question. I tend to actually draw from life experiences as opposed to other artforms. For instance, my upcoming EP, ‘Temporary Places’ draws on my experiences during the 2022 Shanghai lockdown and a lot of my music has been inspired by travels in general.
What are you listening to currently? Are there any newcomers to the Electronic Music scene that you find particularly inspiring?
Not so much a newcomer but a superstar now, Fred Again, who does an incredible live show. His tracks emanate emotion in a variety of ways which definitely connects with me as it does with a lot of people. Honey Dijon’s last album was great with lots of nods to old school House and Techno (again not strictly a new comer though). Building on that, is perhaps Peggy Gou who dives into those Disco and House-y grooves.
What are your top 3 desert island records?
I always think about quantity or length for these kinds of questions so as to maximise what I have to listen to! The Beatles’ White album for sure would fit that. Not only is it a double album, it’s so eclectic for one band. I would need some DnB I think, so perhaps Goldie’s seminal Timeless. Finally, I’m going to go back to Punk and choose NOFX’s the Decline, a great call to arms epic piece of work that doesn’t get tired (if you like that kind of thing of course).
How would you say your inspirations and influences impact your production style?
There is definitely an impact there. I find I pick up ideas for beats all the time through just listening to tracks at leisure. For more specific techniques, I find YouTube a good source, and it doesn’t really matter how long I’ve been producing there is always more to learn both in production techniques and music theory. For instance, I recently came across the idea of having a 5th note drone (which could even be a vocal clip) that carries through the chord progression. This can definitely up the emotive appeal.
As your sound continues to evolve, do you find yourself gravitating back towards your early influences or are you constantly search for new music and inspirations?
More the latter, I think. I find myself seeking out newer sounds and influences that can enhance my music. This helps in sounding current and progressing with a signature sound that perhaps people haven’t heard that much before.
Do you have an artist or genre that you enjoy listening to that might surprise fans?
I think making Electronic music doesn’t mean you are defined by that genre or sub-genre or sub-sub-genre. As mentioned, I’ve played in Punk bands, which might surprise fans of my House and Progressive-House productions, but I don’t think that’s a totally unusually progression, think Calibre/Skrillex etc, who have background in disruptive guitar music.
In this EQ Music interview, Clan Brude has generously shared a glimpse into the diverse soundscape of influences that have fueled his musical journey. From iconic tracks like The Prodigy’s “Out of Space” to the rebellious spirit of Punk, his musical palette is proof of the richness of artistic inspiration. As he continues to evolve his sound and explore new musical horizons, we look forward to the exciting musical
experiences that Clan Brude will continue to craft for his listeners.