LAMP Weekly Mix #143 feat. Third Son

This week we welcome UK based producer and DJ Third Son to the series. His steady rise in prominence within the last year has been largely attributed to his focused efforts in production and years of previous experience under other monikers coupled with an extensive knowledge of classical instrumentation and music theory. The equation is further personified by accolades and recognition from his peers in the industry with a host of releases on imprints such as Stil Vor Talent, Noir Music, Einmusika Recordings, Sincopat as well as his own creative vision in Polymath.MR PUZL + PZB: Welcome! Between Josh and myself we’ve been looking forward to having you on the series. What have you got in store for our listeners?Third Son: Some new stuff from myself, plus some old favourites.MP: Having spent your early childhood learning traditional musical instruments and studying music do you think that helped your transition into electronic music? As we see more billings with artists and the word ‘Live’ next to their names we’re getting to see a new side to artists we’ve come to love behind the decks. What do you enjoy about live performances and how do you prepare or constructs your sets differently that when you’re DJing?TS: I think it definitely helped in terms of composition. Once I have a memorable idea, I usually have a good idea of what to do with it. My live set is currently in the making, but I’m looking forward to including some improvisation. Something that I don’t think many Live artists do.PZB: You have a lot of kit in your studio especially synthesizers from the pictures I have seen. With more live performances coming up for you, what would you say is your most important piece that you would have to have on the road with you? What will that set up look like for you, will it be more minimal and in the box (i.e. computer and controllers) or will you go for a more complete stage set up with all of your synths and instruments?TS: I intend on bringing a variety of synths with me including my Dave Smith OB-6, and the Moog Mother 32. I’ll also be bringing some Ableton controllers. This will allow to me have complete control and make a really dynamic set, but also perform in a traditional way.MP: Congrats on your Black Matter EP that was released on a favorite here at LAMP, Einmusik. We’ve come to know and respect that your manager Kal clearly has an ear for amazing talent but also knows how to get music into the right hands. Do you ever have moments where you’ve created music and you say to him “I think this would be perfect for label X” or is it more collaborative than that?TS: I agree, he does have a very good ear. Often I know where a track should fit, but mostly it’s a discussion.MP: I’ve just started listening to your imprint Polymath’s releases, and I’m already hooked. Between the graphic design and the concept behind the label it feels like I’m walking into an auditory art gallery. What initially kicked this idea off, and where do you see it going in the future?TS: That’s exactly what we’re trying to achieve. The idea came about after realizing that I didn’t just want to start another artist label. Once the idea was fully developed it became a case of feeling it would be a waste not to pursue it.MP: In an interview with becomeadj.com you mentioned messing about with Music 2000 on Playstation way back when. I just watched this video of a guy remixing Robert Miles’ Children and it took me to this hilarious article on Thump. Video games comprise of interesting and often educational digital UIs that I credit with helping me to adapt to the constant change in technological landscape that we are living in today. What is your preferred DAW these days? If you were part of the next release of that software what would you like to see improve?TS: I’m predominantly using Ableton Live 9. It’s great, and extremely fast to work with, which is essential with creative work. However, the sound engine and warping tool could be improved, and doesn’t really compete with logic’s engine. MP: I had a longstanding affinity for similar bands to Sky Eats Airplane when I was younger. There was something about the energy and musical complexity that many groups brought to the table (Trivium, Killswitch Engage, Atreyu, As I Lay Dying to name a few) that paved the way for a lot of electronic music we hear today. What other styles of music do you draw inspiration from when composing tracks?TS: Wow, you guys have done your research. For me, Radiohead have been a massive influence. They always included a good dose of experimentation and traditional melody to achieve great music I think. This is something that I’m most interested in at the moment.PZB: You have been traveling quite a bit in the past year or so DJing and spreading your sounds around the globe. Which has been your favorite gig as of late and what is your favourite place you have been to recently that you can’t wait to get back to?TS: I always love playing in Berlin. They’re really not looking for validation, but something new. That pushes you as a DJ. My recent Australia tour was blast also. I’d love to be back next year.PZB: I was recently at Burning Man and had a few sets on different art cars. It gave me the opportunity to play a bunch of different music. During some of the late night extended sets I had a chance to play a fair amount of your music and the reactions from everyone were amazing. I think you would feel right at home out there on the playa. Do you think that is something you would ever be interested in doing in the future? Also any plans to come to LA in the near future you can tell us about?TS: I would love to play Burning Man. I would love to play in the states. My Visa is actually being processed as we speak so hopefully that will become a reality in 2017. I’ll be sure to let you know!

Tracklist

1. Third Son - Black Matter (Original mix)2.Aril Brikha & Sebastian Mullaert - Illuminate (Original mix)3. Andre Lodemann - Between the Notes (Original mix)4. Rodriguez Jr. - Petropolis (Original mix)5. Upercent - Cronopio (Third Son Remix)6. Oliver Schories - Artik (Third Son Remix)7. Patrice Baumel - Surge (Original mix)8. Natural Flow - Dethroning (Lee van Dowski Remix)9. RNBWS - Recovery (Dubspeeka Remix)10. AFFKT - Flashcrash (Dubspeeka Remix)11. Agents of Time - Hydra (Original mix)12. Dominik Eulberg - Mimikry (Original mix)