In this exclusive interview, we delve into the musical world of brrt , a talented lo-fi artist with a jazz background. Discover their journey, from producing music as a hobby to becoming a full-time artist. Learn about their creative process, influences, and unexpected sources of inspiration. brrt also shares the rewarding aspects of being a lo-fi artist and exciting upcoming projects and collaborations. If you’re an aspiring musician interested in exploring the lo-fi genre, don’t miss their valuable advice. Join us as we explore the captivating fusion of jazz and modern beats in brrt’s music.
- How would you describe your musical style and what draws you to the lo-fi genre?
My main genre is jazz and I am mainly a guitarist with a classical training. I was drawn to lofi because of the similarities to jazz and being able to make jazz more modern with interesting beats.
- Can you share a bit about your journey as a lo-fi artist? What inspired you to pursue this genre?
I had been producing music as a hobby but with no ambition to release the music, initially, it was just for fun. But then an opportunity came up in my life where I could work full time on music and I decided to grab it. I have been a full-time artist and producer since October 2022 and I have learned a lot along the way. It has taken me many tracks to both understand how to produce and also to understand the style of music I want to make.
- What is your creative process like? Do you have any rituals or specific routines when it comes to making music?
I don’t have one routine process. Sometimes I start with a chord progression, sometimes with a melody, other times with a beat or a bassline. I do find myself inspired by listening to other music and very often I will take a kernel of an idea from another bit of music and enjoy the journey of developing it into my own idea.
- Are there any particular artists or albums that have influenced your lo-fi sound? How have they impacted your music?
There are so many artists that have helped me along the way as I have developed my own style. Artists like Even Kicks, Rhesa Siregar, Erwin Do who I have worked closely with, and also many larger artists that I have listened to for inspiration like Dpsht, Phlocalyst and Jazzinuf.
- Can you share any interesting or unexpected sources of inspiration you’ve had for your music?
I based a track called “Bellanaleck” on my experiences visiting my granny in rural Northern Ireland. The track started with the sound of a ticking clock which was the sound in her house made from a grandmother’s clock. I added the sound of a real coal fire and also the sounds of boiling water as we eat a lot of potatoes in Ireland and there was also water boiling to make potatoes!
- What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a lo-fi artist so far?
Sometimes the road to making a track can be difficult. You start with something you think is a good idea and then you build a track from there. But often in the middle of the process, I think that the whole idea is rubbish and is not sounding how I want it to. It is really satisfying to push through this and end up with a track that sounds great.
- Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
I have a really packed release calendar for the rest of 2023 and I have been working with a huge range of other artists on collaborations. I find working with other artists really interesting as they come up with different ideas or different approaches to making music. At the moment, I am really focussed on continuing to make tracks in collaboration with other artists.
- As a lo-fi artist, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to explore this genre?
The main thing I would say is to just do it. Get on with it, make a track and then release it. And then do another, and then another. You learn from making music and the best way is to release lots of tracks. And it doesn’t matter where you are today – just start. It is easy to think that you need to learn first and then do it but you learn by doing so just get on with it. Today!
As a label, we consider it an honor to be able to share brrt’s wise words and journey with all of you. We are truly privileged to have someone like him in our roster, releasing singles such as “One Note Bossa” and “Bossa in Binary”! Don’t forget to follow brrt to be the first to know about his upcoming releases!