Cyantific
London, UK
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Jon Stanley, more commonly known as the Drum & Bass All-star Cyantific, is renowned for his top quality production and his consistent stream of Drum & Bass smashers. Jon and former partner in crime, Matt Whitehead, started their career in the Drum & Bass scene over a decade ago. In 2002 the duo were picked up by the guys over at Hospital and it was from here on in, Cyantific were set to hit the scene with devastating force.
With his new single ‘Infinity’ featured on the Ram Records Dimensions Five EP, we manage to snatch some of his time and squeeze in a few questions.
Hello Jon, hope your well. If you don’t mind me asking, where in the country are you currently residing in?
I’m good thanks. I’m living in Richmond borough, south west London.
Infinity by Cyantific
As we know, your single ‘Infinity’ is featured on the new Dimensions Five EP. What was the inspiration for writing this song and were you happy with the outcome?
I wanted to make another dancefloor track, but with a decent musical side to it. I’d been listening to Mount Kimbie’s album a lot around that time and drew influence from a couple of the tunes on there. Definitely pleased with the reception it’s had, both in the clubs and online.
We all now know you as a pioneer in the production world. But what was it that made you sit down and want to become involved in the production side of music?
Jonny L’s first album ‘Sawtooth’ in ’97 was the one that really got me inspired to make some music of my own. It’s still awe inspiring to me, proper future music.
Sending an unsigned track off to your favourite record label can be quite a daunting task. Sending something that might not be up to scratch can often taint your chances of getting signed in the future. How did you know when you were ready to start sending off your music to record labels?
I think we had probably sent some rubbish out before we got anything signed! I don’t know, I think you can just tell when your production is up to it.
Other than Drum & Bass, what music do you listen to at home? Do you think this external influence has an impact on the music you write?
Definitely does. I listen to all sorts. I generally save the DnB for when I’m at the studio. I like really mellow music for my iPod. Stuff like Pete Rock, Caribou, Bill Withers, Fela Kuti, Fourtet, Thomas Dolby, Bonobo etc.
What would be your advice to budding new producers wanting to make it onto the Drum & Bass scene?
Try and carve your own sound out. There’s already plenty of people out there who sound the same. If you really want to grab people’s attention you’ve got to come with something fresh. It’s not easy, but that’s the way.
Compared to how the scene was 10 years ago, how do you think it has changed and do you think it has changed for the better?
It’s hard to say. The music has improved, as has the standard of production obviously. The scene has spread out a lot now, it’s not just about DnB anymore. You can play a wide range of music in your sets, and get a good reaction, I think that’s a big positive. Things move a lot quicker also. New people appear and break through very quickly, the flip side of it is people disappear in the blink of an eye. I think this is because of the Internet, it’s created a society that doesn’t want to wait around, it wants new music now, and constantly. If you’re not there providing it, you will fade away.
Rumours have been floating around that due to the decline in music sales, most music will be available for free download in the near future. Do you think this could actually happen and if so, would it have a positive or negative influence on the music industry?
It’s six of one and a half dozen of the other. Music hasn’t been the main source of income in this corner of the industry for a long time now. Live work is where artists make most of their money, but sales still contribute. Digital is going well so far as I understand it. The knock on effect if music is all free will be that it will cost more to go and see the acts you like.
What’s next for you? Any big plans for 2012?
I’m working on a new way of DJing with Traktor. It’s going to be different, and I hope a lot better. There is a lot that can be done with it that would be impossible on vinyl or CD.
Other than that I’ll be working hard on new music!
Last Question. What would you rather have? The ability to breathe under water or have elastic limbs?
Breathing underwater would be pretty sick. I’d go look for Atlantis.
Words by Alex Whyles aka Undertone
Cyantific.co.uk
Agent: Howard@MainstageArtists.com
Manager: Scott@AreOneManagement.com
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