An exclusive Q&A with innovative electronic musician srsly
Born in Austria, and hailing from Brazil – as crazy this mixture sounds, as crazy the project srsly (yes, all in lowercase letters) is. With his experienced and energetic DJ-Sets the 24 year-old producer really knows to control and fascinate the crowd. After his debut EP Prelude, which got featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra in the list of ”Best EP’s of March 2016” he is back from a short period of silence.
Inspired by various artists like Salute, Mura Masa and Sam Gellaitry. Srsly describes his music as a cultural clash, which means that he is on a continuous path of finding and evolving his sound. His latest releases ”All My Worries” and ”Out Here” also got featured at BBC Radio 1, which highlight his upcoming EP releasing on Majestic Casual Records.
Listen to srsly’s latest track, “Lemon”, below:
To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?
My sound has everything in it, I have been in touch with music wise. I try to combine Soul, Electronic, Hip Hop and Breaks.
How did it all start for you? Why music?
I started making music when I was 14, I guess. Just fooling around in FL Studio and then creating my first productions. I’d say that I’ve always have been a very musically person even without learning an instrument.
Now I’m making music with Logic. After years of changing taste and genre I produced my first srsly track. That was in 2014, I think. I came across the label called Rooftops Horizons based in Paris. Where I released my track ”I Want You”. After that I tried to evolve sound wise so I took half a year off and made my Prelude EP which also released on the imprint. That was basically the beginning of srsly because the project got some attention (thank you BBC Radio).
What three albums would you say influenced your sound the most?
Flume – Skin (2016)
Salute – My Heart (2016)
Are there any key pieces of equipment that you can’t live without?
Komplete 8 Bundle is key. Also I love my Korg Minilogue Synthesizer to death – it adds so much character to the sound.
What are some of your key influences in your music? Whether it be the sound created by others, imagery, films or any kind of art form.
I’m driven by Salute‘s music. Coming from the same country, he really inspires me a lot. Also he is a very nice guy, so check him out! Sam Gellaitry from Scotland is also a big inspiration; He’s doing crazy stuff!
What is one sub-genre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Well obviously Future Beats (not Bass). Here in Austria there’s no scene for that because Drum & Bass and Minimal Techno/House is overtaking everything.
Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?
Ayelle, Col3trane (!!!!!!), Oshi
What makes your live performances different from the rest?
They are very energetic. I want people to have fun and remember the night!
What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a performer? As an attendee?
As a performer: When I playing a support-set for Troyboi. One CDJ f***ed up, so I just was able to play on one player. I tried to mix with Echo and Reverb to make the best out of the situation. People seemed to like the track collection so they went insane. Thank god.
I’ve also played a support set for the HW&W crew which meant a lot to me because I love their sound.
As an attendee: Seeing Kendrick Lamar perform live was awesome too.
If you could collaborate with anyone, living or not, who would it be and why?
Salute, Col3trane, Mr. Carmack, FRANK OCEAN, Travis Scott
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
New music on the way. Two singles released on Majestic Casual already. And I’m currently working on my EP right now with amazing singers.
Famous last words?
Have fun! It’s just the beginning, srsly.