From college meanderings to the Dystopian Collective
We find out what makes Absolute Magnitude tick...
Absolute Magnitude started to produce music whilst in High school and first launched himself into the world of electronic dance music in 2022. Since then he has released music on Full Send DNB, Urban Hell Audio and Soul Tribe Music. He’s made collaborations with Hertenfels and Circle Red (amongst others) and is establishing himself quickly at the forefront of the experimental drum and bass movement.
He’s recently launched his own label (The Dystopian Collective) and is rapidly climbing the DNB tree..
So when did you first become interested in electronic dance music and what drew you in?
– The first time the genre started to catch my attention was when I came across “Metalheadz Presents: Platinum Breakz”. I had never really been exposed to much EDM, especially DNB.
– This album was the perfect way for me to be exposed to the genre due to the fact there are so many incredible artists on it and each one of them has their own style.
Was there one significant event in your life that made you realize that producing DNB music was what you really wanted to do?
– I can’t point to a single event. I’ve always enjoyed producing a variety of genres and whenever I took a break from DNB and worked on any other genre, Trance etc.. I would always feel like something was missing and always came back.
When you’re in the studio, what is your creative process like? Do you go in with a specific idea in mind or do you simply get in the space and create what comes naturally?
– I am most creative when I let the process flow naturally. Now, I may go into a track with a certain theme in mind, “Dreams Of Technology” is a good example of that. I knew the message I wanted to convey but had no idea how It would be delivered. I’ve tried to produce going in with a specific end result and that is, in my opinion, what kept me from seeing my full potential.
What’s your go to studio equipment? Analogue or digital?
– It’s probably no surprise but, I’m all digital. I have no issue with analogue, It’s more the fact that no matter what I’m doing, music or otherwise, I’m most at home in a digital space.
What makes you so prolific?
– I’d say my ability to blend genres and elements that are not always what you’d expect to hear. I do think that my more experimental nature has both positive and negative aspects though. I have a much more narrow potential audience but I always know what I’m delivering is an extension of who I am as a person.
What artists have you been influenced by in the past and who inspires you today?
– Some of the artists who inspired me in the past are: Goldie and the whole Metalheadz crew, Tiesto, ATB, LTJ Bukem, Vortex Involute, Iron Maiden, The Prodigy and Stakka & Skynet. The list definitely goes on.
– Current would still include everyone above as well as Chase & Status, Bru-C, Sofi Tukker, Pola & Bryson to name a few
– What also inspires me is Science & Technology, particularly space and AI.
What do you think of the club scene now? Too many mobile phones?
– I think it’s great that people want to take videos and photos but, how much are they really focusing on the music?
– When I listen to music, it’s always front and center. I actually prefer to listen to music at home with my headphones on and very little distractions.
If you could choose one artist in the world to work with, who would it be and why?
– That’s a really tough question. I’m going to cheat a little and give you two, Goldie & Vortex Involute.
You’ve done a number of collaborations, who’s been the most interesting to work with so far and why?
– Another really tough question for me to answer. Each collaboration has been special in its own way.
– I’d have to go with my collaboration with Hertenfels on “Your Future”. This track stems from the “Dreams Of Technology” story and it was really cool to have someone who truly understands what my vision is and has the same level of excitement.
How do you think Drum N Bass will develop in the future?
– DNB is rapidly becoming more popular, especially over here in the States. I think we will start seeing new genres within DNB emerge and with more people excited about the genre means we have a chance at hearing something we haven’t before.
What’s in the pipeline?
– I’ve got a backlog of music at this point but what I’m most excited about is my next album. I don’t have an exact timeframe on release but I’ve got a few tracks for it underway and I’m really happy with the direction. I also started a label last year called “The Dystopian Collective” and there are alot of amazing artists with releases out now and in the pipeline.
