Article Date : 10/12/2009
Fraction Records
Exclusive Interview
Fraction's Five with...
Will Atkinson
For the first of our new features, we invite Will Atkinson for an exclusive interview - It's strictly a 5 question limit so we tried to make them count!
Welcome Will!
1. How did you get involved in music production?
Good question! 2 answers to this! My mum encouraged me at a young age to listen to Radio 1's dance shows, and hearing good, unsigned music gave me quite a buzz - I decided this is what I wanted to do! I also remembering hearing songs on the radio, thinking "If only it went down to this key... why did they do that?" - in the end, heck I'll do it myself!
2. What's been the highlight(s) of your career to date?
This year's been good. The last 2 months have been a progressive highlight actually. My sound is coming together and going where I want it, so that's really positive. Liam Melly's remix has been included on John Askew's forthcoming mix comp, and hearing Cloud Surfing live on Radio 1 at Coloursfest in the main arena will stick with me forever I think.
3. So, you live in a fairly remote area right? - do you find this problematic, or is it nice to be able to escape the madness...
Bit of both if I have to be boring. Gigs wise, its quite a hinderence, arranging flights just so I can get to Glasgow enroute! However, home is where the heart is, and I've produced some of my best material whilst I've been home in Orkney. This EP is a good example! The scenery, people, atmosphere all have a big influence on my music, the laidback rural life is something I miss when I'm in Glasgow!
4. Hardware or software...or both? Tell us about your studio set up...
Currently only on Software except the Midi keyboard I occasionally use. Synth wise, Z3ta, Vanguard, Predator and Nexus are the prodominant VST's included in my music. Along with a whole batch of plug-ins! Ableton is currently my main sequencer but I'll be investing in a Mac, along with a Virus or Korg M50 in the near future!
5. Finally, describe your sound in 5 words!
I'd Say That It's Driving.
Before you go, give us a Top 5 of the tracks doing it for you just now!
1. Will Atkinson - Coming Home [Fraction Records]
2. Nick Callaghan & Will Atkinson - Until Next Time [Goodgreef Digital]
3. Harryson - Farenheit [Cd-R]
4. Will Atkinson - Untitled [Cd-R]
5. Hi-Gate - Caned & Unable (Will Atkinson Rmx) [Cd-R]
Will Atkinson 'Coming Home / Headlock' E.P is out now on Fraction Records!
Send us your questions for future interviews on our artists to: info@fractionrecords.com
Let us know who the questions for, and remember to leave your name! The best will get asked!