Optiv: The best emcees know when to let the music breath

Photo: Optiv

Relapse, Manchester's foremost drum n bass, jungle, IDM and breakcore extravaganza returns this September to celebrate the Birthday of their CEO Sub:Conscious as well as their head photographer Miss Tickle. Heading up this occasion Relapse have flown in mighty drum n bass veteran Optiv to showcase his hallowed take on the genre. 

Foz Foster caught up with the Swiss D 'n' B maestro ahead of his very rare Manchester performance. Stream his Chinese Laundry Sessions mix below.

You're set to play for Relapse at Sound Control on September 13th. When was the last time you played in Manchester? 

A very long time ago, I think it might have been around 2000 and I would have played as Cause4Concern. I couldn’t tell you where either.

Seems like a Manchester return is long overdue then! Which cities do you most enjoy playing in the UK?

For me it’s London, I love the big clubs like Fabric for example.

Because you've been in the game for so long, I bet it's been nice to see your audiences continually grow? Where other than the UK goes craziest for your music?

I love playing in Holland, especially the club Melkweg in Amsterdam, it's nuts!

Being over in Switzerland and playing lots of shows in Europe and elsewhere, would you say the culture with emcees is different and if so, what is your preference?

There are not as many emcees in Europe as there are in the UK, all the overseas emcees seem to do so in English so perhaps it’s because of the language barrier.

Some parties in Europe are completely without an emcee, personally I think it’s good to have an emcee so long as they are there to hype the crowd from time to time and not wax lyrical over every minute of the set. In my opinion the best emcees know when to let the music breath.

It's all about knowing when the vocals are enhancing the music and not drowning it isn't it? Changing the topic to production, who do you most enjoy working with in the studio in terms of producers and vocalists? 

With regards to vocals I love to work with MC Ryme Tyme, for me he has the right sound, delivery and style for the type of Drum & Bass I make. In terms of production partners it has to be CZA (above) from Cause4Concern, we have done so much together over the years, and my other partner in crime BTK who is a great friend and always a pleasure to work with.

Do you have any hot tips for who is going to be making a big name for themselves in terms of production this year or next?

Yes, there is a group from France called Signs, I would definitely look out for them.

Changing the topic again here… A lot of artists seem to experiment with doing a 'live show', would this be something you would ever consider doing or are you happy with traditional DJing?

For those of us who are old enough to remember the nineties Drum & Bass scene I used to be in a live 7 piece band called Pressure Rise, I did that for a few years but remember it being very hard work. For the moment I am happy to DJ but who knows what the future holds, no plans yet though.

No chance of a 'Pressure Rise' reunion then? If you weren't making music, what do you think you would be doing? 

Painting!

Excellent, all about the creative mind. Back to the music, would you like to tell us about any of your forthcoming releases?

There are a lot of remixes by myself and BTK; Mindscape – Gene Labs Remix, Prolix feat MC Coppa – Interlace Remix, Dom & Roland – Jungle Beast Remix and Bad Company – Spider Remix.

We are also working on a couple of EPs, one for Playaz and the other for Blackout. I also have new material with CZA & Cause4Concern forthcoming on Red Light Records & C4C Recordings.

Wow, respect to the work rate. I take your studio is one of your favourite places? Finally, is there anything you would like to add?

Just that I'm looking forward to playing in Manchester, it’s been too long!

Catch Optiv doing his thing when Relapse returns to Sound Control on September 13th. Head here to grab your tickets.

Tickets are no longer available for this event