San Francisco’s Bardia F is the latest producer to join Stacey Pullen’s Blackflag family, marking his debut on the imprint with an impressive three track release. Dark, brooding techno, where power meets relentless energy. Catching up with the Blue Orb label boss this week, he’s detailed his recent rise, while also sharing a full premiere of ‘Doing Alright’ B-side ‘Obvious Problems’…
WWD: Thanks for joining us! Getting straight down to business, tell us about the new EP on Blackflag?
The first track, Doing Alright, is a tech house track that is banging with a big drop and carries a great deal of energy.
The second track is called Obvious Problems, and is a tech house builder that has some climaxing synthy stabs.
The third track, Bass & Booty, also is a tech house chugger that is steady and pounding.
WWD: When did you first come into contact with Stacey Pullen?
I met Stacey in San Francisco back in 2008 or ’09 through our friend Rooz. After that, I got to open for him 3 or 4 times.
WWD: What’s it like to have a legend like Stacey supporting your music?
It’s an amazing feeling to have when you get support from a legend like Stacey. A thrilling feeling for me was when I heard Stacey play a track that Rooz and I did a remix on (for Luca M at the BPM festival) – what a feeling to hear for the first time that one of your tracks was played by a legend like Stacey. I had goosebumps the whole time. It means the world to have Stacey’s friendship and support.
WWD: Your own label Blue Orb Records is very much on the rise at the moment. Can you tell us a little bit about the ethos behind the imprint?
Our philosophy is to keep the underground music and scene alive and to create a platform to support talented artists that normally may not have a voice. We focus on Deep House and Tech House, whereas on our side label, Red Orb Records, we focus on Techno.
WWD: What aspect of being a your own label boss do you enjoy most?
Helping small artists achieving their dreams.
WWD: What do you look for when your signing an artist to Blue Orb?
I care for and support quality music. A great baseline can’t hurt either! To me it doesn’t matter if you never had any releases or how big you are. I only care about the track. If the track is a solid track, we would be more then happy to sign them.
WWD: When you’re not making music, what is it that you like to listen to?
I really enjoy listing to music from 60’s and 70’s. Lots of Pink Floyd.
WWD: With so much music readily available online these days, what advice would you give to someone looking to give the music business a go?
The first thing I would tell them is to keep your day job. That way you can pursue your dream of making music. Never give up and always push yourself to be better. Most importantly, be and stay humble.
WWD: What do you usually start with when preparing a set? Do you have any particular routine?
I always look for new music on a weekly basis. Anywhere from buying them, promos or demos. I put them on my phone and listen to them before my sets to make sure I get a good feel for them.
WWD: Out of all the records you have at your finger tips, which one never fails to get things going?
Oh, this is a hard one. I always try to read the crowd to see what I need to play next. And all depends at the party too, whether it’s a day time, night or an afterhours spot. But I don’t have one track that is my go-to – it changes each time I play.
WWD:What are the big dates on the horizon for you and Blue Orb?
We have a showcase party in Toronto in October and we also have our annual showcase party down in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico the night before BPM starts we have been having this one for the past 3 years now. For me, Toronto in October and the BPM music festival in January.
Follow Bardia F: Facebook // Soundcloud