Sidney ‘The Hurricane’ Charles takes on the mantle from Diynamic and Sintope duo NTFO, providing the latest release on Ralph Lawson and 20/20 Vision Recordings’s brand new sub-label Editions. Crafting four fresh cuts for the Leeds-based label, Drumcode, Hot Creations and Avotre man Charles has put together a standout release for the imprint. Today, you can check out a sliver of the release in the form of ‘Rookie’ as Sidney talks us through the EP, maintaining that iconic head of hair and all the big dates on the horizon!
WWD: You’ve presented us here with an EP on 20/20 on the Editions Series. It’s a bit different to your past releases but it has that signature raw sound to it. Tell us about how you approached it?
As you said I focused on my usual club sound, with heavy drumming and swingy percussions but I also wanted to include some new moods and production techniques with this EP. The synths I used are all straight from hardware – I wanted to give an analog feel to all of the tracks and I really like how the mood changes throughout the EP. It starts hard and progressively gets more uplifting.
‘Keep It Real’, gets deep and melancholic while ‘Flak94’ is weird with an afterparty vibe and ‘Paraswing’ closes the release with the TechTool: Rookie! 🙂
WWD: What was it about the opportunity that encouraged you to sign on?
I’ve been a fan of 2020 Visions for many years and I have always been a massive supporter of the artists putting records out on the label. I especially remember the early days, with releases form Huxley, Maya Jane Coles and Eats Evrything that were very inspiring to me as a breakthrough producer.
WWD: Your production rate is truly impressive. Can you give us an insight into how you structure your schedule in the studio?
Well I don’t really have a structured schedule. But in general I spend most of my time during the week in my studio working on ideas and whenever something comes out that, I push it through and finish it. Normally I spend 4 days a week in the studio, depending on my creative energy.
WWD: A question for all the tech-nerds out there. What would be your top 3 choice of vsts for bass/synths etc?
Novation Bass Station II
Korg Volca Bass
Roland TB-3
WWD: You’ve graced a vast number of top quality labels. Are there still any imprints out there that you dream of releasing with?
For sure! I’d love to release on Kerri Chandlers new label Kaos Theory, I’m also a big fan of Aus Music, Bass Culture, Robsoul, Ovum to name a few.
WWD: A quick question we all want the answer to… How do you maintain such a fine head of hair? Some say the best hair in all of the scene.
Hahaha! Well I actually don’t really take good care of it! I don’t use proper products like conditioner or anything. I only use shampoo twice a week and on the other days i just use a 2in1 product.
WWD: You started something very special alongside Darius and Santé last Summer. For those who’ve never been can you describe the vibe that Do Not Sleep set at Vista Club?
Yes we had an amazing summer on the island and the vibe at Vista Club was very special. I loved that room as it has the perfect size to create an electric energy but at the same time it was very intimate. You had the best of both worlds: A raw warehouse vibe with high ceiling and a big sound, but later on when the sun appeared behind the dj both it was more getting like a typical ibiza-terrace situation.
WWD: Favourite Ibiza hangout away from the nightlife?
Es Portixol… It’s a secret beach on the northern part of the island. Or Cala Nova… You get some good waves there, some high enough for surfing.
WWD: Are you still able to find the time to a&r with Santé at Avotre?
For sure… We’re constantly searching for new talent, tracks and I help out wherever I can to keep AVOTRE continue to grow!
WWD: Before we let you go, what are the big dates coming up in your calendar?
Yes, I just came back form my 2nd Asia/Australia Tour and i feel very inspired by the last few weeks. I’m looking forward to Mint Warehouse in Leeds, Hide-Out Festival, my 2nd USA tour in may, My south-america Tour in June, and Mysteryland NL to name a few…
Keep It Real Ep is out now on 20/20 Editions
Follow: Sidney Charles // 20/20 Vision Recordings