Russia is known for a lot of things, but who would have thought dope music would be one of them? Producer BMB Spacekid takes us on a funkadelic voyage back to the 1980’s when West coast hip hop was seeped in funk and dripping with groove in the form of his latest EP that is so hot, it shares its name with another communist nation in warmer climes.
Cuba is the St Petersburg native’s first UK release, and offers glimpses as to why he was selected to join HudMo, Ras G, MF Doom and Wu-Tang on tour.
GIITTV was able to grab a few moments with the Russian prodigy that is Dmitry Semenov.
What was the music scene like in Russia when you were growing up? Has it changed any?
At that time in Russia, as in the majority of other countries, pop and rock music was a key trend and unfortunately nothing has changed today. During my childhood, I grew up in my own world of music. Thank God I was born into a family where my mother was a piano teacher and my sister was constantly touring as part of an orchestra. I was always into classical music, old-fashioned jazz and disco. The family record player was my favourite toy as a kid and I always enjoyed finding out the backstories behind records I was listening to. When I was 10-11 years old, I heard DJ Premier and Group Home playing in a record shop and from then I knew I wanted to be involved in music.
How did the West coast end up having such a profound influence on you?
For me it was never about which coast a track or musician came from. I was always interested in how producers such as DJ Premier, J-Dilla, Pete Rock, Madlib and Dr.Dre found their inspiration. With this in mind, I found funk and soul music of the 1970s to 1980s, was mostly created by musicians from the West coast. It was just a natural connection for me and it all seemed very familiar, as if I had heard them in a previous life. This music is overwhelming, it’s full of love and sunshine and it brings happiness to all people. That is how I found inspiration from the West coast.
When did you get your first break in the industry?
I am unable to say exactly when it was, but I think there were 2 beats which I made for Rasco (Cali Agents) on his album Global Threat. Rasco got in touch and asked to collaborate. I was ecstatic because at that time I was 17 and Cali Agents were a favourite band of mine. After that I gained confidence in my abilities and I knew I was capable of making real beats and from then on my lucky breaks found me themselves.
What was your first studio like and has it changed much since then?
I arranged my first studio in my house, in my room at 17. It was a breakthrough for my sound. At that time I was lucky to acquire a good sound card, analogue filters and synthesizers for money from my first sound-design for TV ads. A lot of people noted at that time that my sound gained a new level. I always liked to write music on analogue equipment, almost without PC assistance. I may add that my studio setup suffers crucial changes every year. I actually recently purchased my first guitar. It’s a Fender Stratocaster of 1982.
You’ve toured with MF Doom and Wu-Tang Clan. What was that like and how did it come about?
I really enjoyed getting the chance to experience that given the fact I’m based in Russia. It all came about through the managers arranging the tours for MF Doom and Hudson Mohawke who invited me for a joint performance. But it was much more interesting with Wu-Tang. They actually decided themselves who would perform before them and I was informed by the show promoters that they only wanted me.
Tell us about your EP Cuba?
A few years ago I decided to make an album with a vintage sound in modern funk style. I made it and released it on the internet. However, it so happened that The Full Hundred called me last year and said they wanted to put out my music. That is how Cuba was born. It’s four tracks: two new and two old tracks were issued within this release, but with a new advanced version and some additional production. On this record, I tried to restore the disco-funk sound of 80s and add the fresh air and energy of today’s time.
The EP dropped on October 20 and its my first vinyl release ever. You can get on iTunes / Amazon etc too. I wish pleasant listening to all, as well as an ocean of love and gratitude!
@BMBSpacekid
