In Conversation With: Icicle

Last years line up at VH1 Supersonic was a good few steps up ahead of the the largely mainstream electronic music that’s been coming into the country (well, mostly Goa) over the last few years. This year saw more alternative titans such as Maya Jane Coles, Carl Craig, Rockwell and Goldie make their way down to India’s party capital. Among them was Holland born, London native Icicle – a producer who’s been churning out forward thinking D&B, dubstep and techno for nearly over a decade.

The artist, also known as Jeroen Snik, has been widely recognised as one of the most technically advanced and admired D&B producers - a loyal signee of respected London based D&B label Shogun Audio - since 2008.

After his debut album ‘Under The Ice’ dropped in 2011, Icicle has been going from strength to strength with every release. His last album, which came out via Shogun – ‘Entropy’ had us hooked. The bass heavy album, which features collaborative tracks with Skittles, Mefjus and Sarah Hezen, is a hard dance floor banger – chaotic and surprisingly musical all at once.

We heard great things about his performance at the bass centric VH1 Supersonic Arms House Stage in December last year, and thought that it's maybe time to get in touch. We asked him about his experience in Goa, his thoughts about electronic music in its current state and plans for the future:

How’s it going?
Very well, thanks!

What was it like representing Shogun at VH1 Supersonic?
It was a great experience to travel to India and play music at the festival. Not in the least because there were so many of my personal friends from the music scene also in attendence - as well as a very dedicated crew.

Did you know much about the music scene in India prior to the festival?
I’d definitely heard certain things about how the scene has been emerging. Some of my close friends had already toured India and have been very enthusiastic. Also some of my friends here in London are originally from India and have been talking for a while about what’s going on.

Who were your favourite acts at the festival?
I was only at the festival for two days, but I thought Rockwell did a really good job, also Pavan from Foreign Beggars who was hosting the Arms House stage killed it. Special shout goes to Raj the beatboxer too.

What were the (non musical) highlights of your stay in Goa?
There were many I have to say. Overall the Goa countryside was epic. We took a trip to the beach, which was utopian. Also the Indian highways were an experience. The Indian driving style was quite a culture shock, and I’ve been to Moscow.

What is your mindset when coming to new dance music territories? And what did you think of the response at your India shows?
I think going to new places is one of the most important things you can do, building a new audience is very exciting. I think the Indian crowd is taking a minute adjusting to bass music, but I think the momentum will pick up now.

What do you think of the current D&B scene?
D&B is strong at the moment. I think you can really see how healthy a scene is by checking out new producers and new talent being attracted. There are more new names with big success right now then there perhaps ever were, which assures D&B’s future I think.

Any existing musical trends that you wish would go away?
I used to be much more of a purist, but I’ve really stopped hating on things. I think focusing on the strong areas of current electronic music is a lot more productive.

And an area of music that isn’t getting the attention it deserves?
I have to say real dark original dubstep seems to have left the spotlight to my disappointment. I think 140 music has a lot more to offer after the exploded EDM bubble. But I’m confident things will turn around again.

What would you say to producers in India hoping to take their music further?
I’d say they’re in a unique position. India is massive - there are so many potential people to engage with. I think being connected is important now and connecting with like-minded people is what builds scenes. I think as well; when you know your music is of a good quality, don’t be shy to approach labels, wherever they’re based. A good music label is always interested in new music from unknown people. They are the future.

What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently putting the finishing touches on a new audio visual live show, using a lot of electronic outboard hardware in conjunction with synced animation. We start touring at the end of February.

THE SAME 3 QUESTIONS

3 most inspirational artists:
Amon Tobin
Liam Howlett
Jeff Mills

3 favourite albums of all time:
Prodigy – Experience
Amon Tobin – Supermodified
A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders

Favourite 3 artists of the moment:
Blawan
Proxima
Mefjus

Words: Diya Gupta