Long-time producer and artist Mr. Gordon has built a repertoire of original music by uniting passion, precision, and an unshakable curiosity for experimentation.
Following the release of two new singles, a remix project and an original track, we caught an interview with Mr. Gordon, to dig a little deeper into his creative journey so far. Here’s how it went.
* * *
Mr. Gordon – thanks for the interview, and huge congrats for the new release. To set the scene, where are you based right now, and how would you describe your style of music?
Thank you! I live with my small family in a quaint village between Mannheim and Heidelberg, away from big cities.
I’ve worked on my newest release It Is Freezing Out – a Mr. Gordon remix session for a long time and I am glad that it turned out so well. In my music, diverse sounds blend into a unique melody with creative depth. Every tone or rhythm tells a story – that’s my goal for each music I make. Above all, I always try to discover something new. Music is often a reflection of my life.
You’ve been making music for over twenty years, beginning with the PS2 Music Generator – what was it about that early experience that shaped your lifelong passion for producing?
The Music Generator sparked a profound passion, unveiling the ability to bring life into melodies and evoke emotions. It planted the seeds for a lifelong journey, steering me away from the common pursuits of my peers. While others my age sought meetings for smoking and drinking, my vice was the music. The notion of crafting something creatively musical seemed implausible and had never been on my agenda before – it opened my eyes.
How different is your style and approach now when you sit down to craft a new track?
I used to think in themes, focused more on structures and so on. Today, my style is more human, much more relaxed. Music should be a feeling and is a feeling … it accompanies the rhythm of life. When I have ideas, I try them out, but I never force them. Above all, I work in sessions – the data is always huge and chaotic in the end, but usually, I end up with not just one idea.
Tell me about the single Troubles – what inspired it, what was the creative process like, and what does it represent?
Troubles originated from a session where I was originally jamming with a lot of disco-pop sounds and elements. Using plugins, the mixer and a disco sample, out of nowhere the sound of Troubles came to life. The sound was fantastic, captivating me entirely. Consequently I began to craft a track from it … aiming to evoke a mood akin to Mr. Oizo but with my unique touch. The sound resonated well with my current state – a frantic, stressful vibe with a propulsive beat. A reflection of which is why the song is titled Troubles.
You also recently launched the remix It Is Freezing Out – why did you decide upon this particular tribute, and how different is the remix process when compared to a blank slate?
The new project was something entirely new and meant a lot to me. Remixing songs from someone else, working with stems, and incorporating the inspiration and creativity of Ben into my own work was extremely interesting and a lot of fun.
Remixing your own songs is easier since you have much more influence on each individual track. Working from a blank sheet of paper can be a lengthy process as you’re not spoon-fed anything. I’ve had the idea for a while to remix some songs from Ben, formerly Uzi & Ari, as he’s one of my favorite artists, now a friend. I wanted to pay tribute to him in this way. It’s one of my favorite albums.
The two tracks are distinctly different, but there’s also a nuanced minimalism and nostalgia to the way you’ve built them – is it important for you to maintain threads of identity throughout your catalogue, or is versatility / creative freedom a strength in itself?
I strive to maintain a distinctive identity, yet I’m certainly inclined towards versatility. I wouldn’t start throwing Techno, Rock, or Country songs into my catalog, but some genres complement each other well. It would be dull for me to deliberately focus on just one thing. Besides, depending on my mood, I might produce a Minimal House track.
What’s your local music scene like in Mannheim, and do you have plans to take your music to the stage, or to submit it for TV and media?
We have numerous bands and notable artists over here. One of the significant projects is the University facility for music business, creative industries and popular music in Mannheim. However, the club scene isn’t as vibrant over the years, things have changed. With some clubs closing down or losing their once lively atmosphere, often featuring repetitive playlists. On the flip side, there’s a growing trend of concerts and small festivals. Observing the electronic scene, it seems dominated by wedding DJs, relying on laptops and AI-controlled Traktor software. Some aim to achieve more with less, I don’t identify with that.
As of now, I haven’t planned much, but I definitely should. I’ve done a few small Dj gigs and introductions so far. However, I’m planning to gradually bring my own music to the forefront in upcoming gigs.
Experimentation is a huge part of what drives you as a musician. Do you get inspired by everyday sounds and experiences, or do you set time aside to sit down and make music from scratch?
I find great inspiration in sci-fi films, such as Dune, The Creator … along with noir-type movies. Currently disco music is a significant source of inspiration for me. It’s not just the groove and intriguing song structures that delight me. Disco exudes positivity, which is particularly uplifting right now.
You started by making music with your brother – do you ever still collaborate, or do you prefer the solo route now?
It’s been a long time since I made music with Mike. Unfortunately, it’s no longer feasible for him due to time constraints. Meanwhile I have found my own path and continued to evolve. It’s a pity since Mike played a crucial role in paving the way for me.
What was it about metal and electronica that made you want to intertwine them, and are you keen to fuse other unexpected genres as you continue your creative journey?
In the past we used to listen to a lot of metal, and when we first heard The Chemical Brothers newest record back than Come with Us, we were inspired to create electronic music while attempting to blend both genres. Block Rockin Beats was particularly influential, along with The Prodigy. This is why I continually strive to try something new and avoid standing still, within the realm of possibilities. Initially, it doesn’t matter whether it sounds good or not, as often … a new idea emerges from the experimentation.
What’s your most ambitious aspiration?
Improving in production, staying creative and edge those skills … getting to a point where many people appreciate my music, taking the time to enjoy it. I believe it is the best reward and recognition.
What are your software must-haves as a producer?
I rely on FL Studio for its user-friendly interface and straightforward approach. Additionally I use the Notes app on my iPhone to write down ideas or songs that can be sampled.
What’s next for you?
I’m planning a disco session, something I’ve always wanted to do. I enjoy spinning discopop music … positive vibes and the rhythm are just legendary, inviting everyone to dance. Everyone’s on their feet, whether they planned to dance or not. Unfortunately, it’s not played enough, but that works in my favor on some gigs. I already have some demos to see if the journey is worth it and this project is definitely worthwhile. Additionally I have a few songs in the Troubles direction, so there’s more to come. My hard drives and the cloud storage are filled with started beats and songs.
Thanks Rebecca for the Interview.
* * *
Find Mr. Gordon on Bandcamp, Soundcloud & Instagram.
