Since moving from Auckland to Melbourne in 2009, Amin Payne has pioneered what is now the world-class Melbourne beats scene. Signed to record labels all around the world, Payne is known internationally for his authentic style of future beat production. He now co-runs Condensed Milk with Jackson Miles, a music label and night which is gaining popularity and constantly compiling great production from all over the world. Familiar names such as Ta-Ku, Vanilla, Flash Forest, Silent Jay and Kirkis (to name a few) have all featured on Condensed Milk’s Dusty Milk Crates compilations. Representing Melbourne and Auckland, at Soundwave Croatia 2014, Payne is making a name for himself globally while regularly releasing beats that leave us in awe every single time.
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Kassie Junkeer: Since moving to Melbourne, in what ways have you seen the Melbourne music scene evolve?
AP: I moved to Melbourne to experience change, grow up, and of course absorb Melbourne’s great culture and opportunities and since moving I’ve seen more platforms become available for beat makers. There are more beat battles, more remix competitions and more online activity. Most importantly, I’ve seen much more support at shows; it’s gone from half empty rooms of just guys head nodding to a full room of both women and men dancing. So the environment is definitely less alienating nowadays.
KJ: What do you anticipate the environment and audience in Europe will be like when you go there for Soundwave Croatia 2014?
AP: Well I’ve never performed in Europe but I have been to Soundwave Croatia once before, in 2011, and that was amazing! I really felt the crowd was there for the music, experience, and beautiful scenery. I saw new artists I’d never heard of before and became a fan from then on. So I’m hoping the European audience will have a similar experience. I’m a newcomer to them with very few European followers so I’m hoping they enjoy my live set and original music.
KJ: You’ve become a member of quite a few beat collectives over the years, how have you managed to make a name for yourself and meet the correct people?
AP: Seriously, I don’t know how I have managed to get involved, I just do! Most of my friends are musicians and beat makers so that makes it easy to be a part of the scene and watch them evolve. I do DJ and supporting sets around Melbourne on the regular and that has created heaps of opportunities to meet like-minded people… real people who are genuine and don’t take things so seriously. I’ve been doing music for a few years now so I’ve been constantly connecting and building relationships and I’ve been blessed and lucky to have met the right people!
KJ: You have indeed collaborated with a vast array of artists. And you recently released Collision with Ben Bada Boom on vinyl with Cascade Records. What’s next on the list for creative projects?
AP: I have my second vinyl release coming out in July via my UK label Sniffing for Truffles and the EP is called Colourant. I’m really happy with it and I’m excited to share it with the world. I also have another collaborative project coming out with Sean Deans, which will feature some vocalists such as Dallas from Fat Freddie’s Drop, Tom Scott from Homebrew, Cazeaux OSLO and Stacey Gardiner. So it will be a different project to my previous one, and it will be released via The Operatives label later this year.
KJ: You must be working hard! How often do you produce music? And what is your process of producing?
AP: Well I’m doing music full time now so I have a lot more time for music and gigs. I try to produce as often as I can, sometimes four or five times a week and other times only once or twice a week if I have a lot of gigs or other commitments. My process or making music varies though; sometimes I’ll just start with the drums and build on top using synths and instruments etcetera. Other times the whole track is actually built around a sample I’ve found and chopped. When I collaborate it’s different. It’s basically just passing the track back and forth until it’s complete.
KJ: In such a fast-paced music scene, do you have any advice to give to budding bedroom producers?
AP: To me, as long as I’m making music that I enjoy and I’m happy with, without compromising my own vision, then I feel I’ve done my best and others will usually enjoy it as well. My advice is to stay true to your sound and find what it is you want out of music. If it’s for self therapy and not about being heard worldwide then continue to produce in your comfort zone. If you want your music heard by the masses then get out there and play your music to the right audience. Using the Internet to showcase your music as well a build and connect with fellow beat makes and musicians is a useful tool. Most importantly, respect others’ work as much as you want your work respected. If you want support then go and support others. Get out there and experience the Melbourne music scene in the flesh!
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Catch Amin Payne supporting Miles Bonny on 11 April at The Howler OR at Soundwave Croatia on the 18 July.