- Interview with Loopmasters
- Monday, February 18, 2008
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We had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Matt Pelling from the highly acclaimed sound producers, Loopmasters (their loops are available to download at trakAx.com!). Ever wondered how you make the step from enthusiastic amateur to full-blown professional? Matt gives us the lowdown on how he got started, his inspiration and plans for the future.
Q. You have obviously been around the music industry for while now, how did you first get involved in the music business and how did you come up with the idea of Loopmasters?
A. I was first a drummer, and I moved away to the country and wanted to keep making music so I started investigating sampling etc. I got a job working as marketing Manager for Time and Space, the UK main distributor of sample libraries, and from talking to users every day I soon formed the basis for the first sample libraries I released.Q. How long have you been running Loopmasters and what was the most challenging aspect of starting up your own loop-creation company?
A. In 1998 I started Beatnik samples, which in 2003 was changed to Loopmasters. The most challenging aspect was probably knowing at which point to swap from it being a hobby into something that was full time. I hope in retrospect I got the timing right.
Q. You seem to be always coming up with new and fresh ideas for your loop-based CDs, where do you get your inspiration from?
A. We are inspired by music, and what is popular is always changing. We try and remain true to our basic principles of quality and value, whilst searching for suitable producers to create material for all the latest dance and urban styles.Q. You probably hear tons of music from established and aspiring musicians every year, but who are the main Producers/Musicians you admire and do these artists play an important role in the loop creation process and genre selection?
A. We hear quite a lot of music here at Loopmasters, and we are constantly impressed with the level of production and musicianship, which we hear. Not everyone was born to make a sample CD though, and even some of the most inspirational musicians out there wouldn’t ever turn out a great sample CD project.
Ideally our producers are specialists in a certain genre or field, and have also got lots of ideas, a clinical eye for detail – and aren’t worried about using their greatest material on a Loopmasters release – we are very demanding!Q. With your extensive knowledge of the business, what would be the main tips or hints you could give to aspiring Producers/Musicians and Mixers?
A. I would say to learn what you need to know, when you need to know it, rather than being bewildered by all the technical terms. Stay true to your musical ideals, and whilst your bank balance may not initially feel the benefits, your soul will be glad that you did in later years!Q. In the years you have been running Loopmasters, what has been your greatest achievement?
A. Probably making it a full time occupation, and now being able to work with some of the artists and producers who we idolise, and bring great products to producers worldwide.Q. And finally, with a successful 2007 just over, what are your plans for 2008 and the future?
A. Our plans right now are to be true to our core business of samples, we feel that our new Artist Series is a unique and groundbreaking idea, and we look forward to a new website this year, and to delivering our best selection of samples yet to our customers. Personally, I’m looking forward to a holiday!Many thanks to Matt for taking the time to talk to us. You can check out all the Loopmaster’s royalty-free content on Loop Section of trakAx.com. Starting at US$1.99 for a bundle of 10 loops and beats, this is some of the best value on the net for professionally produced royalty-free content.