Modest Intentions has been producing drum and bass over the one decade. His first release was Shugar Lips EP (Intelligent Recordings) in 2009, since then he has been releasing steadily his music under several labels. He has been collaborating with several artists, like Emily Jones (who has been working with Hybrid Minds). His music is characterized by soulful, melodic, atmospheric with gently picked jazzy notes liquid drum and bass.
ARTIST QUESTIONNAIRE: Modest Intentions
How did you get into drum'n'bass?
I used to produce uplifting trance and chillout music for 6 years, until somewhere in 2009 the genre slowly, but surely, started to die out. Back in 2008 I've already made my first attempts with drum and bass and people seemed to like it more than all my other stuff, so I decided to switch to drum and bass completely.
What year did you start producing music?
2003
Your first drum'n'bass release:
First drum and bass track was 'Neolith' - 2009. First actually released song was 'Snow Castle' in 2005. It was so long ago, it's not even selling on the Internet anymore.
Record labels from which your music has been released:
Intelligent Recordings, Quasar, DOOH! Records, Galacy Recordings, Soul Deep, Liquicity, Celsius, Liquid Tones, Liquid Brilliants, LW Recordings, KLDR
How do you describe your music?
Melodic, dreamy, a bit sad sometimes, but at the same time groovy and deep.
What or who inspires you to create music?
People, deep meaningful conversations, desire to connect with somebody on another level.
What would you do differently as an aspiring young producer?
Nothing. I have zero regrets.
Advice for newcomers:
There is some content that is very hard to find on Youtube. Nowadays it is very easy to just google "how to make a cool bass sound" or something like that. But what is truly missing, is the philosophy of music. "Why do something", is a purely philosophical question, it is not a method, rather a search for motivation and a reason. Try to explain yourself A to Z, what you want specifically and use that to your advantage when building a career. Do not just press buttons cluelessly in software. You will not have a sufficient amount of motivation to keep doing this for years to come.
Who would you like to collaborate with and / or play b2b in the future?
Not sure. I'm not that inspired by such things.
What should a promoter consider when inviting you to play?
I'm easy. Not sure if this is a relevant question for such a relaxed and accepting type of guy.
What should definitely be in your artist's rider?
Some random thing.
The best / most memorable parties you've played at:
I have performed on multiple great and successful parties, but the one that really stands out was Valgeranna 2012. It was more of a friends ‘invite only’ event(or at least it looked like it, because it felt like everyone knew each other). All the DJs basically went to sleep and I played the whole night by the shore, watching the incredible night sky and there were only a few people to dance.
Don't be fooled, I have performed before several thousands people in big venues, but this one night in August 2012 was something special. Deep conversations, the completely relaxed and peaceful state of mind, people chilling and talking by the fire and my closest friends supporting me, not to mention we were all sober (I think that is why I still remember this night so clearly, just like them). I am not sure it gets any better. I have a framed photo from that night on my desktop until today, 8 years later.
The weirdest song request you've been asked during a DJ set:
Uh.. Юрий Шатунов - Седая ночь. I know. Just deal with it.
Interesting fan experience:
One time a girl in the backstage wanted to talk to me. She saw a painting on the wall and she asked me, "What do you see in this picture?", and I said "A dead baby". We never talked again. Weirdest interaction in my life.
Other interests (hobbies):
I love PC games, cats, philosophy, psychology, nature and photography.
Do you prefer to make plans or to be spontaneous?
Spontaneousness above all.
Who's your best friend?
Anton Kuzik. This guy... he is a LEGEND the world is yet to find out about. He is an extremely talented musician with outstanding taste, but because he is very shy and introverted, he is yet to show the world what he is capable of.
What question nobody should ever ask you?
Don't offer me drugs. You will lose a bit of my respect. You'll still be alright, but just not the same person to me anymore. :)