Poker Flat head Steve Bug took part as a coach in the Mixmasters Retreat on Ibiza last year alongside veteran producer colleagues Huxley and Denney as well as singer & songwriter Jade PraiZe.
The output of last years students was so exciting that most of the tracks have been signed for Under One Roof and the coaches Huxley, Denney and Steve Bug each contributed a remix. One such artist was T. Nguyen whose track Prophetic Love incapsulates much of the quality and creativity in the compilation.
With the release out now, we sat down with him for a chat.
How did you first get involved in the world of electronic music?
I was initially drawn to electronic music through my brother, who went clubbing in Texas and New York. Later, when I relocated to NYC, I worked in the industry for warehouses and club events. These spaces, even in the early 2000s, were filled with creativity, energy, and community. The parties showcased a variety of sounds from Heavy Bass, UK Garage, Techno, and live bands that inspire me to this day.
Who were some of the artists you were initially drawn to?
Early on, artists like Armand Van Helden, Goldie, Steve Bug, Carl Craig, and Greg Wilson caught my attention. Their innovative approaches to production and ability to create immersive soundscapes were incredibly inspiring and influential. They sonically took you to another world.
Can you describe your creative process when crafting a new track, from the initial idea to the final mix?
My process usually starts with a concept, idea, or emotion I want to explore. I often begin with a vinyl sample, drum loop, or melody riff that sets the tone. From there, it’s about layering elements and textures, experimenting with synths and samples until the track feels right after running it through all the analog gear. The final mix involves refining the sound, nit-picking each element, finding the right moments when sounds come in and out within the arrangement, and ensuring each element sits perfectly in the mix. This often happens while getting input from the small producer community, collaborators, or mentors who help fine-tune the details until it’s released.
What do you think sets Deep House apart from other subgenres of House music, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I think Deep House is distinguished by its soul, smooth basslines, and an overall emotive feel. It connects on a deeper level, often incorporating elements associated with Black Music like Disco, Jazz, or African Drumming. Looking ahead, I see Deep House evolving with more cross-genre influences, bringing in modern sounds and production techniques while staying true to its emotional roots and the culture it was birthed from.
Your collaboration with Jade PraiZe on Poker Flat Recordings has been well-received. How did this partnership come about, and what was the creative process like for this release?
I met Jade during a retreat organized by Poker Flat and Mixmasters in Ibiza. We connected over our shared musical visions at Ibiza Sonic’s Studio with a group of artists and had a dynamic 3-4 hour session that day. The process involved melding my New York House, Techno, and Garage background with Jade’s innovative voice improvisations to create something unique.
With “Prophetic Love” climbing the Deep House charts, can you share some insights into the inspiration behind this track and its unique sound?
“Prophetic Love” was inspired by the transformative experiences I’ve had through music during the 2020 pandemic. The Reverend sample is from William Barber II, who gave weekly sermons in Washington DC. The track blends classic Deep House elements with unexpected rhythms and textures from instruments like Teenage Engineering’s OP-1 Field and Roland’s classic synth the SH-101. I aimed to capture the essence of those profound events during the pandemic, not only globally but what I thought needed to be heard on the dance floor when everyone was in lockdown.
You’ve had several releases in 2024, including remixes and original tracks. How do you balance your time and creativity between producing new music and performing live DJ sets?
Balancing studio time and live performances is all about organization and passion. I schedule regular studio sessions to focus on production and treat live performances as opportunities to test new material and connect with the audience, which feeds back into my creative process. Consistency in execution, time management, and engagement with the community help motivate the quality ideas and output of songs from me.
Your music often features a blend of Deep House and other electronic elements. How do you decide which elements to incorporate to keep your sound fresh and innovative?
I’m always listening to a wide range of music and experimenting with new production techniques. My main inspiration is what I am “NOT” hearing on the dance floor. In the end, deciding which elements to incorporate comes down to what feels right for the track and what can push the boundaries to keep the sound fresh for the audience to move their body to.
Looking ahead, what can your fans expect from your upcoming projects and performances in the second half of 2024? Any exciting collaborations or tours planned?
Fans can look forward to a series of releases that explore new sonic territories, touching on emotions of belonging and topics like identity, including collaborations with artists from diverse backgrounds that I’ve met this past year in Ibiza. I’m planning to reboot my label outofprint Recordings, which will bring these new sounds to clubs and festivals worldwide. I will be traveling mostly into the new year to connect with friends and work with a project called Montez Press Radio, a platform for underrepresented artists like writers, poets, and sound artists to showcase and talk about their work in a live radio format.