JDNB Interview - Ekstatic
A warm welcome for the glowing Ekstatic, a multifaceted Artist with an aptitude for songwriting, singing, djing and producing - effortlessly exhibiting a boundless musical capacity.
I caught up with the budding Birmingham based Ekstatic for a wee chat ahead of her EP release with just be, an exclusive drop for International Women's Day...and it's a free download!
Big ups for rolling through Hannah. We are two months into 2022, how has the year been for you so far?
"2022 has been mega for me so far! I’ve had bookings rolling in and it’s looking lively."
Can you share some of the earliest memories you have of hearing music?
"The earliest memory I have of hearing music is when I was tiny tiny! My mum has always said I could sing as soon as I knew how to talk. My Dad was in a Rock ‘n’ Roll band playing the drums as well as being a vocalist so my biggest inspiration is him."
Ekstatic - an alias bursting with joy, what led you to choose the name?
"My personality is what my DJ name is all about! The weird spelling is just because it’s a bit different! I took a lot of influence in the name from my sister, ‘Skeptic’."
First introduction to Drum & Bass?
"I’d say my first introduction to Drum and Bass was back in Kent, going to Club Chemistry and seeing Sub Focus play and thinking ‘yeah I definitely want to do something like that’. The energy is like no other."
Which Artists and labels have played a significant role in your journey with Drum & Bass?
"Artists such as Solah have played a significant role in my journey so far, she inspires me to write to the best of my ability and really putting my emotion in the song through my lyrics. Rough Tempo will always be close to my heart, giving me the platform to stream from the early days of when I first started DJing. Labels such as Connexions Club, have pushed me beyond limits helping me to create some of the best tracks I’ve ever written which can be found on my Spotify and SoundCloud now as well as the sick events I’ve played at too. Opportunities come my way from labels such as just be with the creation of this EP and putting me in touch with some crazy producers such as No Patterns."
Possessing a versatile set of musical abilities from singing to producing your own tracks - how did you uncover this canvas of talent?
"Ah thank you very much! Singing has always been a massive passion of mine, I studied GCSE Music and then went on to study Music Performance in college now following it on at University at BIMM! When it comes to producing I’ve been very fortunate to have a few amazing producers around me that I’ve watched over the past year and gained the knowledge to gradually start producing myself! Of course I am very grateful to Jakeeq and Posk for being so patient with me and helping me along the way."
Attending one of Europe's largest portals to the creative industries - how has the voyage with BIMM helped with your career so far?
"BIMM have been incredible for the year and a half I’ve been here so far. They have put me into contact with so many amazing people and the opportunities I’ve had are crazy! The Lecturers are so supportive and push you to do your absolute best. My vocal skills have improved massively since being there as well as my songwriting ability."
March welcomes a very special release, lying close to the heart for a couple of reasons - can you share the story behind your Searching EP?
"This EP is very special. Both tracks mean a lot to me. ‘Searching’ is the very first track I ever produced and sang over. In the first lockdown I spent a while creating this track and layering the vocals the way I wanted and then had some help from Jakeeq and Posk tweaking a few things and mixing it down. ‘Liam’ was written in memory for one of my closest friends who sadly passed away from SADS in January last year. Produced beautifully by No Patterns, as soon as I heard this track I thought of Liam and instantly the lyrics came to me."
The 'Searching EP' drops as a free download with just be on IWD - what does this cardinal date symbolise for you as an Artist?
"What a better day to release it on than International Women’s Day! As a woman in the music industry, especially in the Drum and Bass scene there’s a lot of pressure to get yourself out there and be noticed straight away. Any women creating any kind of art is contributing to the scene, this day allows us to be heard just that little bit more."
Give us your top three events which have created those special memories that stick like glue?
"CT Fest is the most vivid memory I have, watching my sister play and pass over to the man like Guv was madness. Seeing the crowd's reaction and my sister's face light up was something I’ll never forget. I’ve seen Nicky Blackmarket play thousands of times but I will always remember one event. He dropped a naughty double and gave me this dirty look as if he was agreeing with me that the double was off key. And one of the very first events I played at for my family DrippyBoiii in Lincoln and pulling up the tune cos it was such a banger, this event was at a local venue so it was a very intimate atmosphere which made it even better."
We all have our inspirations - who has influenced you the most when it comes to producing music?
"I take a lot of influence from many different artists from not on the Drum and Bass scene but the music scene in general. I mentioned earlier Solah plays a big part in my lyricism when it comes to putting emotion into my tracks. Being at university and doing a creative band module, I am finding a lot of inspiration from the environment I'm in at the time and definitely the mood I am in at the time of writing. When it comes to producing I am influenced a lot by the tunes I’m listening to at the time but also from watching producers such as Stranjah and Jakeeq have really helped my progression but have also influenced the sounds such as the percussion and trippy breaks."
Where can we see Ekstatic play this year and do you have any more releases brewing in the cauldron?
"You can catch me at PST in Birmingham every month for Revolution Sound System bringing the Jungle Flavours! And I’ve got a few more bookings lined up for the year ready to announce shortly! I do have a funky bootleg I’ve been working on which could potentially be my first self release!"
Anyone you think we should be keeping our eyes on this year?
"There’s a lot of up n comers who should be in the spotlight right now! Labels included! DrippyBoiii have been making absolute moves right now with events and releases left, right and centre! This year is going to be the year for the mighty Posk and it’s been a pleasure to watch him grow. And Connexions Club is celebrating their third birthday this year, with releases coming through for the year and amazing people on the Roster."
Thank you very much for your time Hannah, last but not least - any shouts or mentions?
"Thank you for having me Oli! It’s been fun to answer the questions! Thank you to just be for homing this EP and giving me the platform to share my music. A big shout out to everyone who has been supporting me from the start or even if you’re new here. I hang out with a lot of musicians and if you’re into heavier stuff go and check out Below the Stones and Santu."
Ekstatic;
Beatport / SoundCloud / Facebook
Interview by: Oli Cee
