JDNB Interview - Prestige
The phrase ‘born musician’ is one that is passed around a lot in this day and age. Thankfully, in the case of Alex Prestige (formerly known as Prestige), this is entirely true. Born and raised in Kaliningrad, Alexander spent only a short time pursuing sports and martial arts, even becoming a Russian karate and boxing champion, before the sound of music became too strong for him to ignore. To this day, he has been experimenting with his style for over five years.
Influenced in early childhood by albums such as The Prodigy’s “The Fat Of The Land”, Alex Prestige was always drawn in by fast drum rolls and beats, but with a certain dark atmosphere that carries through to his current styles. Of course, upon realisation that he didn’t just have to listen to it, but he could create it for himself, the life of Alex Prestige inevitably followed down that inventive route of the music editor. Working hard in a music school, and running rave’s with a friend from high school, the music became the new wonder drug, as all musicians will be aware of. Sometimes, the sound just takes hold and refuses to let go.
After exchanging tracks with Uk DJs, Alex Prestige gained attention from releases on Serial Killaz, Grid, Program and others. Two popular drum n’ bass labels, Viper and now Playaz, have signed up to showcase and broadcast his work.
With all of this behind him, the career of Alex Prestige is still in its infancy, and any drum n’ bass fan will come to realise over the next few years. The natural enthusiasm of an artist is tempered by the natural energy of a karate champion to make for a powerful live performance that should not be missed. Keep your eyes open around Kaliningrad and the world for Alex Prestige.
With his latest release ‘Invisible’ out now on Liondub International we thought it would be a good time to find out more.
Hi, thanks for chatting with us here at JDNB. How have you been coping with the Covid-19 Pandemic and what have you been doing to fill your time?
To be honest, I can only dream of lazing around at home.. but work, music, sports, and two small children do not go together with this in any way. Accordingly, the pandemic did not help me in any way.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?
I'm an Orthodox Russian in the middle of Europe - an exclave territory called Kaliningrad - the smallest region in Russia. For some reason, I like to say it, because no one knows where it is, apparently that's what I like.
How is the drum and bass scene in your area of Russia?
And that's something I don't like to talk about. there is no scene, in short. Here people love karaoke, unfortunately dnb is poorly represented in karaoke. But we definitely need to change this!!
Any other Russian artists we should be keeping our ears open for?
Yes, I see a lot of Russian producers on various labels and charts. In general, it does not matter who is from where!!.
What musical influences did you have growing up?
A lot of different breakbeat, big beat, hardcore, rap, rapcore and then jungle and drum ' n ' bass. I like to play Blink-182 on my pillows instead of drums and fall asleep to technical itch.
What first got you into jungle drum and bass, and was there a specific track that made you think “yeah this is the genre for us”?
I can't say what kind of track it was, but I remember that it was a compilation album that my classmate brought from Germany and had a lot of amens played on there. In principle, any jungle track is suitable. And then I realized that you can't play it on pillows anymore.
What would you say has been your 3 biggest achievements so far within the drum and bass scene?
1 - I once got a phone call from Dj Fresh and he wanted to sign me to Breakbeat Kaos.
2 - I released a track called ‘Drugs' with a sample from Kurupt FM and with reese bass on the Noisia label. And it was jump up too.
3 - I have Bou following me on Instagram.
What does your studio consist of, and what’s your fav plug-in (if used)?
My studio is just a laptop and headphones. And I really like it. the artist must be hungry. But the laptop is in my kitchen, so I don't follow this rule and plan to buy some monitors soon. I still love Massive vst (old).
Who are your top 3 dnb djs, mcs and artists right now?
I don't know much about MC, I like producers like Tyke, Warhead and Dj Fresh obviously.
You have your latest release ‘Invisible’ EP out now on Liondub International. How did this opportunity come about?
I always knew this label and intuitively understood that it was a good one. Erik Liondub wrote to me and we agreed that I would make an EP for him. I sat down and made some new tracks, and now they're out. It sounds simply stupid, but it is. Here's a free lesson on signing tunes in the dnb scene.
What bit of advice would you give to new producers wanting to get their tracks heard by the major labels?
Although in general, my career in dnb is more than successful, it's hard for me to give the right advice. Now every major label has a demo box and I think that if the music is good, then they will pay attention to it. But you do not need to get hung up, if you are sure that your music should be heard - just send it to your favorite producers in social networks, they can also help you with this.
Where do you get your inspiration from when making tracks?
Music is always inspiring. I'm not one to be inspired by the forest or anything like that. By the way, quarrels also work well, always.
What are your top 5 Liondub international tracks?
Dungeon Kru - Pushing (Dunk Remix)
Dungeon kru + Liondub - Fearless (feat Bandit MC)
What are your goals for the next year, hopefully plenty more music?
Yes, I also try to be productive by releasing several EP's a year. Now I'm already working on tracks that will probably be released next year. But I'm always open to suggestions.
What would you say you like most about the www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk website?
I like to read the interview section.
Thanks for your time. Lastly, any thanks or shoutouts?
Greetings to my parents and sister, wife, and children. To my colleagues and sparring partners. Thanks to the labels who believe in me and to everyone supporting my music. I'm just getting started.
'Invisible' EP by Prestige is out now on Liondub International: Download / Stream Here
Prestige Socials:
Beatport / Juno / Soundcloud
Liondub International Socials:
Juno / Soundcloud / Facebook
Interviewed And Edited By: Chilla
Published: 25/5/2021
