Monika Interview

Making waves in the drum & bass scene is UK-born, NZ-based Maxwell ‘Monika’ Sweeney.

Maxwell has been busy carving out a prolific portfolio over the past few years, racking up releases on Soulvent Records, Shogun Audio, and Med School Music. Alongside an impressive backcatalogue, Maxwell has been working hard making a lasting imprint on the Christchurch NZ dnb scene, by hosting a weekly dnb mix show on the popular RDU 98.5fm and playing supporting gigs for a host of established internationally touring DJs.

As Maxwell keeps clibming upwards on his musical journey, it would be wise to keep him locked in your headphones.

Thanks for taking time to talk to us. Can you tell us about growing up in the UK and how you made your way to New Zealand, and how that has influenced your music?

I grew up in a quaint town just outside Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire and then lived in London for 5 years! That’s where I met my kiwi girlfriend. She had to return home to New Zealand, and I followed her.

It's influenced my music massively as I've been getting loads more gigs here. It's taught me what kind of sound works on a dancefloor, and what really does not.

Your name Monika is your middle name to Maxwell Sweeney right?

Actually no! But maybe I should add it in.

Tell us about your first releases and how you got into producing?

My first ever releases were on Slime Recordings, before they were focusing on garage. I still keep in touch with the crew and they’ve just started up a dnb sub-label called Shadowhearts!

I got into producing approx. 8 years ago. I was given a laptop by my parents for uni and I installed Logic on it. Been at it ever since.

How is the Christchurch dnb scene?

It’s fuckin ace mate. Dnb is the primary music of choice for clubbers here, and they have big names playing every single weekend (sometimes mid-week too).

What is your current DAW set up and any favourite plug-ins?

I’m a Logic user! Fave plugs at the moment are the Softube Tubetech CL1b analogue compressor emulation and a free plugin called the s(m)exoscope. The s(m)exoscope is a real-time waveform visualiser, which means I can see exactly how I am shaping a sound as I am processing it. Super useful for subs/basses.

What 5 tunes are in your bag right now?

Terror - Our Way Ft. Florence Rawlings

Enei - Limits Ft. Anastasia

Charli Brix - Let It Breathe Ft. Data 3

Horace Andy - Natural Mystic (Saxxon Remix)

Hugh Hardie - She Moves Ft. GLXY, 3-Card & Zoe Phillips

What are your all time favourite bits of music?

Whoa ok. That’s a big one.

I’ll give you two:
Joga - Bjork
Del Fuego - Fat Freddy’s Drop

Do you rate MCs? Any favourites or any vocalists you like?

Yeah man. It’s a shame this is even a debate! MC’s make live nights so much more interesting!

Shouts to Bazil MC who stepped up for my latest Fokuz release (alongside Critical Event and Askel).

Other faves are Degs, Seige, Dan Stezo, & Tali.

What has been your favourite release to date?

I reckon I’m most proud of my Observatory release on Ingredients music.

I commissioned the artwork with an artist in London so I feel deeply connected to it, and I feel the tracks work so well together. When I listen back to them I don’t feel I could improve them in any way.

If I gave you £10k what would you do with it and why?

If I was sensible I’d probs save and put it towards buying a house. And probs a holiday with my girlfriend and see my family back in the UK.

If I was less sensible I’d deffo go buy a shit load of new hardware and plug-ins. I’ve been dreaming of getting a bass guitar again, so deffo that. Maybe a fresh pair of kicks or two. Some designer threads because why not.

Where has been your favoruite place to play?

I had a really fun gig recently at a club in Christchurch called Hide.

It was a super intimate gig, and I went b2b with my mate Simon Rubix. Just great vibes and pure love of the music. It gave me all the right warm-fuzzies.

I really love your release Taho - what inspires you to make music?

Thanks!

Inspiration comes when you least expect it to, so I make sure I write things down as they come to me and then I'll attack them at a later date.

But the thing is, I’m addicted to making beats, so even when the inspiration has run out I’ll still be sitting at my desk, grinding the day away.

What's on the schedule for your next release?

I’m thinking of taking a little Monika break for a bit as I’m working on some very exciting collaborative projects. The reality is, I have idea what’s gonna happen next and it’s great.

What's your goals and plans for the next 3 years?

I have some plan, but I’d rather not share them!

Any shouts and thanks?

Yes! Shouts to Andy @None60. So happy to be part of their family.

Monika releases on Beatport & Juno

Follow Monika:
Soundcloud / Facebook / Twitter

Interview conducted by Missrepresent

Posted by Brenton Clerkin