Exclusive: Five Minutes with Poté

Up-and-coming producer Poté has recently released Over The Water, and in preparation, we sat down to catch for 5 minutes to see what’s been happening in his world!

Hi there, how are you and what are you up to today?

I’m very well thanks, a bit busy today trying to complete a mini-mix with only my music for BBC Radio 1, while working on a few press features. Currently I’m whistling in my bedroom, listening to Marvin Gaye’s album What’s Going On, it’s such a well put together album.

To those not familiar with you, how would you describe your sound?

Quite percussive, energetic and melodic. Electronica, maybe? Electronica is a bit of a vague, undefining term, so I usually just stick with that.

What are the 5 most influential albums that have influenced you the most?

In no particular order:

Radiohead – In Rainbows

Buraka Som Sistema – Komba

Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly

Kanye West – 808 and Heartbreaks

Radiohead – King of Limbs

Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?

Jimmy Edgar – I just really love the groove in his music, especially in tracks like “Decalcify.” The relationship between the vocal cuts, bassline, drums ..perfect! I also love that gritty analogue feel some of his music has, with tracks like Strike, while still keeping such a strong groove.

I’m also really feeling South Africa’s Rudeboyz. I came across their stuff while randomly searching through Soundcloud and it’s incredible, incredible groove and depth to their music. It has a really free spirit about it, great to warm up parties with when I’m DJing.

Are there any key pieces of equipment that you are using to define your sound?

I’m currently in love with Lexicon’s effects, they have an incredible range and flexibility. My favorite is probably their Lex Vintage Plate reverb, great on vocals and drums.

What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?

I think the biggest challenge is getting yourself heard, because there are so many people out there who are actually able to make music now due to technological advances. The volumes of music getting released every day is crazy, and imagine it must be an uphill struggle for guys at radio or labels to constantly keep up with the amount of music and listen to every demo they get sent etc.

Where do you gather songwriting inspiration?

In a session with an artist I admire and work well with, always great to see what they’re listening to and making. It’s a great way of getting inspiration I find.

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when put music together?

Not particularly, my writing process changes every couple of months depending on what new things i’ve learnt, picked up from peers etc. It varies quite heavily, some tracks like Red Moon start with a poem or a word, others like Fall start with a simple riff loop. I really enjoy finding new ways to start, because that way the process of making music doesn’t become boring to me.

What’s the best gig you have ever done and why?

I played in Brussels for the guys at Recycleart Centre which was pretty amazing. Not the biggest of venues but it has such an incredible vibe in there, and community spirit. It was also the first time I saw Niggafox from the portuguese group Príncipe play, I’d really love to go back again sometime soon.

And the worst?

I’d like to show support to promoters putting in loads of effort to get a gig on and say there’s no worst gig 🙂

If you weren’t a musician what would you be?

Zoologist maybe, from a young age I’ve really enjoyed looking after animals. My grandfather has a huge farm in St.lucia with sheep, pigs, chickens and more and I loved going up to the farm with him to help take care of and observe the animals.

Do you have any particular gigs or festivals that you dream about playing?

Bestival! I’m so happy i’m playing there in the Bollywood tent this September, I genuinely can’t wait. On my to do list is definitely Glastonbury, I really want to take my live show there… I think it’ll be a great experience as I’ve heard so much about it.

If you could perform alongside any other band or artist, who would it be?

Kings of Leon on their heyday (particularly Youth and Young Manhood days), imagine how much fun that would have been! Not so sure their dressing style back then would suit me though, although I’d definitely give it a go.

Do you have any information regarding upcoming releases, projects or gigs in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?

My Over The Water EP recently came out, which I’m happy about as it serves as a mid way point between where I’m moving to musically in the not so distant future. It’s also a nice nod to what I’ve been doing, the last two or three years.

I’m most excited about showcasing my live show though, with my first show due around October time, around the follow-up to Over the Water. Expect a lot more vocals from me and some exciting features!