We chat to Bobby Tank before his upcoming show at Koko

Bobby Tank is getting ready to perform at Koko in London on Saturday January 23rd, so we at The Playground sat down with him to discuss his music, his music making process, and life outside of music.

Hey Bobby Tank, can you start by telling us how it all began for you within music?

At a very early age, ever since i was 5 i believe. Always had a very mature taste in music, listening to jungle and hip hop age 7 which then lead to death metal grunge etc. played in so many bands during primary and high school. My mother is very artistic and always had music blasting in the house so i was exposed to many different styles which has pretty much shaped what i make today

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

Progressive Fusion Jazz Synthwave RnB….but its just electronic music really isnt it lol

As a multi-instrumentalist, can you tell us which instrument holds it together for you in the writing process?

Started playing drums, guitar and bass at avery early age but it wasnt until i started production in 2010 i began teaching myself the keys. Groove and feel is very important to me so i tend to start with the drums and then work around it. Im extremely peculiar about snares so i spend most of my time (unnecessary time) tweaking and layering them until i get the right snap lol.

What programs do you sue to write music and are there any pieces of hardware you are using in particular at the moment?

Considering the complexity of my sound, the tools i use are quite basic. Ableton live 9, couple midi keyboards, drum pads and various software. I mean, i would very much like to have a vast array of synthesizers and drum machines but i feel quite content writing with what i have. keeps me focused and less prone to being distracted but yeah wouldnt mind a yamaha CS 80….1 day, 1 day….

How does your current arsenal of equipment compare to when you started?

Haha well its a lot more manageable and a lot more accessible. Cant tell you the amount of times my folks would kick my ass for snare drums, cymbals, guitars, amps and leads scattered all around the house…oh and the noise complaints aswell! but sitting at a table with a keyboard and computer aint quite rock n roll is it.

Are there any new pieces of outboard gear that you have your eye on?

Been drooling over the new MiniPro drum series from DW, would love to incorporate it into my live set, would be perfect.

What are the 5 albums and artists that have influenced you the most?

thats a tough one, off the top of my head…

Weather Report – Night Passage
Bryan Loren – Bryan Loren
Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
Nine Inch Nails – The Fragile
Prince – Controversy

What other artists do you really like at the moment?

Loving Tennysons latest release atm and have pretty much had Thundercats last ep on repeat. i listen to so much music i tend to lose track of what im listening to half the time…

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

Im aware that my sound is an aquired taste so im usually very nervous when playing out but everytime ive played either Japan, or most recently goa, the reception has been phenomenal. Really makes me feel like im on the right path but im also really looking forward to playing KOKO with you guys. very honoured to be a part of it so yeh thanks guys lol

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

Im really hoping to have this album finished early this year.

Finally, if you weren’t a musician what would you be?

I worked as an accountant in credit control before i plunged into music so probably that or studying to become a qualified one (im really hoping this music ting works out tbh lol)