LemLem Talks To: S-Type

LemLem is back, for the sixth edition in her exclusive interview series for Afromullets. She grabbed hold of Scotland-based producer and DJ S-Type, who is a member of the magnificent LuckyMe Records family. We've been excited about this artist ever since the release of his phenomenal Billboards EP last year.

Like most of the artists signed to Luckyme, S-Type has been pushing the boundaries of his genre. His sound is hip-hop influenced, yet somehow too multifaceted to fit into just one stylistic category. Some of the syncopated synth stabs and filtered vocals bear a certain resemblance to early Daft Punk records, updated for the current decade.

Today, he talks music with LemLem. Without further ado, here it is for your reading pleasure:

LL: Why is your name S-type?

S-Type: When I first started out, I was called Stereo Type. Me and my brother put out my first record, "Soul For Your Stereo" ft. Finale. It had remix from Dimlite which was getting a lot of European radio play. One day, totally out of the blue I got an email from an Austrian producer (with a similar alias), calling me a "punk motherfucker" for stealing his name - even though I'd never heard of him or his music. Anyway, after a few emails back and forth with him and his manager, threatening me with legal action, I decided to change it to S-Type. I had no idea it was a model of Jaguar until a couple years later. Oh well.

LL: You are originally from Edinburgh, what made you move to Glasgow?

S-Type: I had been commuting to Glasgow a few days a week for work, for over a year - so it just made sense. I knew it would be better for my music career, but didn't anticipate how much more inspiring it is to be in Glasgow. Edinburgh is lovely, but there's just so much more going on in Glasgow.

LL: You've played in Vienna a couple of times. What do you think is special or different about this city?

S-Type: Both times I've played in Vienna, I've been there for all of 12 hours, so unfortunately I haven't had time to explore the city yet. But The Loud Minority was one of the dopest parties I've ever played at - they treated their guests so well and the crowd were open to music they hadn't heard before. The Vienna crowd was wild, reminded me a lot of a Glasgow.

LL: How lucky do you feel to be part of the LuckyMe family?

S-Type: Very lucky. Everyone's killing it at the moment. So dope to see everyone doing so well.

LL: Would you rather be deaf in one ear or blind in one eye?

S-Type: Definitely need both my ears, so you can have an eye.

LL: What was your favorite gig so far? (Like ever)

S-Type: I've played some amazing shows in the past couple years but the most special for me was the LuckyMe off-Sonar party in Barcelona last year. We had almost the full crew playing and a lot of friends from Glasgow were in the crowd. But some of my favourite gigs have been at The Loud Minority in Vienna and Vitamins in Glasgow.

LL: What upcoming releases are you excited about?

S-Type: Far too many to mention but I'm very excited for Obey City's debut record for LuckyMe. He's incredible.

LL: Why did you think LuckyMe wanted to release your record?

S-Type: We were all friends from back in the day, and always intended to work together. I think about 3 years ago, I sent them "You Da Best" and they replied "OK, do you want to do an EP for us?". Obviously I said no.

LL: What artists do you want to hear more of?

S-Type: Jaisu and Budgie.

LL: What do you have planned for 2013?

S-Type: Another record for LuckyMe, then hopefully work with some rappers and singers. I'm trying to get over to America this year.

As always a big thank you to LemLem and S-type for doing this interview. Make sure to subscribe and follow LemLem over on facebook and twitter.