Mud Deep – Anor Londo

Fresh off the release of his latest EP, Anor Londo, Mud Deep is once again showcasing the boundary-pushing sound that has defined D.KO Records since its inception. As one of the label’s founding artists, alongside Mézigue, Flabaire, and GGGG, Mud Deep has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of France’s underground electronic scene, with a catalog that spans house, techno, IDM, jungle, and ambient.

In this exclusive interview, Mud Deep delves into the creative process behind Anor Londo, which dropped on October 25th, and the label’s evolving mission to champion musical diversity. With its first single, “Pyramid Head,” already making an impression since its pre-release in September, the full EP promises to be a landmark addition to D.KO’s genre-spanning collection. Join us as we discuss Mud Deep’s latest project, his inspirations, and the label’s upcoming releases that are set to shape 2024 and beyond.

Tell us how the collective first came together in Paris and what motivated you to start D.KO Records back in 2013.

We know each other since the beginning of middle school; we started hanging out together a bit later because we realized we liked the same music. We also started going to clubs, and the next logical step was to organize parties where we could DJ ourselves, which eventually led to the creation of the label, a dream we all shared.

Over the past decade, how has D.KO Records evolved, and what new sounds or elements have you recently explored in your releases?

In the early days of the label, our identity was strongly tied to house music. It was the style we wanted to highlight first because it was the one we were particularly fond of at that time. However, the label has evolved a lot since then, exploring ‘almost’ every genre of electronic music and even beyond (lots of announcements to come!).

What inspires your music? How do personal experiences, the city of Paris, or travel influence your sound?

What inspires me is simply all the music I listen to and the video games I play. The mood I’m in will also obviously influence the direction of the track I start. I wouldn’t say that Paris particularly inspires me, even though it’s where I compose mostly; the ideas usually come once the instruments are switched on.

Can you describe your creative process when working on a track, from the initial idea to the final production?

As I was saying, everything starts when I turn on the studio. I select in advance which machines I’m going to use, and I usually begin with the melodic section, then add the rhythmic elements. I record each instrument track by track, adding all the effects. Once the recording is done, I structure the track by adjusting all the layers to prepare for the final step, which is mixing.

D.KO has been a key player in the French electronic music scene. What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

I think the hardest thing for a label is to reinvent itself, whether in terms of artistic direction or even the way of working. These transitions are never easy to accept, for us, and especially for the people who listen to the label. We’re lucky to know many talented artists who have also reinvented themselves musically, and we often receive very good demos, which has greatly contributed to the musical evolution of the label.

You’ve collaborated with various artists. Are there any dream collaborations or producers you’d like to work with in the future?

There are so many! I’d say that, right now, the person I’d most like to work with is Skee Mask, just to see his producing skills.

Your recent release, Anor Londo, blends multiple genres. Could you share what fans can expect and what inspired this fusion of sounds?

What you can expect from listening to this record is Detroit/Kraftwerk-influenced electro & techno sound, breakbeats, and atmospheric pads. I think video game music inspired me a lot for this one because it blends all the electronic music I like, from techno to electro, breakbeat & jungle, IDM stuff, etc. Also, all the gear I’ve been using inspired me a lot.

Anor Londo includes the track “Pyramid Head,” which shares a name with the iconic character from Silent Hill. Is there any connection to the game in terms of inspiration, or does the title refer to something else entirely? How did you approach capturing the nostalgic, eerie vibe in this track?

That’s exactly a reference to Pyramid Head from Silent Hill! Good catch. Silent Hill 2 was a very impactful game for everyone who played it, with its atmosphere, story, and also the exceptional soundtrack composed by Akira Yamaoka, which elevated the whole experience. What I tried to do with this track was to reimagine (through music) James Sunderland’s entry into the town, his first encounters, and his troubled mind.

With Anor Londo now out, how do you feel this EP represents the direction D.KO Records is heading? What’s next for the label and the collective?

I don’t think this record marks a turning point in the artistic direction D.KO is heading towards, but rather a logical continuation of what we’ve been offering for a few years now. However, we still have this desire to explore and diversify into new genres, as the upcoming releases will testify…!

With D.KO Records celebrating over a decade, what’s your vision for the label’s future, and how do you see it contributing to the electronic music scene?

Our vision is simple: to keep releasing music from all backgrounds as long as we enjoy it and feel a genuine connection to it. I don’t know if we contribute to anything; that’s not something we particularly seek. However, if we can help or inspire those who listen to us, then that’s the most rewarding thing for us.