FEATURE | Nu-Groover’s: Max Chapman
Max Chapman stepped into the spotlight not so long ago, and at the tender age of just 23 it’s hard not to admire his growing credibility. A figure at the forefront of the UK’s underground house circuit, Chapman can be found delivering his token crunching basslines and melodic grooves at some prolific parties and venues in the UK, most recently debuting at the legendary Fabric.
It was Max’s ‘Don’t Go’ track from his Lost EP on Electronique Digital that won us over. Word has it we’re to expect more from this fast paced and talented lad, including releases on Hot Waves and Lower East. More on this month’s nu-groover can be found the site where you can also sample some of his sounds.
What is your name?
Max Chapman
Which labels have you released on?
Lower East, Hot Waves, Kaluki Musik, Electronique
Where do you live?
I’m currently based in East London.
Where are you from?
I’m from a small town called Colchester in Essex, I was born and raised there.
How did you get into making dance music?
It wasn’t until about 3 years ago that I realised I had a love for house and techno. The production side started weirdly when I saw a friend using a digital drum machine. I asked him for the software and spent days making drum loops. At this time I didn’t really have a favourite genre of house or techno, I’d listen to all sorts, even electro. After making a million drum loops, I wanted to know how to better myself, to start adding other elements and maybe even start producing music properly. After months slaving at my laptop I naturally began to find a sound that could be associated with the genre I’m involved in at the moment.
A track we would recognise you for?
‘Don’t Go’ was a track from my ‘Lost EP’ on Electronique Digital, and was also my first release, it did extremely well and had support from some of the best artists out there, it also reached number 16 in its category on Beatport which generated even more hype.
A remix we would recognise your for?
My favourite remix is probably James Pople’s track ‘Keep It Up’ from the Inner circles EP on Lower East. I’m hearing it a lot in other artists podcasts, for example Alexis Raphael’s latest podcast for Ibiza Voice.
Who has remixed you?
Miguel Puente and Sishi Rosch have each just remixed a track from my forthcoming EP on Anhura Vinyl, I collaborated with AJ Christou for this one.
ANV001 · Max Chapman & AJ Christou · Gruds & Kecks EP from Anhura Vinyl on Vimeo.
Who have you remixed?
I have done a few remix’s now. I remixed a track from Rebel called Fake Choice’s, another from a really talented young artist call Adrian Rodriguez, Dan styles gave me his track ‘Inside Me’ to have a crack at and I’ve just finished another for Paul Scott & Simon Heslin for Neim Records.
Any notable collaborations?
I collaborated with Julien Sandre for ‘No Games!’ which was released on Hot Waves, the track did really well and it was a pleasure working with Julien.
Where Have you Played?
I played in some awesome places last year and it was a pleasure every time. Sankeys in Manchester being a favourite, love the vibe up there, Matter at the o2, Ministry of Sound, Lightbox, and tonnes of other gigs on nights like Creche and not forgetting Krankbrother where I am a resident.
What is your sound?
My sound is ever changing, not too much but enough to never know what category my music should fall into, although it’s definitelydeep house, always energetic, sometimes a little dark, but still groovy, it all depends on the time and the place!
Your next release?
My next release is on Anhura Vinyl, it the ‘Gruds and Kecks EP’ I collaborated with AJ Christou for this one and had remix’s from Miguel Puente and Sishi Rosch, it’s available late February.
Where are you playing next?
Im playing at Save The Pony in Leicester on the 28th January followed by a Lower East Showcase @ South in Manchester along side Lee Brinx and Cozzy D.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I would like to think I would have played and hopefully headlined most of the major parties all over the world, been successful production wise and achieved everything that I wanted to, and had as much fun as possible.
Who is showing you love at the moment?
To be honest there are so many people showing me love, it’s amazing how much support the artists give each other in the game, but if I had to name some it would be my friends like, Alexis Raphael, Lee Brinx, Cozzy D, Wildkats, No Artificial Colours and so many more.
Favourite producer?
That’ a really tough question, there’s so many artists I think are amazing but if i had to choose one, it would probably be Maceo Plex, every thing he comes out with is another level.
Favourite DJ?
My favourite Dj’s have to Art Department, I love the way their sets flow, I love their choice of music and their production is also out of this world.
First Club memory?
Eric Morillo at Ministry, I didn’t even know who the guy was until I got there… haha
Do you prefer to produce or DJ?
I love producing, but I don’t think anything compares to actually DJing, you get to travel around, see new places meet new people, and play the music that you love, including your own.
We should keep an eye on you because?
I have some very exciting release’s this year and some awesome remixes of my stuff from other’s, the music is gonna keep coming from me so keep your ears and eyes open!.
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