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Image via Brolin
We’ve been following Brolin closely since hearing the hushed and personal “NYC” back at the tail end of 2012. Since then, the British producer and vocalist has consistently impressed, whether with “Reykjavik” on the Cundo EP, his The Flags mixtape from earlier this year, or just the fact that he has a damn cool mask.
Most recently, Brolin shared “Swim Deep,” his most expansive track yet, a club-leaning pop song that mixes euphoric production with those delicate but soulful vocals. Alongside this, he announced his debut album, scheduled for release in 2015.
We’ve got the premiere of a remix of “Swim Deep” by Bristol producer Asa., who I first became aware of through his raw grime production, but always seems to be experimenting with different styles. For this one, he goes down a smooth garage route, turning Brolin’s original into an emotional last track of the night as the lights come on in the rave situation.
Get the original and the remix from iTunes here. We had a quick catch up with Brolin over email about his new album and the benefits of anonymity, check that out below.
There’s a powerful euphoric feel to “Swim Deep” even as the lyrics are tender and gentle—does this hint towards the overall sound of the new album?
Lyrically, the record is introspective and honest, in a similar vein to “Swim Deep.” Musically, there are peaks and troughs throughout… not every beat is four to the floor. However; there is definite cohesion and coherence from start to finish. I cannot wait to share my debut record with the world.
What’s the appeal of not sharing much information about yourself, originally wearing a mask etc.?
I feel the music I write is autonomous; who I am isn’t relevant for the perception of my music. Retaining anonymity allows me to be defined by my music, only.
It’s not realistic to remain completely anonymous though, due to various practicalities involved in the industry. That’s just the way it is. My anonymity isn’t sacred; it’s just a way of avoiding unnecessary distractions from the music.
What other producers have you worked with on the new album apart from Raffertie? Are there any vocalists or will the vocals all be your own?
I have co-produced tunes with Hannes Rasmus, Luke Abbott, Casually Here and Gareth Jones, as well as Raffertie and it has been a lovely experience working with such talented people. I am the sole vocalist throughout this body of work, there have been no guest features… however, I have co-written a couple of songs which may appear on the final track listing. I just need to decide which songs sit where on the album.
Your vocals are clearer and more upfront than on early tracks like “NYC.” Are you growing in confidence? What is behind this?
In all honesty, I borrowed a better microphone! :) “NYC “was the first track I wrote and self-produced at home, and I felt the distant, lo-fi sound of the internal macbook microphone I used for that track suited the mood of the song. However, as my production techniques developed, I felt other tunes may benefit from a crisper, more defined vocal tone… and so I borrowed a Neumann u87 condenser mic from a friend to use through my home set up. This microphone has been used for all recordings which followed the “NYC” sessions and the results, I think, speak for themselves.
