South Coast UK's sonic alchemist. Marrying the vibrant grooves of DNB and House music
Get to know
He heard something that he knew to be music
Interviewer: Shane Stanford, known as STNFRD in the music world, it’s great to have you. From starting on a Playstation to now producing engaging DNB and House music in Brighton, it’s quite the journey. Can you sum it up in a sentence for us?
STNFRD: Thanks for having me. I’d say I’ve gone from experimenting with tunes on a Playstation as a kid to seriously diving deep into the world of music production in Brighton.
Interviewer: That’s a fascinating start. What drew you to the MTV music producer software on Playstation in the first place?
STNFRD: My initiation into music creation was quite unconventional. I began with a PlayStation game called MTV Music Generator. It’s reminiscent of today’s DAWs, allowing you to piece together samples to make dance tracks. Back at 12-13 years old, it was simply a fun game. But the more I played with it, the more I understood the structure and arrangement of music. It was this early introduction that planted the seed for my passion for music production. It felt great to create something from scratch, even if it was just using a game. As a teenager, I got my hands on software like Sonic Foundry Acid Pro and Sony Sound Forge. They were my early days of dabbling with remixes. But it was FL Studio, previously known as Fruity Loops, where I felt truly at home. Admittedly, those initial creations were far from perfect, but they were a start.
Interviewer: With industry giants like Bicep and Pendulum influencing your work, how would you describe the essence of STNFRD’s sound?
STNFRD: I’ve always admired the work of these artists and how they’ve carved out a niche for themselves. For me, it’s about taking inspiration but ensuring I’m true to my own sound. I don’t like to pigeonhole my style into a box. Instead, I aim to produce tracks that reflect my current inspirations and the emotions I’m feeling at that time.
Interviewer: Among your productions, which do you believe stands out and could catch the ear of a record label?
STNFRD: It’s a tough call because every track has its own story. But if I had to pick, “Detached”, “Attached”, and “Galaxies Break” represent a good range of what I bring to the table. They’re energetic, they have depth, and they showcase the range of my production skills. I genuinely believe they could resonate with a wider audience and industry folks alike.
Interviewer: You’re known to favour tools like FL Studio and Xfer Serum. What makes these stand out for you?
STNFRD: For me, it’s about familiarity and functionality. I’ve been using FL Studio for a long time, and I’ve come to know its ins and outs. It offers everything I need in one place. As for Xfer Serum, it’s versatile and provides a range of sounds that help enhance my tracks. Together, they form the backbone of my production process. When I’m making music, it needs to be a quick process, I’ve usually got the backbone of a track within 2-3 hours, then I’ll send it to audio and listen to it repeatedly, making notes as to what is missing which normally takes another couple of hours to put together. So, FL studio allows me to quickly create something that resonates with me in the moment, and always allows me to finish a track without getting stuck on how to use a particular feature of a DAW.
Interviewer: Let’s delve deeper into your early life. You mentioned being raised in Brighton. How has that influenced your musical journey?
STNFRD: I was raised on a housing estate in East Sussex on the South Coast. But growing up in Brighton, which as you might know, has a pulsating music scene, had a massive impact on me. From live music events to nightclubs, there was always an energy and an avenue to explore more about music.
Interviewer: Do any specific childhood memories associated with music stand out to you?
STNFRD: Absolutely. I remember our family home parties where my mum would be dancing atop the living room table, completely lost in the music. Those were golden moments. I was notorious for the volume at which I’d play my music; you could hear it streets away. And then there was my dad, always at the keyboard. He’d encourage me to step out of my comfort zone, yanking out my headphones, urging me to play in front of him. There was also school, where instead of the usual lessons, I’d sneak into the music studio, experimenting with equipment. Occasionally, I’d be asked to perform in front of classmates.
Interviewer: So, would you say your upbringing played a significant role in steering you towards music?
STNFRD: Without a doubt. There was never a silent moment in our house; music echoed all the time. And the variety! One day it would be UB40 and the next, The Prodigy. Such a broad spectrum of music surely had its influence on me. As soon as I could drive, my car’s stereo was another outlet for loud music, ensuring the tradition continued.
Interviewer: And instruments? Do you play any?
STNFRD: I’ve dabbled with the keyboard and piano, though not masterfully. I’ve always been the kind of person who learns just what’s needed and then moves on to the next interesting thing. School did introduce me to the recorder, but my rendition of London’s Burning was, well, uniquely mine.
Interviewer: As your profile rises, what’s your approach towards collaborations in the industry?
STNFRD: Collaborating is a learning experience. It’s about blending different styles and coming up with something unique. I’m open to collaborating with anyone who shares a mutual respect for music. I believe that two creative minds can bring something fresh to the table, and I’m excited about potential future partnerships.
Interviewer: Finally, for those interested in your work or looking to collaborate, how can they connect with you?
STNFRD: Always happy to chat about music. You can reach out directly through [Your Email/Contact Form]. And to stay updated on my latest releases and projects, be sure to follow me on [Social Media Links].
Detached
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