Arkist's Impressions

Bristol based producer and DJ, Arkist, hasn't been backwards in coming forwards over the last year.  Having established a long standing relationship with the king of the bassier end of the scene in the city, Appleblim, he went on to release on two of the hottest labels in bass music- Applepips and Scuba's Hotflush.  Not bad for a relative newcomer.  Ahead of his gig with A1 Bassline at Soltek in February, Pulse had a chat with Arkist about his plans for 2012, why NYC is where it's at for him and who's cool in Bristol right now.

Pulse: Hello Arkist, what's behind the name?  Arkist: I'd rather not say, it's really lame [laughs]

For those who don't know you, give us five words to describe your music.  Melodic funky bass driven electonica.

You began life in Brighton and now reside in Bristol. Why do you think Bristol is such a microcosm of cool producers and what's good there at the moment?  I really don't know, there must be something in the water! I'm really feeling the Young Echo crew right now, they are a bunch of really talented producers. Also, Behling and Simpson and have been knocking out some absolute killers!

You've had a long standing musical relationship with Appleblim, how has he helped and influenced you along the way?  Appleblim is like a giant musical encyclopedia! He has introduced me to so much different music that I think has really helped influence what I do now. He has also been a big supporter of my music for a long time.

Who's been most supportive of your musical career so far?  My mum!  Big up mum!

Hotflush saw a release from you last year with your One Year Later EP. Who do you most admire on the label and do you have any more plans for releases?  Has to be Mount Kimbie, '50 Mile View', which still sends shivers up my spine! No more Arkist releases on Hot Flush yet but hopefully it will happen sometime in the future.

Do you have any aliases, and if not, what other types of music/sound would you like to make?  I have a Hip Hop project with a friend of mine called Hektor Hell, other than that I write most things under Arkist.

What led you to tour the US so extensively and where have you most enjoyed playing there?  It's just a very fun country with a budding scene . I'd have to say NYC is where its at for me, such a mental city!

If there's one festival you could play at peak time, what would it be and why?  Burning Man, because it sounds absolutely insane!

Finally, where can we catch you playing soon?  At The CAMP in London alongside A1 Bassline at Soltek!

SOLTEK PRESENTS, A1 BASSLINE, ARKIST, DAFFADAM, MEDLAM, JDAN, JARVEY TICKETS
The CAMP, London
24th February, 2012

For tickets & info, head here

Listen to Arkist on Pulse Radio