Tobacco Rat Interview - Heavy & Experimental
We met back up with the legendary Tobacco Rat! If you're not acquainted with the solo project of WA producer and composer Jake Steel, he is renowned for his dark, subterranean beats and brutish breakdowns. When we last caught up, Tobacco Rat told us about his production process, and his love for music (You can check out our previous chat here). This time we had a gabber about his newest release, the Component EP, and the progression of the Tobacco Rat project!
Futuremag Music: Congratulations on the release of your Component EP, it's a jammer! What's the response been like?
Tobacco Rat: Thanks! So far it’s all been super positive which is good to hear.
Futuremag Music: When we previously interviewed you, we asked about your general production process. What has been the methodology when composing and producing the Component EP?
Tobacco Rat: My system is pretty straightforward. I am basically constantly creating music whenever I can and then after a while the more finished tracks will start to gravitate towards each other which I will then group into pairs or EP’s. Once I have a rough track listing I find it easier to knuckle down and finalize everything, which is what happened with the Component EP.
Futuremag Music: Since we last spoke, has your production been altered, or any new tricks you've come across?
Tobacco Rat: I don’t think my production has changed too much but I'm always trying to learn new things. I did finally get my Moog Voyager fixed that was out of action for almost a couple of years. Also I came across this recording device online from somewhere in Europe that picks up electromagnetic sounds. So anything electrical creates these buzzes that this thing picks up. Needless to say all my new songs incorporate these buzzes and static. Total game changer for my kind of music.
Futuremag Music: Is there anything you'd like people to know about Component, or any hidden details you'd like to expose?
Tobacco Rat: If you listen to it backwards it sounds pretty much the same.
Futuremag Music: If "Tobacco Rat" was a cocktail what would be in it to best describe yourself and your music?
Tobacco Rat: Kraken Black Spiced Rum - Dark, Tasty. Dry Ginger Ale - Refreshing. Lime - Intense. That or an Aunt Roberta :)
Futuremag Music: What does the future hold for the Tobacco Rat project?
Tobacco Rat: Big things if it all goes to plan. Loads more heavy experimental bass music in the works, as well as remixes and collabs with a few peeps from all over the world. My first couple of film clips are getting released soon, more shows around the country and overseas, Tobacco Rat merchandise such as shirts, stickers and 3D printed rat head keyrings will be unleashed soon.
I have also started talks and planning for a Tobacco Rat Virtual Reality experience to unleash one of my future EPs inside of which is really exciting.